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Voltaren Gel?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 2/7/2009 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
I've given Celebrex a good go and it doesn't seem to help with my hand pain so I called my primary to see if she would prescribe me this gel.  I have to wait the approval from the insurance company but as soon as it's ready I am going to give the gel a try.  Has anyone had good success with it?  Does it work well on OA pain?
Posted 2/8/2009 4:54 AM (GMT 0)

I have used Voltaren gel (which is over-the-counter in most countries) and a similar medication that in Canada is called Pensaid. Both are the NSAID diclofenac in a topical solution.

My understanding is that these medications are very safe. Personally, I didn't find the pain or swelling relief to be enough to be worth the effort. I had to apply it often to see any effect. The most positive aspect of them for me is that you can (according to my doctor) combine them with other NSAIDS, including dicolofenac pills, which I find quite effective.

Posted 2/8/2009 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the reply. I can't take other Nsaids so I felt this would be a safe alternative. How often do you have to apply it? And does it have a cumulative affect?
Posted 2/8/2009 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
My experience with these drugs is that their effect is subtle and not cumulative. The directions on Pensaid (that may be a Canadian name) say to apply 40 drops 4x per day. The voltaren gel is more 'gel-like' then the Pensaid. Both feel very cool and dry very fast.

Since you can't take oral NSAIDs (and I assume this is a stomach issue, not an allergy, in which case the Voltaren might be a bad idea) it MIGHT be a way of getting a little bit of relief for a few hours. Based on its OTC status in other countries, my impression is that they're pretty safe.

Hope that helps!

Posted 2/8/2009 6:27 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I can't take Nsaids due to Ulcerative Colitis (causes intestinal bleeding) but topical may not be that bad since it's not absorbed thru out the body such as an oral medication. The absorbtion is more localized and if any Nsaid enters the blood then I imagine it will be marginal. Right now I am taking Celebrex and I can only take that randomly because of my Uc - it aggravates it a bit. And even then it doesn't work that well. I just need something to help me so I can sleep at nights. Narcotic pain relievers are out due to some allergies and other intestinal issues. I'm in a pickle when it comes to pain relief! lol

And yes, that did help - thank you! :)
Posted 2/9/2009 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
I either can't stomach a lot of the arthritis meds or they didn't help.  The Voltaren really did help with the joint pain in my ankles but I am currently in a very bad flare and the Voltaren isn't doing much right now. I also had to apply it every 4 hours or so (which is how often it's prescribed) but it still helped more than some of the other meds with no side effects. 
Posted 2/11/2009 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Good news on the Voltaren! My doc gave me a sample to try first before going thru the pre-authorization procedure to have my insurance cover it. So she wanted to be sure this helps before going thru all that. I started using it yesterday, every 4 hours and so far so good! I still can't bend my fingers completely but the throbbing, sharp shooting pain in my fingers are gone. :) After I use this sample up and if I still have no adverse reactions to my Uc from this, I am definately going to have my primary authroize this medicine.

Thanks for all your input :)
Posted 2/13/2009 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking Voltarin 1%. i have artritis and other assorted pains in several places. Shoulders, lower spine, upper neck behind my head, and occasionally on both knees. I like it. After I apply I feel better. However since I massage it in I don't know whether the massaging in and of itself is working or the gel. I also find that for headaches I massage a little into my eyebrow area...occipital? and in minutes I feel great, headache gone and no pills. Good luck
Posted 4/11/2009 9:02 AM (GMT 0)
My mother was prescribed Voltarin crean and the doc gave her 5 tubes. She wanted me to try it on my hands and I thoght it was woderful stuff. You get reliet as soon as you rub it is. My hands are starting to swell and my nuckles are beginning to look funny. I have a brand new BAby Loc sewing machine that I've only gotten to sew a few times on it. I'm going to give it a try. I though it worked relly fast,,too. I 'll have to get a script for myself.
Nurse 2
Posted 4/11/2009 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
My mother was prescribed Voltarin crean and the doc gave her 5 tubes. She wanted me to try it on my hands and I thoght it was woderful stuff. You get reliet as soon as you rub it is. My hands are starting to swell and my nuckles are beginning to look funny. I have a brand new BAby Loc sewing machine that I've only gotten to sew a few times on it. I'm going to give it a try. I though it worked relly fast,,too. I 'll have to get a script for myself.
Nurse 2
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