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 less than 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 less than 0.01). Physician's assessment of complete relief of pain was also statistically significant (P less than 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 less than 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.