Diclofenac topical and Pain: What Users Say

• big...
• December 31, 2015

For Pain "After purchasing the medicine for shoulder pain, I followed directions and applied 4 times a day. The second day, the applied area (upper arm and shoulder) was turning dark. By the end of the second day, the arm was black, swollen, and painful. An emergency room visit did not provide any relief other than telling me to discontinue use of the gel. I have an artificial heart valve that requires that I take a blood thinner, which was discussed with the prescribing physician and had been used as prescribed. The arm continued to swell, and the blackness continued down the arm with pain that became unbearable. An ambulance was summoned to take me back to the hospital, emergency room personnel could not diagnose the situation completely, and I was admitted to the ward. Surgery was required."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2011

For Osteoarthritis "Was prescribed this after a fall on my lower back, and it worked wonders. I like to put it on at night and then wake up pain-free. I have now started to use it on my arthritis in my neck. Can move freely 5 minutes after application with only slight pain (although I can still hear all the clicking noises)."

• Luk...
• June 11, 2018

For Pain "I have a problem with osteoarthritis in my hip. Doctor prescription: 8 Tylenol 500 mg a day, meloxicam 15 mg, and 30 mg of duloxetine. I have been in pain for 3 months now. So I started using Voltaren gel, 2 times a day. After a week, I could not sleep, I had fire in my right legs, and I had to use 2 canes to walk. 3 drugstores told me to stop Voltaren. Now my leg is as before, but osteoarthritis is still the same. I am diabetic, glipizide, metformin, insulin, and losartan. I think there is interference."

• bil...
• January 19, 2009

For Pain "This gel was prescribed to me to help wean me off of a strong dose of anti-inflammatory. I have a bone bruise on my knee, and the orthopedic doctor said it will take a year to heal. I am unable to do my usual 4 miles on the treadmill or even walk around the block. When I ease off the anti-inflammatory medicine, my knee swells up, and I can barely walk. This has not helped my knee that much. However, I have started to use it for some swelling/pain in my thumb, and I also have some lower back and neck pain, and it helps."

• Jai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "My doctor sent me home diclofenac patches, however, since they’re not covered by my insurance and cost way too much to pay for out of pocket ($300 too much), he called in a prescription for the gel. The patches worked awesome, and the gel I’m NOT a fan of at all. I have bursitis in my right hip and a large annulus tear in my lower back, and my skin where I rub the gel has become overly sensitive and painful to touch."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2012

For Pain "I have plantar fasciitis in both feet, which had changed my gait until I had bursitis in both hips and was in quite a bit of pain. Within 24 hours, the bursitis and pain in my feet had subsided! I have no trouble getting around at all now and can take long walks without paying for it later. Incredible! Love them. I use them on both insteps 24 hours a day."