Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief Gel - 100g

Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief Gel – 50g is a topical anti-inflammatory gel containing diclofenac (an NSAID) that you rub into the skin to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling in painful conditions affecting joints and muscles.

What it’s used for

Voltarol 12 Hour Joint Pain Relief 2.32% Gel can be used to treat:

• Muscle and joint injuries (e.g. sprains, strains, bruises, backache, sports injuries)
• Tendonitis (e.g. tennis elbow), swelling around elbow or knee
• Mild arthritis symptoms (e.g. joint pain at rest or on movement, swelling, stiffness after sleep/long rest)

Why “12 Hour”

Designed for twice-daily use (morning and evening), providing long-lasting relief between applications.

Who can use it: Adults and children aged 14 years and over. 

Always use exactly as described in the leaflet or as advised by a pharmacist.

How much to apply

For adults and adolescents aged 14+:

• Apply 2 times a day (preferably morning and evening) to the painful area.
• Gently rub into the skin.
• A small amount is usually enough: roughly 1p to 2p coin-size (about 2–4g) depending on the area.
• Do not use more than 8g per day and 56g in one week.

How to apply safely

• Apply to clean, dry, unbroken skin only.
• Let the gel dry for a few minutes before dressing or applying a non-airtight bandage.
• Wash hands after use (unless hands are the treated area). Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If it gets in the eyes, rinse well with clean water.
• You may use a support/brace, but do not use under airtight (plastic) bandages.

How long to use

• Do not use for more than 14 days unless a doctor recommends longer treatment.
• If pain and swelling do not improve within 7 days or get worse, speak to a doctor.
• Ages 14–18: if needed for more than 7 days for pain relief or symptoms worsen, consult a doctor. 

Active ingredient

• Diclofenac diethylammonium 23.2mg per 1g of gel (diclofenac 2.32% w/w).

Other ingredients

Isopropyl alcohol, oleic alcohol, cocosylcapryocaproate, liquid paraffin, cetostearyl macrogol ether, carbomer, diethylamine, eucalyptus fragrance composition (contains benzyl alcohol, citronellol, coumarin, d-limonene, eugenol, geraniol, linalool), purified water.

Important ingredient notes

• Contains propylene glycol (may cause mild localised skin irritation) and butylhydroxytoluene (E321) (may cause local skin reactions or irritation to eyes/mucous membranes). 

Do not use this gel if you:

• Are allergic to diclofenac, or to other medicines used to treat pain/fever/inflammation such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or to any ingredient in the gel.
• Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Have severe joint pain of recent onset that is not linked to injury/overuse, or you feel unwell/feverish with the pain (seek medical advice).
• Are under 14 years (not recommended).

Take extra care and speak to a pharmacist/doctor before use if you:

• Have or have had asthma.
• Have (or have had) a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• Are using other products containing diclofenac or other NSAID painkillers (e.g. aspirin/ibuprofen), as this can increase the chance of side effects.
• Are pregnant in the first 6 months or breast-feeding (medical advice recommended; avoid large areas/prolonged use and do not apply to the breasts).

Skin, sun and fire safety

• Do not apply to skin with rash/eczema, cuts, or open wounds; stop if a rash develops.
• Avoid sunbathing/sun lamps as skin may be more sensitive to sunlight.
• Do not smoke or go near naked flames: fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) in contact with the product can burn more easily and is a serious fire hazard.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this gel can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Common: skin rash, itching, reddening or smarting of the skin.

Very rare: increased sensitivity to the sun (sunburn-type reaction with itching/swelling/blistering).

Frequency not known: application site irritation, peeling of the skin, skin discolouration.

Stop use and get urgent advice if you notice allergy symptoms

• Wheezing/shortness of breath (asthma-type symptoms), hives, blistering rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat.

Side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.