Volifen Spray

Key Ingredients:

• Diclofenac dimethylamine
• Methyl salicylate
• Linseed oil
• Menthol

Uses:

• Pain and inflammation

How does Volifen Spray work?

Volifen Spray works by blocking the effect of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) that produces prostaglandins responsible for the sense of pain and inflammation.

Side Effects of

• Common (>10%): Dry skin, Rash, Contact dermatitis, Pain, Paresthesia, Pruritus, Exfoliation.
• Uncommon (1-10%): Hypertension, Chest pain, Skin ulcer, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Alopecia, Photosensitivity, Edema, Conjunctivitis, Hematuria, Asthma.

Key Benefits:

• Provides effective pain relief, especially for conditions like arthritis, muscle sprains, and strains.
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation and swelling.
• Offers fast-acting pain relief, making it suitable for acute pain management.
• Produces a warm sensation that relaxes muscles, making it effective for managing muscular and joint pain.

Indication

Volifen Spray is a pain relief spray containing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac.

Pain: Pain is a complex and subjective experience that can result from tissue damage or various medical conditions. It can range from mild to severe and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Pain perception varies from person to person.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, especially those in the hands and feet. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage. It's a chronic condition that can cause joint deformities over time.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and large joints. It causes severe pain and stiffness in the affected areas. Over time, the inflammation can lead to the fusion of vertebrae in the spine, resulting in reduced mobility.

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones wears down over time. This leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced joint flexibility. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is primarily due to wear and tear on the joints and is more common as people age.

Pharmacology

• Diclofenac, a phenylacetic acid derivative, is a prototypical NSAID. It has potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic actions.
• Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, thereby inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
• May also inhibit neutrophil aggregation/activation, inhibit chemotaxis, decrease proinflammatory cytokine levels, and alter lymphocyte activity.

Dosage of Volifen Spray

Adult Dose:

• Topical/Cutaneous Osteoarthritis Adult: Apply 2 g (upper extremities)/4 g (lower extremities) q6hr
• Not to exceed 8 g/day to any single joint of (upper) extremities; 16 g/day to any single joint of (lower extremities)
• Local symptomatic relief of pain and inflammation Adult: As diclofenac Na (1% gel): Apply onto affected area 3 or 4 times daily.

Child Dose:

• Safety and efficacy not established

Administration:

• Hold the container about 6 inches (15 cm) from the skin.
• Spray the affected area in 2 or 3 short bursts, up to 3 times a day.
• If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult a healthcare professional.
• Do not use it if you are hypersensitive to any ingredients or if you have a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs.
• Avoid use in the third trimester of pregnancy or during breastfeeding; consult a healthcare professional during the first and second trimesters.
• Not suitable for children under the age of 16.
• Consult a healthcare professional before using oral NSAIDs on broken skin.

Quick Suggestions:

Managing chronic pain can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and stress reduction, as well as medication and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage.

Interaction

• May increase serum levels of methotrexate.
• Concomitant use with other NSAIDs or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) is associated with a higher risk of GI bleeding.
• Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with ciclosporin or triamterene.
• May increase the risk of developing corneal complications in patients with significant pre-existing corneal inflammation when used concomitantly with ophthalmic preparations containing corticosteroids.
• Colestyramine and colestipol reduce the bioavailability of diclofenac.
• Decreased plasma concentration when administered after sucralfate.
• Ophthalmic application of diclofenac may reduce the efficacy of ophthalmic acetylcholine and carbachol.
• May increase serum levels of lithium and digoxin.

Contraindications

• Contraindicated for patients hypersensitive to any ingredient of the products.
• Diclofenac is also contraindicated in asthmatic patients in whom attacks of asthma, urticaria, or acute rhinitis are precipitated by acetylsalicylic acid or by other drugs with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors.
• The gel should not be used under occlusive airtight dressings.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Published literature reports that the use of NSAIDs after 30 weeks of gestation increases the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
• Data from observational studies regarding potential embryofetal risks of NSAID use, including diclofenac, in women in the first or second trimester of pregnancy are inconclusive.
• Clinical considerations: Avoid the use of NSAIDs in pregnant women after 30 weeks gestation because NSAIDs can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
• Lactation: Data from published literature reports with oral preparations of diclofenac indicate the presence of small amounts of diclofenac in human milk. There are no data on the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production.

Precautions & Warnings

• Read the label carefully before use.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool and dry place.
• For external use only.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, face, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas of the body; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
• Elderly individuals with potentially thinner skin should use caution.
• Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C.
• Do not spray near an open flame or incandescent source.
• In rare instances where peptic ulceration or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in patients under treatment with Diclofenac.
• Patients of advanced age should be kept under close observation.
• Do not puncture or incinerate, even when empty.

Storage Conditions

Keep away from heat and sunlight.