Pain syndrome constantly accompanies diseases of the musculoskeletal system and causes a lot of suffering. A popular local pain reliever is Voltaren. Analogues of the drug have the same effect and are presented in different price categories.
How does Voltaren work?
"Voltaren" refers to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the action of which is based on the delay in the formation of prostaglandins (biologically active substances produced by the affected organ). This, in turn, helps relieve swelling and redness, eliminate pain. The antipyretic effect is negligible. Nonsteroidal anti - inflammatory drugs thin the blood, thus affecting coagulation.
The drug "Voltaren" can be administered in the form of injections to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect as soon as possible. The effect lasts up to 12 hours, then there is a complete decomposition of the components of the drug in the liver. It is excreted mainly in urine.
Forms of drug release
Significant advantages include various forms of drug release, including:
- Ampoules for injection - in 3 ml of the solution contains 75 mg of the active substance. In the form of injections, the drug is prescribed for acute inflammatory or chronic course of the disease, characterized by bouts of severe pain. It is allowed to use injections no longer than 2 days.
- "Voltaren Emulgel" - is produced in a concentration of 1 or 2% for external use. It alleviates the condition with moderate pain in the joints, with sprain and muscle damage. It should be borne in mind that the gel acts not only in tissues, but also partially absorbed into the blood.
- Sustained-release tablets (Voltaren Retard) - available in a dosage of 100 mg. Can be used to relieve migraine symptoms.
- The powder for self-preparation of the solution is Voltaren (Solutab) Rapid, contains 50 mg of the active substance (diclofenac).
- Rectal suppositories - 25, 50 and 100 mg. Suppositories have a positive therapeutic effect in diseases of various nature.
- Spray - 8 mg of diclofenac sodium in a single dose (0.2 g).
- Drops for the eyes (Voltaren Ofta, 0.1%) - is prescribed in the postoperative period or for the treatment of inflammatory processes.
- Patch - 15 and 30 mg. The package contains 2 pcs. It is used for pain in the back, joints, muscles.
Indications for appointment
Any form of the drug is intended to eliminate the process of inflammation and suppress pain. Similar symptoms are observed with a wide range of pathologies, this often allows you to use it in medical therapy. "Voltaren", reviews of which are usually positive, are successfully used to treat the following ailments:
- degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis, spondylitis);
- spinal diseases accompanied by bouts of pain;
- diseases of the male and female reproductive system (dysmenorrhea, prostatitis);
- postoperative therapy to relieve inflammation and swelling;
- infectious inflammatory processes in the ear-throat-nose system with pain;
- renal, hepatic colic;
- acute toothache;
- muscle injuries, sprain;
- bouts of severe headache (migraine).
For each individual case, it is possible to choose the optimal form of the product.
What to look for when choosing analogues of the drug?
Generics of original medicines usually cost several times cheaper, but at the same time they have the same properties. For example, the Voltaren preparation has analogues in different price categories - both cheaper and more expensive than the original. It depends on the impurities in the composition, which can reduce the therapeutic effect (bioavailability). As a result, side effects and more contraindications appear. Firms that produce generics significantly save on the quality of their constituent components and on technology. Therefore, before purchasing a cheap product with a similar effect, you must consult your doctor.
"Voltaren": analogues of the drug
Quite often, you have to look for a substitute for imported medicines because of the high cost. Some preparations, which are completely identical in composition, differ only in the producing country, and as a result, in the price category. The reasons for this are shipping costs, advertising, and brand fees. Not an exception is Voltaren, the price of which starts from 230 rubles. and depends on the form of release of the drug.
To date, the pharmaceutical market can offer a large number of affordable and high-quality substitutes for this anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug. In the first place is a domestic drug, Diclofenac. Known in medicine since the 60s of the last century and is actively used today. It is also available in various forms and is not inferior to foreign drugs in the effectiveness of therapy.
Modern developments of scientists allow to create analogues of "Diclofenac" with an expanded spectrum of action and fewer side effects. Among these drugs:
- Movalis
- "Olfen";
- Diklak
- "Naklofen";
- Ortofen;
- "Diklovit";
- Diklak-gel, etc.
Before choosing an analogue of any medication, it is imperative to consult with your doctor.
Movalis: Description
The active substance of the drug - meloxicam, has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect. Unlike Diclofenac, it does not have a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. The tool is still little known, but a fairly large number of patients are thinking about which drug has the best healing properties - Voltaren or Movalis. An advantage of the latter is also the absence of an effect on blood coagulation, which allows it to be used for various injuries with damage to the skin and after surgery.
The drug is presented in several forms: suppositories, tablets and injection. Movalis cannot be used for liver failure, ulcers, Crohn's disease, internal bleeding, pregnancy and breastfeeding, children under 18 years of age (injections). Only a doctor can calculate the dosage and dosage regimen, so do not self-medicate so as not to harm your own health.
Diclofenac
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is a generic of the Voltaren drug. “Diclofenac” (injections, tablets, suppositories, gel, eye drops, ointment) is prescribed for the treatment of joint diseases, relief of acute pain syndrome of various localization, eye pathologies. The drug is successfully used for therapy for dysmenorrhea (gynecology). Tablets with prolonged action (retard) allow for a long time to remove the symptoms of the disease.
"Diclofenac" should be used with caution and not exceed the recommended dose in order to avoid problems from the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver. During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed only for special indications. Side effects are possible with individual intolerance to the active substance, peptic ulcer, renal and liver failure.
Many patients prefer to use this particular drug of domestic pharmacology instead of the more expensive foreign medicine “Voltaren”. The price differs several times, for example, 5% gel (volume 100 ml) will cost about 140-160 rubles. While the European counterpart will have to pay up to 400 rubles.
Naklofen
The drug is available in various forms: suppositories (50 mg), injections (75 mg), gel (1%), suppositories (50 mg), tablets (50 mg and 100 mg). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the drug allows you to quickly get rid of the pain syndrome and relieve swelling in the focus of the disease. It is completely absorbed unlike usual "Diclofenac". The advantage of the drug is that it lingers in the body longer, which means that it is possible to reduce the number of daily doses.
Naklofen is a successful analogue of Voltaren. Reviews are mostly positive, pain relief in patients occurs fairly quickly. The cost starts from 55 rubles. for a solution for injection, tablets of prolonged effect - from 95 rubles.
Diklak Gel
The drug manufactured by the famous German pharmaceutical company Sandoz has a good local anti-inflammatory effect and copes with pain at the same level as Voltaren Emulgel. The motor function of the joints is restored due to the main component in the composition - diclofenac. It can be used for rheumatism, neuralgic pain, bursitis, arthritis, sprains, bruises and swelling. Available in different types: gel, tablets, candles.
The recommended duration of the course of use of the drug is 14 days. If symptom relief does not occur during this time, you should consult your doctor. The drug practically does not have side effects, but with an overdose, a local reaction may occur in the form of dry skin, rashes, peeling. Diklak Gel (5%) is allowed for use by children from 6 years old. Reviews about the healing properties of any form of release are positive, as is the case with the Voltaren remedy. The price of the drug is from 210 rubles.
Cautions for the use of diclofenac-based drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which include diclofenac, are used with caution for patients with erosion and a gastrointestinal ulcer, cardiac, renal and liver failure. For elderly patients, funds are selected individually. Contraindications also include hypersensitivity to the active substance, allergic manifestations of drugs with acetylsalicylic acid and impaired blood formation function.
In the last trimester of pregnancy and during lactation, it is forbidden to use drugs with diclofenac (Voltaren, analogues). For children under 6 years of age, the appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs with a similar active substance is contraindicated.