For Healthcare Professionals

Pain relief gel

Evoflex is a multi-ingredient topical formulation for the temporary relief of lower back pain, muscular pain and joint pain.

General Sale Medicine.

Overview

Evoflex combines two proven active ingredients – Diclofenac Diethylamine and Methyl Salicylate – with menthol and capsaicin, and is designed to support pain management through multiple sensory and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Overview

Evoflex combines two proven active ingredients — Diclofenac Diethylamine and Methyl Salicylate — with menthol and capsaicin, and is designed to support pain management through multiple sensory and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Composition

Active

Additional ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Diclofenac

NSAID with well-documented anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects when used topically
Reduces production of prostaglandins by inhibiting COX enzymes → leads to reduced inflammation and associated pain

Methyl salicylate

Provides a counter-irritant warming effect through vasodilation of cutaneous blood vessels
May contribute to short-term symptom relief through modulation of local pain perception

Menthol

Provides a cooling sensation via activation of TRPM8 receptors in the skin
Contributes to perceived relief of pain through sensory distraction

Capsaicin

Capsaicin contributes to a warming sensation
Activation of TRPV1 receptors → sensory modulation

Clinical Evidence Base

Diclofenac topical: Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses confirm efficacy for:

Acute musculoskeletal pain
Soft tissue injury
Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis-related joint pain
Better tolerability vs oral NSAIDs in many cases  (References: Derry et al, Cochrane Database 2015; Altman et al, Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009)

Methyl Salicylate: supported in OTC counter-irritant formulations for short-term symptomatic relief in muscle and joint pain (Zhang et al, Drugs 2018).

Capsaicin: In OTC consumer formulations, capsaicin is typically included at lower doses to provide a warming sensation and contribute to the sensory experience of the product.

The capsaicin content in Evoflex is included to support the warming sensation as part of the overall topical experience. (Reference: Anand et al, Br J Anaesth 2011.)

Menthol: commonly included in combination counter-irritant formulations to provide a cooling sensory effect.

While typically present in such products, the effective dose is formulation-dependent and not always specified in published studies (Zhang et al, Drugs 2018; Lin et al, J Clin Med 2020).

Diclofenac topical: Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses confirm efficacy for:

Acute musculoskeletal pain
Soft tissue injury
Mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis-related joint pain
Better tolerability vs oral NSAIDs in many cases  (References: Derry et al, Cochrane Database 2015; Altman et al, Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009)

Methyl Salicylate: supported in OTC counter-irritant formulations for short-term symptomatic relief in muscle and joint pain (Zhang et al, Drugs 2018).

Capsaicin: In OTC consumer formulations, capsaicin is typically included at lower doses to provide a warming sensation and contribute to the sensory experience of the product.

The capsaicin content in Evoflex is included to support the warming sensation as part of the overall topical experience. (Reference: Anand et al, Br J Anaesth 2011.)

Menthol: commonly included in combination counter-irritant formulations to provide a cooling sensory effect.

While typically present in such products, the effective dose is formulation-dependent and not always specified in published studies (Zhang et al, Drugs 2018; Lin et al, J Clin Med 2020).

Practical Points for HCPs

Evoflex offers a broader sensory experience than standard diclofenac-only or sensory effect-only topical rubs.

May be appropriate for patients seeking:

A topical product with both anti-inflammatory action and warming/cooling sensations
Support for mild arthritis-related stiffness where topical application is suitable
An alternative to heat rubs or simple menthol-based gels
Suitable for adults and children over 12 years
Generally well-tolerated; standard NSAID contraindications apply
Should not be applied to broken skin or used concurrently with other NSAID products unless advised

Read our latest article

When Pain Relief Becomes a Pain

Walk into any pharmacy or supermarket in New Zealand and the pain relief shelf still looks much like it did a decade ago....

Have questions
about Evoflex?

We’ve got answers. From how it works to who it’s for, our FAQs cover everything you need to know to feel confident about choosing Evoflex.

What is Evoflex used for?

Evoflex is used for the temporary relief of muscle pain, joint pain, lower back pain, and soft tissue strain. It’s suitable for people with active lifestyles, arthritis-related stiffness, or everyday physical discomfort. To find out if Evoflex is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How is Evoflex different from other pain relief gels?

Evoflex combines four key ingredients providing anti-inflammatory support plus warming and cooling sensations, providing anti-inflammatory action with added warming and cooling effect — all in one gel.

Does Evoflex contain diclofenac?

Yes. Evoflex contains diclofenac diethylamine (11.6mg/g), a well-known anti-inflammatory. In Evoflex, it is combined with three other ingredients to support multi-sensory pain relief.