“The joy of movement again”: With slogans like this, the Voltaren brand has become very well known. It presents itself in advertising as Germany’s “number 1 for pain” – with success: many swear by the tablets and ointments, whether for lumbago and knee pain or as a prophylactic before exercise.
But the active ingredient diclofenac, which is found in Voltaren and many other painkillers, is highly controversial. Critics consider it mostly dispensable and sometimes even risky. And they point to serious environmental damage caused by diclofenac residues. This is exactly what is now at the center of a new EU regulation.
Access to all STERN PLUS content and articles from the print magazine
ad-free
Already registered?
