Volini

Volini comes in the form of a homogeneous gel with a characteristic menthol smell. It is available in tubes containing 50 g, 100 g or 170 g of gel, packaged in cardboard boxes.

The active substance is diclofenac sodium in a concentration of 10 mg/g or 50 mg/g. The formula is designed for optimal skin penetration, and the menthol in the composition contributes to an additional soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.

Volini gel is indicated in adults for the local symptomatic treatment of:

• Inflammatory and traumatic conditions of tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints, such as tendinitis, dislocations, sprains or muscle spasms;
• Muscle and joint pain of a rheumatic or traumatic nature;
• Postoperative and post-traumatic oedema;
• Degenerative osteoarticular conditions, such as early-stage osteoarthritis, when the pain is localised.

The recommended dose is 2–3 applications per day to the affected area. The gel should be applied in a thin layer and massaged gently and thoroughly until completely absorbed into the skin. After each application, hands should be washed thoroughly, unless the treatment is being applied to the hands.

The duration of treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. In general, if no improvement is seen after 7 days, medical advice should be sought to reassess the therapy.

The use of Volini for pain relief is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity to diclofenac, other NSAIDs or any of the excipients;
• Third trimester of pregnancy, due to the risk of foetal cardiopulmonary and renal toxicity;
• Presence of skin lesions, eczema, burns, wounds or skin infections;
• Children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Patients with bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopic conditions should use the product with caution due to the risk of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs.

Volini for muscle pain is intended for external use only. The gel should not be applied to mucous membranes, especially in the eye or mouth. If a rash appears at the application site, treatment should be discontinued immediately.

During pregnancy, Volini may only be administered during the first two trimesters, strictly on the recommendation of a doctor and only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus. The product is not recommended during breastfeeding, as NSAIDs can be excreted in breast milk.

Like all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Volini for rapid pain relief may cause side effects, usually mild and localised:

• Skin reactions: pruritus, erythema, contact dermatitis, local irritation or burning sensation
• Rare allergic reactions: urticaria, photosensitivity, delayed hypersensitivity reactions

Systemic reactions (digestive, renal or general) are extremely rare, occurring only in cases of increased skin absorption, application to large areas, skin lesions or prolonged use under occlusive dressings.

Due to low systemic absorption, drug interactions are unlikely. 

However, caution is advised in patients who are also using other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants, in order to avoid potential cumulative reactions.

Overdose is unlikely due to low systemic absorption. In case of excessive application, the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

If accidental ingestion of a significant amount is suspected, symptoms of systemic toxicity (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) may occur, requiring symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring.

Volini should be stored at temperatures below 25°C, in the original packaging, protected from frost and direct exposure to heat sources. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging, and unused medicines should be disposed of according to the pharmacist's instructions to protect the environment.

• Taylor&Francis Online, Systematic review of topical diclofenac for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain
• PubMed, Topical diclofenac and its role in pain and inflammation: an evidence-based review
• PubMed, Topical diclofenac, an effective treatment for osteoarthritis: a narrative review
• BMC, Efficacy and safety of different topical diclofenac formulations for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of short-term and long-term treatment comparisons