Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often used to treat arthritis pain. It comes in both topical and oral forms. The FDA approval of Voltaren Arthritis Pain is specifically for the topical gel form. Voltaren Arthritis Pain does not offer an oral diclofenac form. Topical NSAIDs, such as Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel (diclofenac sodium 1%), should be considered prior to the use of oral NSAIDs, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Treatment Guidelines. The goal for this ACR guideline is for patients to achieve the lowest systemic exposure, which refers to the amount of NSAID medicine circulating in the bloodstream. As a topical gel, a smaller amount of diclofenac from Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel reaches the bloodstream compared with the oral form of diclofenac. In a clinical study, the systemic exposure with Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel was 6%, or 94% less than the systemic exposure with the oral NSAID diclofenac. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is applied directly to the joints and penetrates through the skin on its way to the site of arthritis pain. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel also gives you greater flexibility in managing your arthritis pain with FDA approval for use up to 21 days, while oral NSAIDs are indicated for use up to 10 days without consulting a doctor.