Voltaren vs. Ultram

• Are Ultram and Voltaren the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Voltaren?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ultram?
• What Is Voltaren?
• What Is Ultram?
• What Drugs Interact with Voltaren?
• What Drugs Interact with Ultram?
• How Should Voltaren Be Taken?
• How Should Ultram Be Taken?

Voltaren (diclofenac) and Ultram (tramadol) are used to treat pain.

Voltaren is used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Voltaren and Ultram belong to different drug classes. Voltaren is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Ultram is a type of opiate (narcotic) analgesic.

The brand name Voltaren is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Voltaren may cause serious side effects, including:

• nausea,
• stomach pain,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• gas,
• ulcers, or
• itching,
• dryness,
• redness,
• scaling,
• numbness and tingling,
• cysts,
• pimples, or other
• skin irritation where the medicine was applied.

Common side effects of Ultram include:

• agitation,
• nervousness,
• anxiety,
• seizures (convulsions),
• skin rash,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• hallucinations,
• fever,
• fast heart rate,
• overactive reflexes,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• loss of coordination,
• headache,
• drowsiness, and
• fainting.

Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) is a topical gel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain of osteoarthritis of joints that are amenable to topical treatment, such the hands and knees.

Ultram is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used for the management pain in adults, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. Ultram is an opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death

Voltaren Gel may interact with aspirin, lithium, diuretics (water pills), blood thinners, and methotrexate.

Voltaren Gel may also interact with heart or blood pressure medications, cyclosporine, steroids, certain antibiotics, and other topical treatments.

Ultram is contraindicated in patients receiving MAO inhibitors or who have used them within the previous 14 days.

The proper amount of Voltaren® Gel should be measured using the dosing card supplied in the drug product carton. The dosing card is made of clear polypropylene. The dosing card should be used for each application of drug product. The gel should be applied within the rectangular area of the dosing card up to the 2 gram or 4 gram line (2 g for each elbow, wrist, or hand, and 4 g for each knee, ankle, or foot). The 2 g line is 2.25 inches long. The 4 g line is 4.5 inches long. The dosing card containing Voltaren® Gel can be used to apply the gel. The hands should then be used to gently rub the gel into the skin. After using the dosing card, hold with fingertips, rinse, and dry. If treatment site is the hands, patients should wait at least one (1) hour to wash their hands.

Lower Extremities, Including The Feet, Ankles, Or Knees

Apply the gel (4 g) to the affected foot, ankle, or knee 4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuring application to the entire affected foot, or knee or ankle. The entire foot includes the sole, top of the foot and the toes. Do not apply more than 16 g daily to any single joint of the lower extremities.

Upper Extremities Including The Hands, Wrists, Or Elbows

Apply the gel (2 g) to the affected hand, wrist, or elbow 4 times daily. Voltaren® Gel should be gently massaged into the skin ensuring application to the entire affected hand, wrist, or elbow. The entire hand includes the palm, back of the hands, and the fingers. Do not apply more than 8 g daily to any single joint of the upper extremities.

Total dose should not exceed 32 g per day, over all affected joints.

Special Precautions

• Avoid showering/bathing for at least 1 hour after the application. Inform patient to wash his/her hands after use, unless the hands are the treated joint. If Voltaren® Gel is applied to the hand(s) for treatment; inform patient not to wash the treated hand(s) for at least 1 hour after the application.
• Do not apply Voltaren® Gel to open wounds.
• Avoid contact of Voltaren® Gel with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not apply external heat and/or occlusive dressings to treated joints.
• Avoid exposure of the treated joint(s) to natural or artificial sunlight.
• Avoid concomitant use of Voltaren® Gel on the treated skin site with other topical products, including sunscreens, cosmetics, lotions, moisturizers, insect repellants, or other topical medications
• Concomitant use of Voltaren® Gel with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) has not been evaluated, and may increase adverse NSAIDs effects. Do not use combination therapy with Voltaren® Gel and an oral NSAID unless the benefit outweighs the risk and conduct periodic laboratory evaluations.
• Avoid wearing of clothing or gloves for at least 10 minutes after applying Voltaren® Gel.

Do not change your dose. Take Ultram exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.

Take your prescribed dose as indicated by your health care provider. The maximum dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for pain relief. Do not take more than your prescribed dose and do not take more than 8 tablets per day. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.

Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain.

If you have been taking Ultram regularly, do not stop taking Ultram without talking to your healthcare provider.

After you stop taking Ultram, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of any unused tablets.