Diclofenac topical and Swelling: 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."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2021

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."

• 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."

• jac...
• May 7, 2018

"Dr. prescribed for tendon/muscle problems in my elbow. Had injections that helped but were extremely painful. Used Pennsaid for 10 days and pain was mostly gone. Then, elbow swollen, reddened, with blisters and itching. Stopped using Pennsaid. Two weeks later, swelling, redness, and most blisters were gone. Itching continues. Use caution with this product, obviously didn't work for me."

• new...
• January 22, 2020

"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."

• Blu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2021

For Pain "This is what the VA is pushing for pain relief... does nothing! In fact, my leg swelled, reddened, and became itchy. Stopped using it."