Voltaren 100 Suppositories

Voltaren suppositories general information

What are Voltaren suppositories used for?

Voltaren suppositories 100mg are used as a topical treatment to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with a various form of chronic arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and spondylarthritis, to reduce pain, inflammation, tenderness, stiffness and swelling in the affected joints; also pain and inflammation associated with back pain, soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains that are due to trauma to the tendons, ligaments, muscles or joints.  Voltaren suppositories 100 are also used to treat gout, which is a is a painful condition of the joints that is caused by build-up of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia) and the formation of uric acid crystals which are deposited in the joints and tissues.  Other conditions for which Voltaren suppositories are used to relieve pain and inflammation include painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea), migraine and severe painful inflammatory infections of the ear, nose or throat, such as ear infections (otitis) and following surgery, such as dental or orthopaedic surgery. 

How do Voltaren suppositories work?

Voltaren suppositories 100mg contain diclofenac, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducing) properties.  Diclofenac in Voltaren suppositories works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) blocking the production of specific chemicals called prostaglandins (PG).  Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is induced during the inflammation process and is responsible for the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins like PGE2, which causes pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation.  Cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) is needed for normal cellular processes and inhibition of COX-1 by diclofenac in Voltaren suppositories 100 inhibits the production of protective prostaglandins in the gut which can cause gastrointestinal side effects due to disruption of regulation of acid content. Voltaren suppositories block the production of inflammatory prostaglandins to relieve the symptoms of inflammation, including pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.  Voltaren suppositories dissolve once inserted into the rectum and diclofenac in Voltaren suppositories is absorbed within one hour.

What do Voltaren suppositories contain?

Voltaren suppositories contain the active ingredient diclofenac sodium 100mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat inflammation.  They also contain a triglyceride base.

Treating inflammation with Voltaren suppositories

Voltaren suppositories 100mg contain diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat a variety of conditions to reduce the pain and swelling associated with inflammation.  These include various form of chronic arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis and spondylarthritis; back pain, soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains that are due to trauma to the tendons, ligaments, muscles or joints; gout, a painful condition of the joints caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues; menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhoea); migraine; severe painful inflammatory infections of the ear, nose or throat, such as ear infections (otitis) and following surgery.  Diclofenac in Voltaren suppositories 100 has antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducing) and works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), blocking the production of specific chemicals called prostaglandins(PG) like PGE2, which are produced at sites of injury or inflammation and cause pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation.  Voltaren suppositories help reduce pain, inflammation, tenderness, stiffness and swelling in the affected joints; they also reduce soft tissue pain and inflammation. 

What are the side effects of Voltaren suppositories?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Voltaren suppositories 100mg include: headache, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, flatulence, decreased appetite, rash and irritation at the site of application.  

When should Voltaren suppositories not be used?

You should not use Voltaren suppositories 100mg if you:

• are allergic to diclofenac, aspirin or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or any ingredients in Voltaren suppositories
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have severe heart failure or high blood pressure
• have asthma or aspirin-induced asthma or rhinitis (runny itchy nose)
• have active or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation due to an ulcer
• have a tendency to bleed easily
• have proctitis (inflammation of the anus and lining of the rectum)
• are taking medicines that interact with Voltaren suppositories, including aspirin or other NSAIDs, anticoagulants like warfarin, corticosteroids and anti-platelet agents, digoxin for heart failure, lithium for mood disorders, ACE-inhibitors, diuretics like frusemide, beta blockers for high blood pressure,  the anti-cancer drug methotrexate, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, SSRI antidepressants, the antibacterial trimethoprim

What medications interact with Voltaren suppositories?

Several medications interact with Voltaren suppositories 100mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Voltaren suppositories or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction or increase side effects with Voltaren suppositories: aspirin or other NSAIDs, anticoagulants like warfarin, corticosteroids and anti-platelet agents, SSRI antidepressants, the antibacterial trimethoprim (raise potassium levels)
• Drugs that are affected by Voltaren suppositories: digoxin for heart failure, lithium for mood disorders, ACE-inhibitors, diuretics like frusemide, beta blockers for high blood pressure, the anti-cancer drug methotrexate, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine,

How should Voltaren suppositories be taken?

You should take your Voltaren 100mg suppositories by inserting into your rectum, preferably after passing stools and following the instructions provided.  They are not intended for oral use.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation.  You should take your Voltaren suppositories for the shortest duration as recommended by your doctor, which may be a few days or weeks, depending on what you are being treated for. 

How long should you take Voltaren suppositories?

You should take your Voltaren suppositories 100mg for the shortest duration as recommended by your doctor, which may be a few days or weeks, depending on what you are being treated for. 

Missed dose of Voltaren suppositories

If you miss a dose of Voltaren suppositories 100mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Voltaren suppositories be stored?

You should store your Voltaren suppositories 100mg in their original pack until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place.