Would you prescribe Voltaren Gel to a elder patient with Congestive Heart Failure?

Hey Michelef,

Here is the warning that comes with the use of Voltaren with patients that have heart conditions:

Clinical trials of several COX-2 selective and nonselective NSAIDs of up to three years duration have shown an increased risk of serious cardiovascular (CV) thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All NSAIDs, both COX-2 selective and nonselective, may have a similar risk. Patients with known CV disease or risk factors for CV disease may be at greater risk. To minimize the potential risk for an adverse CV event in patients treated with NSAIDs, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration possible. Physicians and patients should remain alert for the development of such events, even in the absence of previous CV symptoms. Patients should be informed about the signs and/or symptoms of serious CV toxicity and the steps to take if they occur.

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Keep in mind that cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure are not the same. But I would still use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. The prescription should come with a card that measures the precise amount of this medication to use.

The issue of diabetes is also of concern if her kidneys are not functioning at full capacity. The literature recommends monitoring her kidney function while using any NSAID type medication such as Voltaren.

For further reading about this medication try:

http://www.drugs.com/pro/voltaren-gel.html

Hope this helps some,

Laurie