I've used Voltaren Gel for about 5 years, the gel not the patch. I use it for leg/muscle and arthritis pain, it's always worked very well for me.

Glad your getting some relief with it.

Kat

this is the first i've heard about this and want to know more. i'll search about it. i can't believe no dr has ever recommended this.

thanks for posting.

I've tried the gel for my RA and didn't work :(
my nurse at my RA office uses it and gets relief.
Glad its helping!
Xo MLC.

Sorry I spelt it wrong Serenity...it is Voltaren. It is kind of hyped up NSAID that is topical. The patches slid around on me(I got samples) and on my formulary it is $45...but it is a large tube and I apply it twice a day. It somes with a plastic stick that you use to measure it, then swipe it on and rub it in. It is for my low back so my husband rubs it in for me(I make him use gloves...no sense in him getting exposure to the med through his skin). I'm hoping it continues to work and just keeps reducing the inflammation. Any relief is a great step forward.

Wow..thanks for posting this..I haven't heard of it either..and am going to research it, too.
Thanks again..hugs..jc

I'll research..but.anyone know offhand if it affects the heart like oral NSAIDS?

Serenity it's by prescription only and it's been around for a few years. The tube is pretty large like a toothpaste tube and you only have to use a small amount on the painful area, so it can last quite a while. It has a nice "warming" effect when you put it on, but the smell is not very strong.

It's Diclofenac, same as the pills but in a compound gel form.

I've had good results for it, but only ever used it on leg pain. Hope it works for you.

Kat

Jan...I think they still must list some of the side effects and interactions.

From DRUGS.COM

Important information about Voltaren

Voltaren may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use Voltaren just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Voltaren may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Voltaren, especially in older adults.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cold, allergy, or other pain medicine. Medicines similar to diclofenac are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medication. Check the label to see if a medicine contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen. Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

i use diclofenac in pill form. it seems to be helping well with other medications. idid use the cream for awhile. it does seem to help. i do recommend this pain reliever.

Jancam,

Heres what the mfg. site says:

While the risk of absorbing diclofenac from Voltaren Topical Gel into your bloodstream is low, an NSAID can cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.

This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are using Voltaren Gel, especially in older adults.

Do not use Voltaren Gel if you have ever had asthma or a severe allergic reaction caused by aspirin, diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), or another NSAID. Do not use diclofenac just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or (CABG).

Kat

Thanks, Gus..or..er..gals..

So..it can have same problems as the oral long-term..
Guess that would mean if you can't take the oral you shouldn't use the applied.
I'll ask my pharmacist..as y'all know..I defer to them about mess over Dr.
Hugs

I was thinking about the long term implications, but I'm hoping after more testing they will realize it doesn't get absorbed as much as a pill. There are draw backs to everthing. Peace and hugs to everyone.

Still might be able to use it on a not so regular basis..I'm going to find out...thanks

Every thing in moderation. Heat works just as well for me, no side effects.
I have used Voltaren, suppositories, cream and oral. I no longer use any of these. I still needed my pain meds and heat worked just ad well with rest.

Everyone is different....as Dr Kat explains. Dr Kat your knowledge expressed in medical terms etc, has me deciding on this ' nic' name. If I offend please let me know.

With good intentions ;) L

JC,

I'm probably the last person you want advice from but, I have cardiac issues and the Voltaren Gel has never been a problem. It's way, way weaker and the absorbtion vs. ingestion breaks down differently in the blood stream. Like I said i've used it religiously for about 5 years and never had a cardiac incident.

Kat