Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2008

"I woke up one morning 6 months ago with severe lower back pain. Since I have stomach problems and am unable to take oral NSAIDs, narcotics, or Ultram, I tried Lidoderm patches without success. Then I read about Voltaren gel in Arthritis Today magazine and asked my doctor for it. It has worked well and this is the only way I am able to sit without severe pain."

• NeN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2016

"I have been using Pennsaid topical for a week now on my neck (facets in my cervical 2-7 are narrowing and pinching nerves)... Great results... Not having any pain... It is calming down the nerves!!! What a relief!! The only side effect is a slight burning for about the first five minutes after applying... But then it subsides! This is a Godsend for me!!!"

• gro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2014

"Relieves knee and hip osteoarthritis pain immediately. I have used it when required for approximately 4 years with no known side effects. I am a 70-year-old with hypertension controlled with medication."

• Ost...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 2, 2016

"The first time my doctor suggested Voltaren cream. I have osteo in both knees, right ankle, and my spine. After several tubes and no reduction of pain or swelling, my doctor suggested Pennsaid. The difference was like day and night. Not only did it reduce the pain, but the swelling in my ankle was also reduced. When I investigated both products, I was shocked to find that only Pennsaid contains a delivery agent, DMSO, that Voltaren does not. So it seems the DMSO delivers directly into the joint while the Voltaren only stays on the skin. Bottom line, I will never spend my money on anything else going forward. Pennsaid works for me."

• bob...
• March 8, 2016

"I had a bad reaction to this medicine; trouble breathing, tight throat, cold hands and feet, increased pulse, strong headache, then fatigue. It was very frightening, but did go away after several hours."

• tra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2020

"The smell of Voltaren Gel is, in my opinion, atrocious, like men's cheap aftershave. Especially hard to go to sleep smelling it, seems to take forever to dissipate. That being said, I've only been using this since yesterday, and I do notice the pain in my knee has improved a bit. The warnings are scary, but a cortisone shot did not help me at all, so I'm trying other avenues. I'm optimistic about the gel, I like the fact it's a topical treatment allowing you to focus directly on the joint bothering you. If I continue to notice my pain lessening, I'll stick with it. Now, if they could just do something about the aroma."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2012

"My doctor gave me some samples last year. It did work on my knees, and I also used it on my lower back. I wish I had gotten a prescription for it because it gave me relief from oral medicines for a couple of days."

• Ski...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2015

"I am a chronic pain guy, an athlete with numerous aches and pains. Voltaren was prescribed to me for my knees, which have osteoarthritis. It seems to give me some relief, but those of you that are saying it makes you pain-free are stretching it a bit. I was unaware I could use it on my back, which I will try. To be continued...."

• 121...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 30, 2017

"I have been using Voltaren Gel 1% for about 7 years. The doctor also gives me narco for severe pain. I have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. I also was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I had surgery for L4 and L5 spinal stenosis in 2010. My back and legs were in such severe pain for years. I put the surgery off until I just could not stand for even 5 minutes to wash dishes or fold clothes. Then I had to lay down to get rid of the pain. I am back to that stage again, but this time I have Voltaren Gel. It is a blessing, I apply it to my waist area and neck, and also my right shoulder, and it goes to work immediately. I have been using less narco since I realized Voltaren works better for me."

• bro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 1, 2015

"Have been using Pennsaid for over eight years but strictly on an as-needed basis (2-3) times a week. Very effective for knees and hips (almost instant relief). Only side effect is an occasional oral off-taste."

• eli...
• December 19, 2011

"I went to a fancy sports Dr. to no avail. The cortisone shot also didn't help shoulder pain but for a couple of months. I love this product. It has given life back to my arm. I can only use my arm without pain if I use this gel. I use it in the morning when I wake up. If I don't use the gel, my shoulder and joints down to my elbow are impossible to deal with."

• Day...
• July 11, 2017

"I use Voltaren Gel for knee arthritis. If I take a pain pill, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to work. This works in seconds and fixes 'most' of the pain, 'most' of the time. It also helps my very sore feet, probably plantar fasciitis. I don't know why they did not give this to me earlier, it's much more effective than oral NSAIDs or even Vicodin, as this works faster, much faster. I use it less often than recommended (up to 4 times a day) because it's not needed. Once or twice a day for me relieves the pain, pronto. It also helps my wife with her osteoarthritis pain."

• NoN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2018

"I have been using this for a few weeks now, and I can feel a difference. I work in an assembly plant, so therefore I make the same movement all day long. It works on my shoulders and my wrist. People are saying it costs too much, or some get it at a discounted price. I get mine absolutely free and shipped to my house, all for free. My doctor is the one who told me that she wasn’t even going to write a prescription and have me go to my local pharmacy since I would still pay full price. She uses a mail order pharmacy. She told me that it would cost as much as $10.00, but when the pharmacy called to verify all information, they said it’s free!! So you all need to talk to your doctors about a mail order pharmacy! My doctor saved me tons of money!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2020

"This Voltaren Gel does nothing. I get more relief with Aspercreme with lidocaine. I have major swelling and arthritis in my knee and my back with sciatica in my back as well. Never felt any relief with this."

• 66 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2021

"I had horrible arthritis in my wrist, no relief from anything - after several weeks of Voltaren, pain is gone, can use my wrist and hand like usual, including playing piano and accordion, which I had given up on prior to this gel. I have had zero side effects of any sort - it's been a blessing for me."

• dim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2018

"Took diclofenac sodium 75 for an athletic knee injury. Worked fantastic. Became familiar with the gel through my pharmacy studies and tried it on the occasional flare-up. It's wonderful, feels great and soothing. While it does go systemic after initial absorption, I enjoy that it can be directed mainly at the specific area that needs help. Try it."

• Luf...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 7, 2016

"I have rheumatoid arthritis and Stage 4 tibia tendon dysfunction with collapsed ankles, and I use Voltaren 1% now, and it helps with my pain. But if you can get 3% gel, it's way better. My insurance paid for it for a year, but then classified it as experimental and wouldn't cover it."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2011

"It works very well for my joint pain. My feet hurt so bad when I walk on them for 10 minutes or longer, and my lower back hurts when I sit or stand for 10 minutes or longer. Voltaren gel eases the pain but does not take it completely away. I'm much worse without it. I notice someone was taking Motrin while using this gel. I read to not use certain medications when using this gel. Double check, please. Just want people to be safe or ask doctors."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2018

"I've got bad arthritis. I had bilateral knee replacement done 3 years ago, my right shoulder rebuilt, and right hand surgery, all within the past 5 years. I've taken so many Advil a day to combat the misery, along with Manuka honey and cinnamon trying to work through the pain and have a joy-filled life, but no lie, it's really, REALLY hard some days! I found an unopened box of Pennsaid. I thought I had nothing to lose and began using it. I am stunned!! It has taken the burning waves of severe pain out of both hips... (THAT IS HUGE FOR ME!!!)... and has really helped my hands be able to work. It has relieved the residual pain I have in both knees and even the pain of swollen joints in my feet! I'm so happy and pleasantly surprised as I was a total skeptic. I'm so happy to have a life again... it's been a while!!"

• Net...
• July 29, 2015

"This seems to help my pain, but I find the odor a deterrent to using it regularly. I am allergic to most fragrances, and this is no exception. Why do they add fragrance when it is a common issue for people with allergies?"

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2018

"I can't take NSAIDs because I get extremely sick to my stomach when I do (I was diagnosed with gastritis), and my orthopedic doctor gave me a few samples of PENNSAID, and I am impressed. Inside one packet of 2% gel on my knee, the swelling went down almost immediately, and the pain was completely gone for almost 8 hours. I have many joint issues. I have worked in the service industry for over 20 years, and I love what this drug can do. Unfortunately, I can't afford it ($1000/month?), and of course my insurance won't cover it. It's really a shame because I think this is a breakthrough kind of treatment for pain. If drugs like this were more available, maybe there wouldn't be such an opiate epidemic in the U.S. Lives would be saved in the long run, and fewer resources would be used on patients ODing."

• My...
• April 12, 2016

"I have been using this 3-4 times a day for just over two weeks, along with one 20 mg piroxicam a day for osteoarthritis. I am male, 64 years. I have not been overly impressed with either thus far. But I have noticed a little less stiffness and some range of motion. But in fairness, the inflammation is no doubt very deep in both joints and would take time for the medicine to hit its target area. The doctor told me to give it time, which I felt was reasonable. I find the gel to have a pleasant smell and rubs in nice and dries pretty quick. I am using the Voltaren Gel that says, diclofenac sodium topical gel 1%. Don't quote me, but I believe they also make it with 2% diclofenac sodium? With insurance, my cost was 42.00 for 5 tubes. Greasing both knees uses a lot."

• FEE...
• March 11, 2009

"I was prescribed this medication for use on several areas of my body that are ravaged by osteoarthritis. I have had great results, when used regularly, this gel works. It is a fast-acting medication, so you can apply it and get on with activities right away. The cost of the medicine is high, but if you have tried products such as Aspercreme, Biofreeze, or Joint Flex, you will see that the cost and relief you get are directly related. I have and will continue to recommend this medicine to anyone who needs relief from osteoarthritis. Thanks for the help, Novartis."

• cc4...
• February 21, 2011

"For more than 2 years I have had pain in the lower back and left shoulder. It was VERY uncomfortable to sleep and experienced major discomfort when rising. My back orthopedist told me not to worry about this. I applied a 1/16" dose of my wife's Voltaren Gel to the affected areas a week ago and have been pain-free the entire time. Miracle medicine."

• Bgb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 16, 2018

"I have some chronic health problems, and NSAIDs are not safe for me. Last history of MI, ulcers, stroke, paralysis, eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, fibromyalgia, and severe degenerative disc disease. Currently, I can't get adequate pain relief due to 'the opioid crisis.' Gabapentin is ineffective. Voltaren gel is better than nothing. Unfortunately, I've had to resort to using ibuprofen and getting injections of Toradol. My doctor gives me the shots and is aware of my NSAIDs use, yet refuses to write for a small amount of pills to have for those 10 to 14 days a month when my pain puts me in bed. I am suffering with neuropathies, chronic pain, poor quality of life, a 4th lumbar vertebral compression fracture. I'm told, suck it up, cupcake! Whatever happened to a patient's right to adequate pain relief? The government has no place between a patient and doctor. I'll take my chances with your black box warnings. Cinda Marie Helen Miller, retired RN."