Yes, Voltaren is available over the counter in the United States. The FDA approved the switch from prescription-only to OTC status in February 2020, and the product is now sold as Voltaren Arthritis Pain, a 1% diclofenac sodium topical gel. You can find it at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers without a prescription.
What Changed in 2020
Before the FDA’s approval on February 14, 2020, the same 1% diclofenac gel required a prescription. The OTC version is identical in strength and formulation to the former prescription product. A higher-strength 3% diclofenac gel still exists as a prescription medication, but it treats a skin condition called actinic keratosis, not arthritis.
What It Treats
The OTC version is specifically approved for temporary relief of arthritis pain in joints. It’s an NSAID (the same drug class as ibuprofen and naproxen), but applied directly to the skin over the affected joint rather than taken as a pill. Because the medication is absorbed locally, less of it reaches the bloodstream compared to oral NSAIDs.
This is not a general-purpose pain cream. It’s designed for arthritis in joints close to the skin’s surface, like hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. It won’t work well on deeper joints like hips or the spine, where the drug can’t penetrate deeply enough.
How to Apply It
The amount you use depends on which joint you’re treating. For upper body joints like hands, wrists, and elbows, apply 2 grams to the affected area four times daily, with a maximum of 8 grams per day on any single joint. For lower body joints like knees, ankles, and feet, apply 4 grams four times daily, with a maximum of 16 grams per day on any single joint. The total across all treated joints should not exceed 32 grams per day.
The packaging includes a dosing card to help you measure the right amount. Rub the gel into the skin completely and avoid covering the area with bandages or wrapping it tightly. Wash your hands after applying unless your hands are the joint being treated.
How Quickly It Works
Don’t expect immediate relief. Voltaren Arthritis Pain can take up to seven days of consistent use before you notice its full effect on arthritis pain. If you’ve used it daily for a full week and feel no improvement, stop using it. This is a gradual treatment, not something designed for acute, one-time pain relief the way popping an ibuprofen might be.
How Long You Can Use It
The OTC labeling recommends talking to a healthcare provider before using it for more than 10 consecutive days. While many people with chronic arthritis use it longer under medical guidance, the 10-day window is the threshold at which self-treatment without professional input becomes less advisable.
Safety Considerations
Because Voltaren is an NSAID, it carries some of the same warnings as oral NSAIDs, though the risks are lower with a topical product since less medication enters the bloodstream. NSAIDs as a class are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke, and gastrointestinal problems including bleeding and ulcers. These risks are primarily studied with oral NSAIDs and tend to increase with longer use.
You should be cautious with Voltaren gel if you already take other NSAIDs (oral ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin beyond low-dose heart therapy). Stacking multiple NSAIDs raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney problems. People taking blood thinners, corticosteroids, or certain antidepressants (SSRIs) also face a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when using NSAIDs.
Avoid applying the gel to open wounds, broken skin, or areas with skin infections. Don’t use it right before or after sun exposure on the treated area, and keep it away from your eyes and mucous membranes. Common side effects at the application site include dryness, redness, and mild skin irritation.
OTC Voltaren vs. Prescription Options
If you’ve used prescription Voltaren Gel for arthritis in the past, the OTC product is the same thing. You no longer need to pay for a doctor’s visit or a prescription to get it, though you’ll also no longer benefit from insurance copay pricing in most cases. For people whose arthritis affects deeper joints or who need stronger systemic pain control, prescription oral diclofenac or other prescription NSAIDs remain options that require a doctor’s involvement.