[barb02]

Has anyone tried voltaren gel? My pcp gave me a prescription for it today and a sample. It is for arthritis. My knees are killing me -- making walking more difficult and also keeping me awake at night. She said that some people have had good results with it and it sounded great (no pills) until I read the side effects. It has all the same side effects of the non steroidal anit inflammatory. "heart problems, bleedding ulcers, etc "Death rarely occurs") I did not want to take an oral med due to a past history of ulcers. I did apply some at the office from the sample, under her supervision.

I also have an appointment for pt starting next Friday.

[gonnamakeit]

I have never heard of this product.

gmi

[tovaxin_lab_rat]

I use it for this godawful pain I've been having in my shoulder and arm. It helps. Be sure the READ THE INSERT.

[barb02]

Read the insert yesterday -- kind of scary! But I also realize that they give almost all of the same warnings (except for skin reactions) for all of the NSAIDs. I hate reading/hearing all of these warnings anymore. With my history of allergic reactions and side effects, it makes me afraid to try anything new.

[Koala77]

Voltaren Gel is a very good medication and many people get excellent results from it, but the gel has all the same side effects and concerns as the oral version of Voltaren.

I did not want to take an oral med due to a past history of ulcers.

The gel form can still stir up gastric problems, and can still make an old gastric erosion bleed. I remember the doctors at the last hospital I worked in being very particular about us nurses not using it on patients with a past history of ulcers....not ever.

MrsD would be able to give you more information should you wish to address your concerns to her in the Medication Forum.

[watsonsh]

I use the gel and sometimes the flector patches with the gel.

Been a great product for me

[tovaxin_lab_rat]

Originally Posted by barb02

Read the insert yesterday -- kind of scary! But I also realize that they give almost all of the same warnings (except for skin reactions) for all of the NSAIDs. I hate reading/hearing all of these warnings anymore. With my history of allergic reactions and side effects, it makes me afraid to try anything new.

I was just referring to not using heat with the gel. The doc pointed that out to me.