Introduction About VIVO GEL

VIVO GEL contains 3 drugs namely Diclofenac and menthol which belong to the drug class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Counter-irritants. It also contains virgin linseed oil which is the oil extracted from flax seeds and is rich in antioxidants.

VIVO GEL is used to relieve pain associated with injury to joints and muscles, which can occur as a result of straining and spraining while playing sports or due to the injury occurring due to age, wherein the cushion at the ends of the bone gets degraded, resulting in pain and inflammation (osteoarthritis). This pain and inflammation control is done by diclofenac and linseed oil present in VIVO GEL, whereas menthol provides cooling pain relief.

It is also not advised for patients who have asthma or who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. It is also not recommended to be applied to skin that is open due to eczema, wounds, and cuts.

VIVO GEL is not recommended for children below the age of 14. It is also not recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester or nursing women. However, during the first six months, VIVO GEL can be used by pregnant women only if advised by a doctor.

The most common side effects of taking VIVO GEL are inflammation of the skin, characterised by dryness, itch, and cracks in the uppermost layer of skin, skin rashes, etc. Consult your doctor if any of your symptoms get worse.

Uses Of VIVO GEL

• Relieve pain in conditions affecting joints and muscles of the body
• Decrease inflammation in conditions affecting joints and muscles of the body
• Manage muscle injuries such as spraining, straining and bruising of muscles
• Manage pain-associated bone injuries such as backaches, injuries happened during sports
• Manage pain associated with inflammation of the group of fibres connecting muscles with bones called Tendons. (Ex. Tennis Elbow, where in the tendon gets inflamed and gets extremely painful)
• Manage pain associated with a disorder, usually seen in the elderly, referred to as Osteoarthritis wherein the cushion at the end of the bones gets inflamed resulting in immense pain
• Provide cooling and pain relief

How VIVO GEL Works

VIVO GEL is a combination of the drugs diclofenac, menthol, and linseed oil that is applied topically on the skin to relieve muscle and joint pain. Diclofenac, which is present in VIVO GEL, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation by decreasing the inflammation-causing chemicals (prostaglandins).

Menthol provides cooling pain relief, implying that menthol stimulates the cold impulse in the managed area to divert the brain from perceiving pain. Linseed oil in VIVO GEL provides pain relief by interfering with the action of bradykinin, another chemical responsible for inflammation. All three drugs work together to reduce inflammation and pain in the muscles and bones. 

How to use VIVO GEL

Always apply VIVO GEL as directed by your physician. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition. It is meant for external use only. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area. Managed areas on the face need not be covered with a plaster or bandage.

Care must be taken to avoid VIVO GEL getting into the eyes. Also, care must be taken not to apply VIVO GEL on wounded, injured, or eczematous skin. It is recommended not to use VIVO GEL for more than 2-3 weeks to manage muscular pain due to spraining and straining.

Side Effects Of VIVO GEL

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash Or Itching

Do not scratch the rash. To manage infection of the rash, keep your nails trimmed. Practice good self-care and hygiene measures. Keep the area clean and dry. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the skin to avoid dirt, bacteria, and fungal build-up. Always dry your skin after washing. Do not leave it damp. Consult a doctor if the condition gets worse.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor

It is recommended to use VIVO GEL with caution in pregnant women during the first and second trimesters. The dosage and frequency should be kept minimum. However, during the last 3 months of pregnancy, it is not recommended to use VIVO GEL. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

VIVO GEL is generally not recommended for nursing women. However, it can be used with caution, only if advised by doctor. Care must be taken to not apply VIVO GEL on breasts of nursing women. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

VIVO GEL does not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

Allergy

Contraindicated

VIVO GEL is not recommended if you are allergic to Diclofenac and/or Menthol and/or Linseed Oil and/or any other constituent of the drug. Consult your doctor before use.

Lungs

Contraindicated

VIVO GEL is not recommended if you are diagnosed with allergic conditions like Asthma which is characterized by difficult breathing along with wheezing sound generation and feeling tightness in the chest region. Consult your doctor before use.

Heart Disease

Contraindicated

VIVO GEL is not recommended if you recently undergone a surgery of heart called as Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. Consult your doctor before use.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

VIVO GEL is not recommended for children below the age of 14. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking VIVO GEL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the    following medicine:

• Medications used to manage pain such as aspirin and ibuprofen

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally swallowed VIVO GEL, visit the nearby hospital or consult your doctor immediately.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep VIVO GEL out of reach from children
• Keep VIVO GEL safe from light and humidity
• Keep it below 30° Celsius

FAQs About VIVO GEL

Q: What is VIVO GEL used for?

A: VIVO GEL is a pain-relieving gel and is used to relieve pain associated with injury to joints and muscles, which can occur as a result of straining and spraining while playing sports or due to the injury occurring due to age, wherein the cushion at the ends of the bone gets degraded, resulting in pain and inflammation (osteoarthritis). This pain and inflammation control is done by diclofenac and linseed oil present in VIVO GEL, whereas menthol provides cooling pain relief.

Q: Can I use VIVO GEL during pregnancy?

A: Pregnant women should use VIVO GEL with caution during the first and second trimesters. The dosage and frequency should be kept to a minimum. However, during the last 3 months of pregnancy, it is not recommended to use VIVO GEL. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Q: Can nursing women use VIVO GEL?

A: No, VIVO GEL is generally not recommended for nursing women. However, it should be used with caution and only if advised by a doctor. Care must be taken not to apply GBNKEYWORD to the breasts of nursing women. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Q: How to use VIVO GEL?

A: Always apply VIVO GEL as directed by your physician. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition. It is meant for external use only. Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area. Managed areas on the face need not be covered with a plaster or bandage.

Care must be taken to avoid VIVO GEL getting into the eyes. Also, care must be taken not to apply VIVO GEL on wounded, injured, or eczematous skin. It is recommended not to use VIVO GEL for more than 2-3 weeks to manage muscular pain due to spraining and straining. For patients with arthritis, the frequency and duration of application of VIVO GEL may vary.

Q: Can VIVO GEL be taken by children?

A: No, VIVO GEL is not recommended for children below the age of 14. Consult your doctor before using VIVO GEL.

Q: How should I store VIVO GEL?

A: VIVO GEL should be stored away from direct sunlight and at temperatures below 300 °C.Also, VIVO GEL must be kept out of the reach of children.

Q: Can I apply VIVO GEL to relieve pain associated with eczema?

A: No, VIVO GEL is not recommended to be used on broken skin. People suffering from eczema, wounds, and injuries of the skin, and/or any other disorder of the skin that leaves the skin open, are not recommended to use VIVO GEL. Before using, consult your doctor.

References

1. KD. Tripathi. Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs and Antipyretic-Analgesics. Page- 192.

2. KD. Tripathi. Drugs Acting on Skin and Mucous Membranes. Page- 886.

3. Lai, P.M., Collaku, A. and Reed, K., 2017. Efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac/menthol gel for ankle sprain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-and active-controlled trial. Journal of International Medical Research. [Published on 27th March 2017] [Accessed on 29th August 2022] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0300060517700322

4. Nair, B. and Taylor-Gjevre, R., 2010. A review of topical diclofenac use in musculoskeletal disease. Pharmaceuticals. [Published on 11th June 2010] [Accessed on 29th August 2022] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/3/6/1892

5. Kaithwas, G., Mukherjee, A., Chaurasia, A.K. and Majumdar, D.K., 2011. Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Linum usitatissimum L.(flaxseed/linseed) fixed oil. [Published in December 2011] [Accessed on 29th August 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22403867/

6. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (UK) Trading Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2022] [Accessed on 29th August 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.366.pdf

7. Quality Health Innovations Limited. [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 29th August 2022] https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=0b1ff981-bf22-4d12-8484-c5fa3b1a4000&type=display