What Is Voltaren-XR Used For?

What is Voltaren-XR used for? Voltaren-XR can help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis -- which include pain, stiffness, and swelling. The drug can also be used to treat pain and inflammation caused by a number of other conditions, such as cancer and gout. At times, Voltaren-XR is used for off-label purposes, such as relieving the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

 

What Is Voltaren-XR Used For? -- An Overview

Voltaren®-XR (diclofenac sodium extended-release) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.
 
Specific Voltaren-XR uses include the relief of symptoms associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, Voltaren-XR is not a cure for these types of arthritis, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.
 

How Does Voltaren-XR Work?

Voltaren-XR and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins. By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, Voltaren-XR is useful at alleviating pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis.
 

Is Voltaren-XR Used for Children?

Voltaren-XR is not approved for use in children.
 

Is Voltaren-XR Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Voltaren-XR for something other than the conditions discussed in this article. This is called an "off-label" use. Examples of off-label Voltaren-XR uses include the relief of:
 
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;