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.

I have never heard of this product.

gmi

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

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.

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.
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.

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

Been a great product for me

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