Generic Voltaren Sr

Introduction

Voltaren Sr is a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSA NSA) that contains the active compound diclofenac. It is classified within the Pain Relief group of medicines and is marketed for adult use in the United Kingdom. The product is intended for the short‑term management of moderate to severe inflammatory pain, such as that arising from musculoskeletal disorders, osteoarthritis, and post‑operative inflammation. Diclofenac is also recognised for its antipyretic properties, although this indication is less common in the UK.

What is Voltaren Sr?

Voltaren Sr is a tablet formulation of diclofenac sodium. The drug was originally developed by the pharmaceutical company Novartis, which markets the well‑known brand name Voltaren. Voltaren Sr is a generic alternative that contains the identical active ingredient, dosage strength, and regulatory status as the brand‑name product. Our online pharmacy supplies this generic version at a reduced cost while meeting the same quality standards required by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

How Voltaren Sr Works

Diclofenac exerts its therapeutic effect by reversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX‑2 and to a lesser extent COX‑1. This inhibition reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, lipid compounds that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. By lowering prostaglandin levels at sites of tissue injury, diclofenac decreases peripheral sensitisation of nociceptors and diminishes the inflammatory response.

After oral administration, diclofenac is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours. The drug is highly protein‑bound (≈ 99 %) and is primarily metabolised in the liver via hydroxylation and glucuronidation. Elimination occurs mainly through renal excretion, with a plasma half‑life of approximately 1–2 hours, allowing for typical twice‑daily dosing for chronic pain.

Conditions Treated with Voltaren Sr

• Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and hand – A prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in the UK, affecting an estimated 10 % of adults over 55 years. Diclofenac relieves pain and improves function by dampening joint inflammation.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (short‑term flare management) – Used for acute exacerbations when rapid pain control is required.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – Reduces axial pain and stiffness through systemic anti‑inflammatory action.
• Acute musculoskeletal injuries – Sports‑related sprains, strains, and contusions respond to diclofenac’s analgesic properties.
• Post‑operative pain – Provides adjunct analgesia after orthopedic and dental procedures where NSAID therapy is appropriate.

Clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) endorse diclofenac as a first‑ or second‑line option for these conditions, provided patient‑specific risk factors are considered.

Who is Voltaren Sr For?

• Adults with inflammatory joint pain – Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis who require rapid symptom relief.
• Individuals experiencing acute musculoskeletal injury – Those who need short‑term analgesia without opioid use.
• Post‑surgical patients – Adults recovering from orthopedic or dental surgery where NSAIDs are part of multimodal pain management.

Contra‑indications include: known hypersensitivity to diclofenac or other NSAIDs, active gastrointestinal ulceration, severe heart failure (NYHA class III–IV), and significant renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min). Use is discouraged during the third trimester of pregnancy and in patients with a history of cardiovascular events unless specifically advised by a physician.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort (dyspepsia, nausea)
• Headache or dizziness
• Mild elevation of blood pressure

Rare

• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding (especially with concurrent corticosteroids or anticoagulants)
• Hepatic enzyme elevation (ALT, AST)
• Skin reactions such as rash or photosensitivity

Serious

• Cardiovascular thrombotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke) – risk increases with long‑term high‑dose use.
• Severe renal impairment or acute kidney injury, particularly in dehydration or concomitant nephrotoxic drugs.
• Life‑threatening hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis).

Drug–drug interactions

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) – increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin – additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics – potential reduction in renal function.
• Lithium – diclofenac may raise serum lithium levels, necessitating monitoring.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to a healthcare professional before initiating Voltaren Sr.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing – 50 mg diclofenac sodium (one tablet) taken twice daily with food, not to exceed 150 mg per day. For acute pain, a short course of 75 mg three times daily may be prescribed under medical guidance.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless the next scheduled dose is near; in that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular regimen. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Seek urgent medical attention; treatment is supportive, with activated charcoal if presentation is early.

Precautions – Take tablets with meals to minimise gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can potentiate gastric bleeding. Patients with chronic heart failure, hypertension, or renal disease should be monitored regularly for worsening of underlying conditions.

Buying Voltaren Sr from Our Online Pharmacy

Voltaren Sr can be purchased directly from our online pharmacy in the UK. Our service offers:

• Affordable pricing – We source the generic product close to manufacturer cost, passing savings on to the consumer.
• Verified quality – All batches are supplied by MHRA‑approved overseas licensed pharmacies, ensuring compliance with UK safety standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging is dispatched via express (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks) depending on the chosen shipping option.
• Online‑only access – Patients who lack local pharmacy stock or face insurance restrictions can obtain the medication safely and privately.

We operate as a pharmacy‑broker service, collaborating with reputable international suppliers to provide a confidential, cost‑effective pathway to generic diclofenac for UK residents.

FAQ

• What forms does Voltaren Sr come in?
  Voltaren Sr is supplied as oral tablets of 50 mg diclofenac sodium. The tablets are round, film‑coated, and typically bear the imprint “VSR 50”. No other dosage forms (e.g., gels or injections) are marketed under this specific product name.

• Can I store Voltaren Sr in a humid environment?
  The tablets should be kept at room temperature (15‑30 °C) in a dry place, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to humidity may affect tablet integrity and potency.

• Is a prescription required to import Voltaren Sr into the UK?
  Personal import of a small supply of diclofenac for self‑supply is permitted under UK law when the product is supplied by a licensed overseas pharmacy and the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply. However, a valid prescription may be required by the supplying pharmacy to ensure appropriate clinical use.

• Does Voltaren Sr have different excipients in the EU versus other regions?
  In the European Union, the typical inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. Formulations sourced from other regions may contain alternative fillers, but the active ingredient concentration remains identical.

• Will taking Voltaren Sr affect a drug test for employment?
  Diclofenac is not screened for in standard occupational drug testing panels. Routine workplace drug tests will not detect the presence of Voltaren Sr.

• Are there any special warnings for elderly patients?
  Older adults have higher susceptibility to gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, and renal impairment when using NSAIDs. Lower starting doses and close monitoring are recommended for patients over 65 years.

• How was diclofenac discovered and developed?
  Diclofenac was first synthesised in 1966 by Ciba‑Geigy (now part of Novartis). Early clinical trials demonstrated potent anti‑inflammatory activity, leading to its launch as a prescription NSAID in the 197s.

• What is the difference between diclofenac and ibuprofen in terms of potency?
  Diclofenac generally provides stronger anti‑inflammatory effects at lower doses compared with ibuprofen, which is more commonly used for mild to moderate pain. However, diclofenac carries a higher cardiovascular risk profile, necessitating careful patient selection.

• Can I travel with Voltaren Sr in a hand‑carry bag?
  Yes. Keep the tablets in their original blister pack or a sealed container, and carry a copy of the prescription or medical justification if asked by customs or airline security.

• Does Voltaren Sr interact with dietary supplements such as fish oil?
  Omega‑3 fatty acid supplements have mild antiplatelet activity. Concurrent use with diclofenac may modestly increase bleeding risk, especially in patients taking additional antithrombotic agents.

• Is there a generic version of Voltaren Sr available in the UK market?
  Multiple UK‑licensed manufacturers produce generic diclofenac tablets equivalent to Voltaren Sr. These products contain the same 50 mg dosage and meet MHRA quality requirements.

• What should I do if I experience a skin rash while taking Voltaren Sr?
  Discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical advice. A rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction that could progress to a more severe condition.

Glossary

Cyclooxygenase (COX)

An enzyme family (COX‑1 and COX‑2) that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation, pain, and fever.

NSAID (Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug)

A class of medications that reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting COX enzymes without the use of steroids.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %. For diclofenac, the half‑life is approximately 1–2 hours, influencing dosing frequency.

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

A calculated measure of kidney function; values below 30 mL/min indicate severe renal impairment, which affects NSAID clearance.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Voltaren Sr is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Voltaren Sr for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.