Double-blind Study Comparing the Use of Voltaren Emulgel® versus Regular Gel during Ultrasonic Sessions in the Treatment of Localized Traumatic and Rheumatic Painful Conditions

Abstract

A total of 120 patients with moderate to severe pain due to localized rheumatic or traumatic conditions participated in a double-blind, randomized trial. Patients were randomly allocated to receive ultrasonic sessions three times weekly for 4 weeks, using either diclofenac in a gel base (Voltaren Emulgel®) or regular gel as a coupling medium. A statistically significant (P < 0.01) improvement was achieved in both treatment groups in most of the evaluation criteria by the end of the first week. Treatment was prematurely discontinued due to complete cure in 60% of patients using Voltaren Emulgel® compared with only 15% of those using regular gel (P < 0.01). Physician's assessment of complete relief of pain was also statistically significant (P < 0.01) in favour of Voltaren Emulgel® throughout the trial period and the physician's overall assessment of therapeutic efficacy revealed that a satisfactory result was achieved in 86% of Voltaren Emulgel®-treated patients compared with 76% of patients receiving regular gel (P < 0.05). Tolerability was good or excellent in over 95% of patients in both treatment groups. The results of the study strongly suggest that the use of Voltaren Emulgel® as a coupling medium during ultrasonic therapy is a preferable, effective alternative to the currently used regular gel.

Keywords

Voltaren Emulgel®diclofenac ultrasonic therapy coupling medium rheumatic pain traumatic pain

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