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Diclofenac topical and Burning: What Users Say

Brand names: Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, Pennsaid, Solaraze, Aspercreme Arthritis Pain Relief Gel, Licart, Flector Patch, Profinac, Diclozor, Xrylix

Burning: mentioned by 14 users (3.0%)

Based on user experiences from 466 Diclofenac topical reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

itching 3.2%
burning 3.0%
upset stomach 2.1%
allergic reaction 1.9%
rash 1.9%
nausea 1.7%
pain 1.3%
swelling 1.3%
shortness of breath 1.1%
blisters 0.9%

Reviews for Diclofenac topical

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Bar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2014

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "My daughter was given this gel for her leg pain, but it had an adverse reaction for her. It burns her and she refuses to use it, so she gave me a tube for my arthritis in both my knees, my hip, back, and ankles. WOW! This is a dream come true. It seems to work immediately for me, and putting it on right before bed allows me to sleep all night because I have slight to no pain. I wake up, use it, and then my day goes by MUCH better. I'm going to try to remember to actually take it to work with me so I can apply it there. I keep forgetting. Praise God for allowing me to try this gel. I was leery at first but tried it anyway. I am TRULY amazed and will buy more and more and more. Thank you for this amazing discovery."

10 / 10
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166 Report
  • NeN...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 24, 2016

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "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!!!"

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Rob...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 3, 2016

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I used this for sciatic pain. The first few times, it worked. Pain was reduced. Then, about the 4th or 5th time, I experienced a burning sensation. It was so strong that I had to wash off the medication to get relief."

4 / 10
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36 Report
  • Hik...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 29, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Pain "My history is spinal fusion/neck ~7 years ago - plates and screws in my neck. Now have 3 bulging disks in neck also. 6 discs removed from back (spinal stenosis, herniated discs, scoliosis) - have 6 metal plates, two steel rods, and 14 screws in back. The surgeries did help - but still have pain, burning, & pins and needles sensation in neck, shoulders & arms. Burning pain in hips, and muscular soreness throughout my back. I've been on pain meds for years and wasn't getting a lot of relief. I discussed with my MD and he ordered Voltaren Gel. I can't say enough how much relief I receive from this medicine. Can sleep better, pain much less. I've even begun hiking again!"

9 / 10
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27 Report
  • Arm...
  • May 11, 2018

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I've had sacroiliac pain off and on for many years. While it can't completely wipe out my pain, Voltaren gel definitely makes it much more bearable. It lasts a long time as well. Not just as far as treating the pain, but also as far as the time it's starting to work is concerned. It's a really good value. One thing I'd advise, however, is that you never leave it in a location where your partner can mistake it for a personal lubricant in the dark. Because there are some areas where this stuff will actually burn you. Keep it in the medicine cabinet."

7 / 10
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27 Report

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  • cuc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 13, 2016

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I was diagnosed with sciatic pain that affected my back and right thigh. I used the gel liberally as the pain increased. Eight days ago, I stopped as my right thigh was experiencing a burning sensation in the area where I had applied the gel. I still have the burning sensation. I am on various drugs for hypertension."

1 / 10
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34 Report
  • Liz...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 16, 2021

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I was given samples of this for arthritis pain in my foot due to a previous injury. I used just a little bit of it each day to make sure I wasn’t allergic. I thought after a few days it was safe, but then about 4 days later, I broke out in this horrible rash on my foot. It itches, burns, I can’t sleep at night, and it’s gone from red to purple and now swollen and red with some boils. If you have any allergies, please be careful with this medication. It’s been a week, and my foot is still awful looking."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • new...
  • January 22, 2020

Diclofenac topical "I did an MRI, and the doctor found out that I have mild tendinitis in my biceps. So, he prescribed me this medication, Pennsaid, to use twice a day. So, I used it for just one day because on the second day, my elbow and forearm were red, swollen, and burning. On the second day, it started to itch so badly. I would like to post the pictures of my arm, after 10 days, it is still itching, scabbing, and looks burned. Reading the other reviews here, I figured out how expensive it is, and it is prescribed for osteoarthritis. I am convinced that the doctor was negligent in prescribing me such strong medication that obviously was not indicated for my case."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • new...
  • January 22, 2020

Diclofenac topical "I did an MRI, and the doctor found out that I have mild tendinitis in my biceps. So, he prescribed me this medication, Pennsaid, to use twice a day. So, I used it for just one day because on the second day, my elbow and forearm were red, swollen, and burning. On the second day, it started to itch so badly. I would like to post the pictures of my arm, after 10 days, it is still itching, scabbing, and looks burned. Reading the other reviews here, I figured out how expensive it is, and it is prescribed for osteoarthritis. I am convinced that the doctor was negligent in prescribing me such strong medication that obviously was not indicated for my case."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Mol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2022

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I did a bit of gardening, and by the evening, my shoulder and arm were very achy. I rubbed a small amount of Voltaren gel on my shoulder and up my arm. I didn't think there were any problems until I went and had a bath. I noticed my shoulder and arm had blisters and spots. They were very sore. I washed the affected area and thought perhaps that would help. That night, my shoulder and arm were burning. It has now been two weeks, the blisters have gotten much better, but my skin feels so tender. I do not recommend this gel. Or, if one decides to use it, be very careful. Not sure how long my skin will take to get back to normal. I do hope it will be soon."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • sjc...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 24, 2018

For Pain "My doctor prescribed this med to relieve inflammation in my ankle and heal (Achilles tendonitis). After using it for less than a week, it caused a terrible red, burning, and itching rash that has not gone away for two weeks."

1 / 10
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3 Report
  • Jaz...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 12, 2021

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I have neck, knee, and lower back issues. My doctor gave me samples after the gel stopped working well. It did nothing for my neck but burned it. As for my lower back and knee pain, it went away a little for like 30 minutes, then everything was back hurting and in discomfort. Guess it's just not for me."

2 / 10
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0 Report
  • JB1...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2015

Diclofenac topical for Pain "Never felt any lessening of pain. After about 3 weeks of putting it on my foot, I experienced a tingling, burning sensation all the way up the leg to the knee."

4 / 10
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31 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Works for only a few minutes (10-15), and then the burning pain is back even without weight bearing."

2 / 10
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5 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.