The organ that Voltaren is hard on is the stomach (gastrointestinal tract), as well as the kidneys (renal system), and the liver (hepatic system).
Voltaren is a nonsteroidal ant-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and systemic use can reduce the protective linings and strain the body's filtering organs.
Voltaren can cause ulcers, bleeding or even perforation in the stomach as well as intestines and Voltaren can also reduce blood flow, leading to decreased kidney function or even kidney failure with overuse and the Voltaren can also elevate liver enzymes and cause inflammation or rare liver injury.
Voltaren also comes in both topical form and oral form.
The oral pill form of Voltaren carries a higher risk of systemic side effects that can affect your stomach, kidneys and heart.
The Voltaren gel, (topical form), absorbs locally through your skin and it results in much lower levels of Voltaren gel in your bloodstream than the pills, which lowers the overall risk to your internal organs, although caution is still advised for people that have pre-existing conditions.
The reason why people over 65 should not use Voltaren is because older adults often face a high risk of systemic side effects like kidney damage, stomach bleeding and even heart issues because of age related drops in functions of organs, which make the body process drugs and medications more slowly.
The health risks of using Voltaren by adults over 65 include a high chance of stomach ulcers and internal bleeding, reduced natural kidney function that makes it harder to filter out the medication and leads to kidney strain and even higher blood pressure as Voltaren can raise your blood pressure and even worsen heart disease and fluid retention.
And there's also a much higher likelihood of the Voltaren clashing with blood thinners or blood pressure medications.
However people over age 65 can usually use Voltaren safely as long as they do so under medical supervision.
You should not use Voltaren cream or gel in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on any damaged skin such as cuts, open wounds, infections, burns or rashes.
It's also recommended to avoid applying or using Voltaren cream or gel on unapproved joints including your spine, hip and shoulder or right before or after you have any heart bypass surgery.
Voltaren gel or cream should not be used on any sensitive areas like your eyes, nose, mouth or other mucous membranes or on broken skin like cuts, scrapes, open wounds, or surgical sites or where you have any skin irritation like rashes, eczema, active infections or severe sunburns/peeling skin.
Also avoid using any heating pads and avoid covering the treated area with any tight or airtight bandages, as it increases the medicine absorption and don't apply any sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions or other topical NSAIDs to the same treated skin that is treated with Voltaren.
It's also recommended that you don't use Voltaren cream or gel on your shoulder, mainly because the Voltaren gel hasn't been officially studied or even deemed proven safe and effective on large, deep joints like your shoulder, hip or spine.
Voltaren gel is only approved by the FDA for superficial joints like your wrists, hands, elbows, knees, ankles and your feet.
Your shoulder is a deep, complex ball and socket joint that is surrounded by thick muscle and tissue.
And the topical Voltaren gel only penetrates a short distance through your skin, which makes it less effective for deep seated joint or tendon inflammation.
And shoulder pain often stems from deep issues such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears or deep bursitis, which require different medical treatment than surface osteoarthritis does.
So you can use and place Voltaren gel on your shoulder, but it's less likely to work or help.
It won't hurt you to use Voltaren gel on your shoulder but it may not help.
Although some people do experience some temporary pain relief and reduced inflammation from use of Voltaren gel on their shoulder.
While official US package labeling historically designates Voltaren gel for smaller joints like hands and knees, it is frequently used or recommended off-label for localized shoulder strains and arthritis, though absorption over a larger joint may vary.
Using Voltaren gel on your shoulder can temporarily block pain signals and reduce inflammation in your joint, muscles or tendons.
How the Voltaren gel Works and What to Expect:
Pain Relief: The active NSAID ingredient penetrates the skin to lower prostaglandin production, easing aches and stiffness.
Application: Rub a measured amount gently into the painful area of the shoulder, making sure not to apply it to broken skin, rashes, or open wounds.
Limitations: The medicine may not absorb as deeply or effectively into a large, deep joint like the shoulder compared to a hand or knee.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Voltaren gel include:
Skin Reactions: You might notice mild redness, itching, or dryness right where you put the gel.
Sun Sensitivity: Treated skin can burn or react more easily to sunlight, so keep the shoulder covered or protected.
Whole-Body Effects: Though much lower than taking oral pills, small amounts of the drug enter your bloodstream; caution is needed if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney issues, or heart disease.