Walgreens launches own-brand Voltaren gel, pain management support

Walgreens is coupling a new own-brand offering with the expertise of its pharmacists to create a full-store pain management offering. The retailer is unveiling its diclofenac gel, an own-brand equivalent to GSK Consumer Healthcare’s Voltaren Arthritis Pain, and rolling out one-on-one consultations with pharmacists focused on pain management solutions. 

Walgreens said that its pharmacists have received specialized training in providing empathetic care while devising pain management solutions for patients. The program was developed with support from nonprofit Global Healthy Living Foundation, which is focused on improving the lives of people with chronic disease. 

“Our comprehensive pain training, combined with an assortment of innovative pain solutions, ensure patients receive personalized, empathetic care from our pharmacists based on each patient’s situation, pain type and history,” said Rina Shah, group vice president, specialty and retail pharmacy operations, Walgreens. “In addition to pain management, our pharmacists receive specialized training to help patients manage a number of chronic conditions, including diabetes and mental health. During a time when community care is more important than ever before, patients can rest assured that their local Walgreens pharmacy is a trusted resource for the support, expertise and products they need.”

In counseling patients on pain management strategies, pharmacists look at various solutions, including OTC medications, nonpharmacologic options, specialty medications and alight and vibration therapies to explore different ways to address pain along the patient journey. Since the training launched in December 2019, Walgreens pharmacists have conducted more than 30,000 pain consultations, the company said. 

“Pain is very personal and can be very isolating,” said Seth Ginsberg, co-founder and president of the Global Healthy Living Foundation. “Patients now have a caring, trained healthcare professional in their community Walgreens pharmacy to turn to for help navigating their pain.”

Patients can access pain consultations in-store, over the phone and via Pharmacy Chat online and in the Walgreens app.