--- title: "Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%) — Evidence,… | Magellan" description: "Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%) — Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes,…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html" type: "product" section: "Topical Pain Relief" evidence_grade: "Strong evidence" evidence_tier: "strong" citations: 17 product_id: 212 price_usd: 23.12 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%) [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Topical Pain Relief](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.md) › Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%) **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/212 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%) | | Category | [Topical Pain Relief](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.md) | | Evidence grade | Strong evidence (A) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 17 | | Typical listed price | $23.12 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Voltaren%20Arthritis%20Pain%20Gel%20%28Diclofenac%201%25%29&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 212 | ## What it is Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing synthesis of the prostaglandins that drive inflammation and pain. Applied to the skin as a 1% gel (the active ingredient in Voltaren Arthritis Pain), it penetrates locally into underlying joints and soft tissue while producing much lower systemic drug levels than oral diclofenac. Topical diclofenac is used for temporary relief of arthritis pain in joints such as the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet, and in 2020 the 1% gel was switched from prescription to over-the-counter status in the United States. ## Its role in longevity Randomized trials and meta-analyses, including Cochrane reviews, indicate that topical diclofenac provides modest but statistically significant pain relief and functional improvement in hand and knee osteoarthritis — in the Cochrane analysis about 60% of users achieved at least halved pain, with a number-needed-to-treat of roughly 10 over 6 to 12 weeks — with efficacy broadly comparable to oral NSAIDs but fewer gastrointestinal and systemic adverse effects because only a small fraction of the drug is absorbed. The benefit is real but limited: effect sizes are modest, there is little evidence for painful conditions other than osteoarthritis, and the most common side effects are mild application-site skin reactions; a safety review focused on older adults found topical NSAIDs preferable to oral agents on systemic-safety grounds. Major osteoarthritis guidelines nonetheless recommend topical NSAIDs as an early, first-line option, particularly for older adults and people at increased risk from oral NSAIDs. This evidence describes the diclofenac compound and the topical NSAID class generally, not this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Strong evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 1% gel (~2–4 g) over the joint up to 4×/day; relief builds over ~7 days - **What this grade does not say:** The best-evidenced OTC pain topical — Cochrane and meta-analysis support for hand and knee osteoarthritis, with low systemic absorption. Relief is symptomatic and modest (about 1 in 10 extra users gets at least halved pain over 6–12 weeks), and it is still an NSAID: don’t combine with oral NSAIDs without advice, and avoid with NSAID allergy or in late pregnancy. ## In the news - **FDA approves GSK's Voltaren Arthritis Pain for over-the-counter use in the United States** — GSK 2020 [Read it](https://us.gsk.com/en-us/media/press-releases/fda-approves-gsk-s-voltaren-arthritis-pain-for-over-the-counter-use-in-the-united-states/) > It targets pain directly at the site and the amount of diclofenac sodium that is systemically absorbed from Voltaren Arthritis Pain is on average 6% of the systemic exposure from an oral form of diclofenac sodium. - **FDA approves Voltaren Arthritis Pain for nonprescription, OTC use** — Healio Rheumatology 2020 [Read it](https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20200217/fda-approves-voltaren-arthritis-pain-for-nonprescription-otc-use) > While modest as a therapeutic, it has good benefits to risks, and for people with OA, affords a small step forward in providing pain relief and self-efficacy. - **Diclofenac Gel (Voltaren Gel): Uses & Interactions** — Cleveland Clinic 2026 [Read it](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21230-diclofenac-gel) > Voltaren Gel® is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats joint pain caused by arthritis. The medication in Voltaren Gel is diclofenac. It works by decreasing inflammation. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Topical NSAIDs for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults** Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016 · [PMID 27103611](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27103611/) · [DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD007400.pub3](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007400.pub3) > In studies lasting 6 to 12 weeks, topical diclofenac and topical ketoprofen were significantly more effective than carrier for reducing pain; about 60% of participants had much reduced pain. 2. **Efficacy and safety of different topical diclofenac formulations for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis** BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2025 · [PMID 40065343](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40065343/) · [DOI 10.1186/s12891-025-08465-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08465-7) > Topical diclofenac formulations (gel, solution, patch) significantly improve pain and function in knee osteoarthritis compared to placebo. All formulations were well-tolerated. 3. **Relative efficacy and safety of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.** Br J Sports Med 2018 · [PMID 29436380](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29436380/) · [DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2017-098043](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-098043) > Of all topical NSAIDs, diclofenac patches were most effective for OA pain (SMD=-0.81, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.52) and piroxicam was most effective for functional improvement (SMD=-1.04, 95% CI -1.60 to -0.48) compared with placebo. 4. **Topical Diclofenac Solution for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.** Biomed Res Int 2020 · [PMID 33299860](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33299860/) · [DOI 10.1155/2020/1758071](https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1758071) > In comparison to the vehicle control, the mean differences for WOMAC pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales, as well as pain on walking, were all statistically significant in favor of topical diclofenac solution. 5. **Randomized controlled trial of diclofenac sodium gel in knee osteoarthritis.** Semin Arthritis Rheum 2009 · [PMID 19932833](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19932833/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2009.09.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2009.09.002) > At week 12, the DSG group had significant decreases versus the vehicle group in mean WOMAC pain (P = 0.01), mean WOMAC physical function (P = 0.001), and mean global rating of disease (P < 0.001). 6. **Diclofenac sodium gel in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.** J Rheumatol 2009 · [PMID 19648310](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19648310/) · [DOI 10.3899/jrheum.081316](https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.081316) > Diclofenac sodium gel decreased pain intensity scores by 42%-45%, total AUSCAN scores by 35%-40%, and global rating of disease by 36%-40%. 7. **Efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium 2% topical solution for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 4 week study.** Curr Med Res Opin 2015 · [PMID 26506138](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26506138/) · [DOI 10.1185/03007995.2015.1113400](https://doi.org/10.1185/03007995.2015.1113400) > Significantly greater reductions in least-squares mean (standard error) WOMAC pain scores were observed for diclofenac-treated (-4.4 [0.4]) versus vehicle-treated patients (-3.4 [0.4]) at the final visit (p = 0.040). 8. **Topical diclofenac patch in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.** Clin Exp Rheumatol 2003 · [PMID 12747273](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12747273/) > The active treatment group showed a significant improvement in pain, Lequesne's Index, and the physician's and patient's global assessment of efficacy. 9. **Efficacy of topical diclofenac diethylamine gel in osteoarthritis of the knee.** J Rheumatol 2005 · [PMID 16331769](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16331769/) > On the primary outcome, average pain on movement over Days 1-14, diclofenac gel was significantly superior to placebo gel. 10. **Systematic review of topical diclofenac for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.** Curr Med Res Opin 2020 · [PMID 31944135](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31944135/) · [DOI 10.1080/03007995.2020.1716703](https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2020.1716703) > The effectiveness of topical diclofenac was also demonstrated in chronic musculoskeletal pain but with a higher NNT (worse) compared with acute pain. 11. **Management of Acute Pain From Non-Low Back, Musculoskeletal Injuries : A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.** Ann Intern Med 2020 · [PMID 32805127](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32805127/) · [DOI 10.7326/M19-3601](https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-3601) > Topical NSAIDs, followed by oral NSAIDs and acetaminophen with or without diclofenac, showed the most convincing and attractive benefit-harm ratio for patients with acute pain from non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries. 12. **Topical diclofenac therapy for osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.** Clin Rheumatol 2015 · [PMID 26242469](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26242469/) · [DOI 10.1007/s10067-015-3021-z](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-015-3021-z) > Topical diclofenac appears to be effective in both pain relief (standard mean differences (SMD) = 0.40; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.62; P = 0.0003) and function improvement (SMD = 0.23; 95 % CI 0.03 to 0.43; P = 0.03) when compared with the control group. 13. **Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.** Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 · [PMID 28497473](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28497473/) · [DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2) > In chronic musculoskeletal conditions with assessments over 6 to 12 weeks, topical diclofenac and ketoprofen had limited efficacy in hand and knee osteoarthritis, as did topical high-concentration capsaicin in postherpetic neuralgia. 14. **Efficacy and safety of topical NSAIDs in the management of osteoarthritis: Evidence from real-life setting trials and surveys.** Semin Arthritis Rheum 2015 · [PMID 26806189](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26806189/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.11.007](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.11.007) > In real-life studies, topical and oral NSAIDs demonstrate an equivalent effect on knee pain over 1 year of treatment, with fewer adverse events due to lower systemic absorption of topical NSAIDs compared with oral NSAIDs. 15. **Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Ketoprofen Plaster and Diclofenac Plaster for Osteoarthritis-Related Knee Pain: A Multicenter, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Phase III Clinical Trial.** Clin Ther 2021 · [PMID 34479761](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34479761/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.08.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.08.002) > After 3 weeks of treatment, the least squares mean change from baseline in knee pain intensity scores during walking was -35.9 (95% CI, -39.7 to -32.2) in the ketoprofen group and -31.7 (95% CI, -35.5 to -27.9) in the diclofenac group, with noninferiority found (least squares mean difference, -4.2; 95% CI, -9.6 to 1.1). 16. **The use of topical diclofenac for pain in osteoarthritis of the knee: a review.** Br J Community Nurs 2006 · [PMID 17170650](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17170650/) · [DOI 10.12968/bjcn.2006.11.11.22278](https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2006.11.11.22278) > Findings imply that topical diclofenac sodium is an efficacious and safe method of pain control in patients with OA of the knee. 17. **Safety of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Osteoarthritis: Outcomes of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.** Drugs & aging 2019 · [PMID 31073923](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31073923/) > Systematic safety review found topical NSAIDs cause mainly mild local skin reactions with far fewer gastrointestinal and systemic adverse events than oral NSAIDs, supporting their preferential use in older adults. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%)](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Voltaren%20Arthritis%20Pain%20Gel%20%28Diclofenac%201%25%29&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html","name":"Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%)","description":"Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing synthesis of the prostaglandins that…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Topical Pain Relief","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%)","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html#product","name":"Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (Diclofenac 1%)","category":"Topical Pain Relief","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/212.html","description":"Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing synthesis of the prostaglandins that drive inflammation and pain. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).