Voltaren (diclofenac) prescription available online

If you are suffering from pain due to arthritis and more, Voltaren can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Voltaren from a board-certified doctor online.*

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Ease inflammation and pain

Available as a tablet, powder, capsule, gel, and eardrops

Treats arthritis pain, osteoarthritis, and more

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.

About Voltaren (diclofenac)

Voltaren is considered a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which functions by blocking cyclooxygenase or COX enzyme. COX produces prostaglandins that play a key role in inducing inflammation. There is a significant upsurge in the production of prostaglandins in inflamed tissues. Like any NSAID, this medication can only reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and control body temperature. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes used for issues like the painful menstrual cycle, severe headaches, joint pain, sprains, flu, and colds.

It is ineffective in treating corticosteroid insufficiency or may not be used as a substitute. Patients are advised to leave their corticosteroid therapy gradually to avoid sudden disease exacerbation. 

Voltaren is known to treat arthritis pain, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and dysmenorrhea. 

Voltaren is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor, Cambia, Cataflam, and Zorvolex. Even though different forms have same effects at same dosage but it is recommended not to switch brands without your physician’s recommendations. 

Voltaren may be prescribed as a tablet, powder, capsule, gel, and eardrops. Voltaren is typically available as a diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablet with recommendations of oral use. People may also apply diclofenac gel for localized pain caused by different health issues affecting the muscles and joints. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Voltaren, be sure to complete the entire course of the NSAIDs unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.

If you don’t complete your prescription, the NSAID may not fully treat your rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 

Voltaren uses

There are 3 FDA-approved uses for Voltaren, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

  • Osteoarthritis 

    Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent forms of arthritis, which can cause joint tenderness, stiffness, and pain. People usually experience loss of flexibility and bone spur. As a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Voltaren can be used to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder in which our immune system attacks the body's healthy cells, leading to painful swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and tiredness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Voltaren treat mild to moderate pain due to arthritis.  

    Ankylosing spondylitis

    Ankylosing spondylitis is another chronic inflammatory disease that causes spinal fusion of a few vertebrae. As a result, the spine becomes less flexible, causing pain and difficulty breathing. Voltaren gel may be used to seek pain relief from acute pain and discomfort.

    Other uses

    Voltaren can also be used as an off-label medicine for different issues like light sensitivity, specially after an eye procedure. It may also be prescribed as pain relief for prolonged headaches and painful sprains and strains. 

Voltaren side effects

  • The side effects of taking Voltaren are typically mild to severe, depending on the patient's body chemistry and tolerance. Most Voltaren side effects are related to gastrointestinal processes. Voltaren has some common side effects. They may include:


    Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

    • Severe allergic reactions - such as facial swelling

    • Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events

    • Stomach Bleeding - with signs such as bloody or tarry stools and vomit that looks like coffee grounds

    • Ulceration 

    • Perforation

    • Serious Skin Reactions

    • Hematologic Toxicity

    • Toxic hepatitis

    • High blood pressure

    • Kidney dysfunction


    You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Use of Voltaren in young children under age 14 is not advised because such a strengthened dosage can cause severe side effects and damage the child’s developing organs. 

    Get emergency medical help immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or weakness in one part or side of the body.

How to take Voltaren

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Voltaren prescription.

Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Voltaren can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed 2 to 4 times per day. Some particular instructions may include:

  • Take the oral dose with a glass of water. 

  • It is recommended not to lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking a Voltaren capsule or tablet.

What to avoid while taking Voltaren

Voltaren has 11 most prominent drug interactions. The medicine may interact with different drugs like anticoagulants and analgesic doses like aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers. 

Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

It is essential to talk to your healthcare professional when taking Voltaren with other prescription drugs, as they may cause an increased risk of specific side effects associated with Voltaren:

  • Cyclosporine

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Citalopram (Celexa), Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • High blood pressure medication: ACE Inhibitors, Beta-blockers

  • Lithium

  • Blood thinners - Warfarin

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Voltaren.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may increase the body's inflammatory response. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it more challenging by increasing the risk of ulcers and stomach issues. As mentioned earlier, Voltaren can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Under such circumstances, consuming alcohol increases the chances of aggravating side effects. 

Medication alternatives to Voltaren

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another NSAID like ibuprofen or an analgesic in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    • Rheumatrex

    • Trexall

    • Plaquenil

    • Arava

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

Voltaren prescription FAQs

  • How much does Voltaren cost?

    Voltaren Gel (Diclofenac sodium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). 1% Diclofenac gel is usually covered by 74% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $40.00-$67.50

  • How can I refill my Voltaren prescription?

    Voltaren can be easily bought from the pharmacy without a prescription. However, consult your doctor before taking Voltaren for any health issues.

  • How long does Voltaren take to reduce inflammation?

    Voltaren gel takes about an hour to offer pain relief, but doses that need to be administered orally take up to 5 hours to show its effect. 

  • How long can you safely use Voltaren?

    Voltaren should be used with your doctor’s advice, but taking Voltaren tablets for more than 25 days is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor. Voltaren gel can be applied safely for 21 days.

  • When should Voltaren not be used?

    Make sure your doctor is aware if you have a history of any of the following conditions:

    • Asthma

    • Heart disease (heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, previous heart attack, blood clots, and tobacco use)

    • Previous stroke

    • Stomach ulcers

    • Liver disease or kidney disease

    • Fluid retention

    • Rashes

    • Had or going to have a coronary artery bypass graft

  • What happens if I miss a dose of Voltaren?

    If you have missed a dose of Voltaren, please go ahead and go for it as soon as possible. However, if it's already time for the next dose, please continue with it but complete the course for better results.

  • What happens if I take too much Voltaren?

    Voltaren overdose can cause severe stomach ache, shallow breathing, skin rash, blisters, and severe stomach ache. Also, call your local poison control center to get help.

3 simple steps to request your Voltaren prescription today 

Step 1

Book a Voltaren prescription request appointment.

You can book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Voltaren prescription.

You can visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up your Voltaren prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Voltaren prescription pricing details

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your Voltaren prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.