Understanding Voltaren Topical Medications in Japan: What You Need to Know

Voltaren (diclofenac) is a widely used anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief. While in many countries both topical and oral forms are available over the counter, Japan has specific regulations on its usage. If you’re looking for Voltaren in Japan, it’s essential to understand the different formulations available and their legal status. In this article, we’ll cover the topical forms of Voltaren in Japan and how they compare to international versions.

Contents

1 Voltaren in Japan: Available Forms
2 How Does Voltaren in Japan Compare to Overseas Versions?
3 When to Use Voltaren Topical Products
4 Conclusion

Voltaren in Japan: Available Forms

Unlike some countries where oral Voltaren is available without a prescription, Japan restricts oral diclofenac to prescription-only medications due to safety concerns. However, topical formulations are widely available in pharmacies. The main types of over-the-counter Voltaren products in Japan include:

Voltaren Tape (ボルタレンテープ) – A medicated patch that delivers diclofenac through the skin over time, ideal for localized pain relief.
Voltaren Gel (ボルタレンゲル) – A fast-absorbing gel that is commonly used for muscle and joint pain.
Voltaren Lotion (ボルタレンローション) – A liquid form, useful for broader application and for those who prefer a non-gel alternative.

Each of these formulations provides targeted pain relief with lower systemic absorption compared to oral NSAIDs, reducing potential side effects.

How Does Voltaren in Japan Compare to Overseas Versions?

Internationally, Voltaren is commonly available as Voltaren Gel (1% diclofenac) or Voltaren Emulgel (1.16%), which are widely used for arthritis and muscle pain. However, in some countries, higher concentrations like 2.32% diclofenac are also available. In contrast, Japanese versions generally contain a lower concentration of diclofenac, making them milder but still effective.

Product	Form	Diclofenac Concentration
Voltaren Gel (Japan)	Gel	1%
Voltaren Tape (Japan)	Patch	Varies
Voltaren Lotion (Japan)	Liquid	1%
Voltaren Emulgel (Overseas)	Gel	1.16% – 2.32%

Additionally, while Voltaren oral tablets (12.5mg, 25mg) are widely available over the counter in some countries, they require a doctor’s prescription in Japan due to concerns over potential gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

If you need an oral NSAIDs alternative without a prescription in Japan, consider products containing loxoprofen, which are the most commonly available non-prescription NSAIDs in Japan or ibuprofen. These are effective for reducing inflammation and pain and are available in many drugstores.

When to Use Voltaren Topical Products

Voltaren topical medications are effective for:

Muscle pain and joint pain (e.g., back pain, knee pain, stiff shoulders)
Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, bruises)
Mild arthritis pain

Since they are applied directly to the affected area, they reduce the risk of systemic side effects like stomach irritation, which is common with oral NSAIDs.

Conclusion

If you’re in Japan and looking for Voltaren, topical options like Tape, Gel, and Lotion are available without a prescription, making them a convenient choice for pain relief. However, if you need oral Voltaren, you will need a doctor’s prescription. For non-prescription alternatives, ibuprofen and loxoprofen are widely available NSAIDs in Japan. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best pain relief option for your needs. If you have any concerns about medication in Japan, BLEZ Pharmacy offers multilingual support to assist you with finding the right products.