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Voltaren User Reviews & Ratings

Voltaren has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 163 reviews on Drugs.com. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Voltaren

  • Mbz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2020

For Back Pain "I’ve had a herniated disc (L1-L2) that has not healed in 8 months. I’ve tried chiropractic, two epidural steroid shots, and physical therapy. Now that I’m taking Voltaren daily, I have much less pain and inflammation, more range of motion, and get so much more out of my physical therapy sessions. I finally feel like I am getting my life back."

10 / 10
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163 Report
  • Cha...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2020

For Sciatica "I’ve been struggling with sciatica for almost a decade. Voltaren is fine, but I think I've found an even better one. It's called Acuraflex. I've just ordered it, so it will come in a few days. I've seen that it has some good ingredients, so I think it will be maybe even better than Voltaren. Has anyone tried it yet? Cheers."

8 / 10
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146 Report
  • Twe...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 9, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I have been on every NSAID there is, both prescription and non-prescription. Finally, a doctor suggested I try Voltaren. I've been on it for about 8 years now, and it has helped me keep my narcotic usage to a minimum. It helps the severe osteoarthritis pain in my joints along with the muscle pain I have."

10 / 10
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198 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Mar...
  • May 9, 2019

For Back Pain "My back was in pain and I was bent over and couldn't stand up straight. The pain was bad, and I have taken strong pain meds for years. I started taking Voltaren 75mg. The next day I was 75% better. The following day my back pain was 100% better, so I am very pleased that the Voltaren tablets worked."

10 / 10
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106 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2013

For Sciatica "I have 4 lumbar discs bulging, however the L5-S1 is impinging on my nerve root. Complete pain, couldn't stand, couldn't walk, couldn't sit, etc. I was in misery. Finally, they put me on something other than ibuprofen, and it was Voltaren generic! It took about 1 week to kick in and work, but I honestly can say I take this in the morning along with my muscle relaxer and gabapentin, and I am pain-free and gained back 6 hours of my life! It only works for me so far for 6 hours, and by the time I can take the next dosage, I am back in the worst pain ever. Hopefully, every day I can gain a little bit more than 6 hours of my life back!"

6 / 10
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159 Report

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  • Amb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 11, 2022

For Back Pain "I've had severe, unrelenting L4-5 radiating pain, searing sciatica, and overall spine fatigue. I am only 56 years old and have a normal BMI, so I'm not sure why I've even got so many spine issues that are unrelieved by therapy or posture improvement. That aside, my doctor prescribed me Voltaren pills, and honestly, the side effects were scary. Then I saw a gel available. I turned around, went back to my doctor's room, and asked about the gel, his nurse said she had a sample and a $5 off coupon. I've used the gel for 2 days, and I already feel noticeably less pain. I'm a little concerned that all the American articles say to not use it on your back, but Australian and New Zealand articles seem to use the Emulgel Voltaren, which looks to be about the same thing to me. Mine has 1% active ingredient, and I think the Emulgel does too. I will ask my doctor when I see him in a month. But so far, I would say it is definitely a noticeable difference even after one day. Of course, if I develop a side effect, I will update this review."

9 / 10
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55 Report
  • ano...
  • January 25, 2019

For Sciatica "If you apply the ointment/gel, cover it up with a piece of Saranwrap - no need to wait for it to dry, and it can incubate that way without anybody noticing. Try to do this when you feel the first signs of sciatica...that'll do the trick."

10 / 10
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90 Report

More FAQ

  • Mar...
  • April 25, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "I started taking Voltaren back in October for osteoarthritis of my knees, right hip, and left hand. I also have bursitis and piriformis syndrome in my right hip as well as Achilles tendonitis in the right foot. I take 75mg two times a day. My knees are so bad that I had to have Synvisc-One injections as well. Combined, I have been able to work my 12-hour shifts as an RN. I still have pain that's about a 6-7 after working three 12-hour shifts in a row, but I would not be able to work at all without the Voltaren. I am looking to have my knees replaced in the near future. The only side effect I have had is stomach upset if I do not take it with food and some mild constipation. I would recommend this medicine to anyone."

10 / 10
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148 Report
  • Jom...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 24, 2021

For Back Pain "I have arthritis in my lower back. Physical therapy helped my pain, but not completely. The addition of Voltaren use has brought me tremendous additional back pain relief. My pain level is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. I am so thankful that this product exists!!!"

10 / 10
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54 Report
  • Amy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 2, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, and arthritis in my back and shoulders. My doctor prescribed Voltaren because I built up a resistance to ibuprofen and Aleve. I've been in pain for so long I forgot what it was like to be pain-free. A little nervous over the long-term side effects, so hoping I can get the weight off so I can be medication-free. Just thankful to be able to move and do things I love without pain."

10 / 10
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120 Report
  • Wor...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 3, 2015

For Pain "Voltaren Gel has given me back the ability to walk without pain. I have had heel spurs and plantar fasciitis and bursitis in my heel for about 20 years. I began using Voltaren Gel about 10 months ago and am so thankful that I have not had any significant pain for the past six months. I also try to wear only shoes that have very high arches. With the Voltaren Gel, I massage it all around my foot and over the top and bottom as per the directions. Great stuff!"

9 / 10
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104 Report
  • GGM...
  • October 12, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in my hands, elbows, knees and feet, and some days the pain was so bad I didn't want to move. The first day I took Voltaren I felt full pain relief. It's a wonderful pain medication. I like that it's not a narcotic. Thank you, Voltaren. I have my life back."

9 / 10
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121 Report
  • Tom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2018

For Pain "Voltaren 75 mg for knee inflammation. Stay away! This drug nearly killed me! I am an overall healthy 39-year-old male. Side effects: bloody diarrhea, tarry stool, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, faint, lightheaded, dizzy, racing heart, passed out and fell twice (gastric bleed)! I believe I was on the verge of a heart attack. I cannot believe this drug is still available! No relief whatsoever."

1 / 10
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70 Report
  • Suc...
  • March 30, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "38-year-old female, suffered severe neck pain for about 5 years with no success in any type of treatment (massage, spinal reflex, nerve pain specialists, etc.). I have spent a small fortune on my neck pain. I have finally self-diagnosed as osteoarthritis after feeling sand-like grit in my neck and a few internet searches. Thought I would try Voltaren and magic. Only need to take 50 mg once per day and no neck pain. Highly recommend."

10 / 10
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85 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 23, 2009

For Osteoarthritis "I've been on this now for 5 months, and it is by far the best pain medicine out there. No high feeling or anything like that. If your doctor has you on Celebrex and you don't feel any relief, ask him for Voltaren. You will most certainly feel the difference. If you are on it for any length of time (like me), then every so often you'll have to have blood work done to check your kidneys and liver to make sure they are functioning right as this medicine can cause problems with that. For me, everything is good to go so far. I swear by Voltaren."

10 / 10
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132 Report
  • Sam...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 28, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I have tried a dozen different medications but none as effective as this. I tried Celebrex last year and was in so much pain after three days I went back to my Voltaren. I take 100mg twice a day that helps me work and function normally."

10 / 10
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101 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 17, 2011

For Osteoarthritis "MD recommended that I take this medication for 4 weeks, 75 mg twice a day. He warned me that most people stop taking the medication after two weeks because they feel much better. I have been taking the medication for 3 days and this is the best that I have felt in six months. I will definitely follow his instructions and continue for 4 weeks in hopes of feeling even better. No more pain in the hip, no more pain when rising, no more sharp pain when walking, or leg tenderness when trying to sleep. I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis."

9 / 10
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104 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 14, 2014

For Pain "After suffering for 3 months post op joint pain for a torn medial meniscus, I was started on Voltaren pills, and within 12 hours, I was pain-free and walked up stairs again—a miracle! I had also developed plantar fasciitis in the opposite foot from hobbing, and it immediately was gone also! I can tell after 12 hours when it is wearing off because the pain starts to return."

10 / 10
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88 Report
  • hot...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2014

For Pain "I've been on Vicodin, Percocet, etc. My body doesn't react to those. I was diagnosed with a cervical strain and was put on this. Absolutely love it for muscle pain. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, and this medicine is great. Also no side effects."

9 / 10
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87 Report
  • Tre...
  • June 30, 2015

For Pain "I have spondylolisthesis and I have tried every type of medicine you could possibly think of. My doctor has put me on antidepressants, muscle relaxers, Norco, just about anything. I was constantly in pain. My back hurt all the time. I couldn't even do simple things like sweep the floor or do laundry. I went to see my orthopedic surgeon and she put me on Voltaren 75mg and I feel like a new person. I have not had any back pain whatsoever. I highly recommend this medicine. I can actually do everything now with absolutely no back pain. Thank God."

10 / 10
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76 Report
  • coa...
  • January 10, 2011

For Back Pain "I was taking Celebrex 200mg a day to stop the pain in my lower back. This, after spending over $2000 on medical bills and an epidural on advice from a spine doctor. My racquetball buddy, a heart doctor, said Voltaren is better and prescribed a 50mg dose. It is a wonder medicine if you can take it. Voltaren has given me my life back."

10 / 10
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97 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 28, 2009

For Back Pain "I was prescribed this medicine for lower back pain from an accident. It kicks in quickly and lasts all day. When I take it, the pain completely goes away. It does make you sleepy, but it's worth it. I did not experience any stomach issues."

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106 Report
  • dla...
  • February 18, 2013

For Pain "I have pain in my hands, elbows, back, knees, and heels. This medication was prescribed to me by my rheumatologist, 75 mg twice a day; I have only been taking one a day. I have been taking it for a very long time with no side effects whatsoever. I cannot tell you that I have no pain at all. I just know that I would not be able to keep my full-time job without this medication. I also would not be able to have any quality of life. I know in the near future I will have to take two a day, I am hoping I do as well. :)"

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • Ler...
  • August 11, 2011

For Osteoarthritis "This medicine has been wonderful for me. I have bad arthritis in numerous joints. I just take one tablet with food in the morning (75mg/day), and it makes all the difference in the world. I have not experienced any side effects yet and have been taking this medicine for about 9 months."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • Iri...
  • May 11, 2017

For Back Pain "Personally, it's the best gel I have used to warm up my back muscles, making the muscles feel like I've stretched for 15 - 20 minutes. Don't expect miracles. You should not be expecting this gel to completely alleviate back pain. It's not supposed to do that. It's supposed to get your muscles to a place where you can do other things more easily to attain painlessness via a combined effort. For a lot of back pain, if you use the gel in conjunction with consistent stretching (twice daily) whilst consuming the correct diet and being active enough to lower your body weight, you will be in a much better place in no time - so be encouraged! The gel really helps you do the things you need to do physically to get to that place."

9 / 10
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58 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.