Voltaren Emulgel approved for direct application on osteoarthritis pain
Bahrain, 3rd March, 2008: Voltaren Emulgel has recently received US regulatory approval as the first topical prescription treatment that patients can apply directly to sites of pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is the only topical medication proven to significantly reduce osteoarthritis pain in both the knees and the joints of the hands.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. The main symptoms of the disease include chronic pain which causes loss of mobility and stiffness and deterioration of overall coordination, posture and walking. It often causes a crackling noise when the affected joint is moved or touched and patients may experience muscle spasm and contractions in the tendons.
"Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, previous knee injury or surgery, and repeated strain through occupational bending and lifting. In the knees, the pain is usually aggravated by activity, such as climbing stairs or walking long distances," says Dr. Basheer Ahamed, Consultant Orthopaedic, American Mission Hospital. "Patients may also experience some morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes," he added.
About one third of adults worldwide have signs of osteoarthritis in their x-rays in at least one joint and in the US it is estimated that 6% of those over 30 have a troublesome osteoarthritis knee. The World Health Organization, lists osteoarthritis in the top 10 of the global disease burden.
Clinical trials in more than 900 patients have demonstrated Voltaren Emulgel to be highly effective in treating osteoarthritis pain in the hands and knees, the most commonly affected joints. The gel delivers pain relief with a favorable safety profile as its systemic absorption is 94% less than the comparable oral diclofenac treatment.
"The combination of benefit and safety provides a welcome new treatment approach for osteoarthritis," says George Wagih, Brand Manager, Novartis Consumer Health. "Voltaren Emulgel delivers the proven efficacy of diclofenac with significantly less systemic absorption, minimizing the risk of side effects," he continued. "Patients now have the option to effectively treat osteoarthritis pain directly at the source with favorable tolerability."
Worldwide osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is among one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions.
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About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones in joints - such as knees, hands, elbows, wrists, ankles and feet - which allows for easy movement. When cartilage erodes, bones can rub together, resulting in pain and loss of free movement in the joint. The most common symptoms include pain, joint soreness, stiffness and deterioration of overall coordination, posture and walking.
About Voltaren Emulgel
Voltaren Emulgel is a topical anti-inflammatory gel which acts on muscular pain and helps to speed up recovery. It can be used to treat general aches and pains, back neck and shoulder pain. It can also be used for traumatic swelling of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints due to strains, bruises and sports injuries, as well as soft tissue rheumatism and localized rheumatic conditions. The fast acting Emulgel helps to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Its powerful non steroidal active ingredient, diclofenac, quickly penetrates deep to the site of pain, where it works to stop the pain, reduce swelling and combat inflammation mobility. The emulgel formula combines the cooling effect of a gel with a cream, which works to treat the root of the pain.
For further information please contact:
George Wagih,
Brand Manager,
Novartis Consumer Health
Tel: +971 4 363 5340
George.wagih@novartis.com
© Press Release 2008
