Voltaren Rapid (diclofenac) is a fast-acting version of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Voltaren. The medication is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and, to a lesser extent, fever in patients age 14 and up.

Because of the speed with which Voltaren Rapid begins to work it is advantageous in certain conditions, though it has the drawback of being less suitable for long-term use than regular Voltaren products. Treatment with Voltaren Rapid should generally not exceed one week. It is typically used to alleviate symptoms from:

• back pain
• joint pain
• dental pain
• muscle strains or sprains
• tendinitis
• menstrual cramps
• primary dysmenorrhoea

Voltaren Rapid is particularly beneficial as an abortive treatment for migraine headaches compared to regular-release tablets. Speed is critical in relieving migraine symptoms, and Voltaren Rapid starts working 10 to 15 minutes faster than its regular counterparts.

The medication is available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg strengths. Tablets are typically taken as-needed to provide relief from pain and inflammation. Each dose should be followed by a glass of fluid and ideally taken shortly before a meal, as a full stomach will reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Dosage can vary considerably depending on the condition being treated, age, other medications being taken and a variety of other factors. For best results a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted for ideal dosage. General guidelines are as follows:

• Migraines - take 50 mg at the earliest symptoms a migraine is developing. If symptoms persist after two hours, a second 50 mg dose may be taken. Additional 50 mg doses may be taken as-needed every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 200 mg in one day.
• Primary dysmenorrhoea - take 50 to 100 mg for the first dose, followed by 50 mg doses three times per day, spread evenly apart, for 3 days.
• Menstrual pain - take 50 mg at the first sign of pain. Additional 50 mg doses may be administered up to three times per day, if needed, for the following three days.
• Other painful conditions with inflammation - take 75 to 150 mg per day, divided into two or three doses with at least a 4 hour interval between each dose, for up to seven days. Do not exceed 200 mg in a 24 hour period and do not exceed seven consecutive days of treatment without doctor instruction.

Effects begin to be felt around 10 to 15 minutes after administration, compared to 20 minutes or more with regular release tablets. Most patients experience significant relief from mild to moderate pain. Effects last 4 to 8 hours.

Warnings before Use

Side effects associated with Voltaren Rapid are similar to any other NSAID. Unfortunately, given how widely-available some NSAIDs are, many people don't realize that these medications can produce some serious complications, especially if taken long term.

Most side effects are not dangerous, including:

• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness

Less common but more serious side effects include:

• anemia
• high blood pressure
• heart failure
• liver and kidney problems
• bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestine
• life-threatening allergic reactions
• heart attack or stroke

Though the above adverse reactions are rare, their risk of developing increases the longer the medication is taken; for this reason regular doctor checkups are strongly encouraged if diclofenac products are taken long term.

Some individuals are at greater risk of experiencing serious side effects even it using Voltaren Rapid short term. Check with a doctor before starting treatment if there is a history of:

• allergic reaction to any other NSAID
• stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding
• heart, liver or kidney issues
• high blood pressure
• fluid retention

The above conditions don't necessarily rule out treatment with Voltaren Rapid, but patients need to be extra alert for warning signs of potential adverse effects.

Voltaren Rapid should never be used during the third trimester of pregnancy; this product, and other NSAIDs, can cause complications during birth.