I have meet several people who are in the same situation I am in regarding topical meds no longer working. Personally knowing two pharmaceutical chemist & they have told us that a LOT of the drugs are constantly being changed which is causing serious side effects or just doesn't work, this even includes toxic materials ending up in some of them!
I have full body CRPS for over 15 yrs which includes all organs, tissues, etc traveling daily resulting in sensitivity to many different meds. One of my doctors a few years ago helped me in learning/being involved in variety types of herbs & yes even cannabis. So I now make my own oils, teas, salves, etc to help my body heal as best as possible while decreasing some of my pain. Since doing these I've been able to cut down my infections & recovery time for flareups use to be quick until my doctor stopped prescribing certain meds to all patients (due to *DEA regs?)
Not having a doctor prescribe any pain meds has seriously affected my health, so I've been left trying to find alternatives & do many different ones just to survive each day.
I hope you get relief from your pain and if I can help in any way I'd be glad to.
Gentle hugs