Diclofenac topical and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Sor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

Diclofenac topical for Pain "I have chronic intractable pain caused by a car accident 50 years ago. 40 years later: fused/plated/screws/rods/nuts/bolts from C2-C7. Also L-spine issues, shoulder tears, arthritis, muscle spasms, lots of nerve damage. 30 years ago I learned oral anti-inflammatory medications were not my friends. When Voltaren gel was new, I tried it a couple of times but found no relief. I recently decided to try Voltaren gel again. BIG MISTAKE ON MY PART! Following the directions, I applied a pea-sized amount in a very small area. 3 days & 6 applications later, my stomach began to burn. It continued up my esophagus to mouth, lips & tongue. It was agony! I caution others with sensitivities or allergies to NSAIDs to think twice before using this medication. It took a full four weeks for the burning to stop. I can't help but be concerned as this medication goes OTC. If I could give a negative number for Voltaren gel, I would. If I could assign the actual number of days used, I would."

• Sop...
• June 6, 2020

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "Voltaren Gel was prescribed years ago when it was a prescription, and I did feel pain relief in my knee, but my stomach hurt a lot from it. I tried it now that it is over the counter, and there is a little help with my knee, but major all-day migraine and sweats from using it."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2019

Diclofenac topical for Pain "An important warning: two people switching from ibuprofen or other medications that cause stomach bleeding. I found out that Voltaren gel does this too. Even though it is a topical lotion, it will still give you serious stomach problems. I found this out the hard way after ditching ibuprofen and other pain relievers, and my blood loss came back just as severe once I started the gel. And I had to go on Nexium and iron supplements. I just did not assume this would be the case since it is a gel, but if you look it up, you will see that in fact, it can be just as dangerous. It works really well, no doubt. I was using too much of the extra strength to make up for stopping Aleve and Advil. I think if you use smaller doses in a concentrated area, it would still be better than those, however. It started with stomach discomfort and diarrhea, a slow process. But nonetheless, I was back where I had been before with a burnt stomach lining from too much ibuprofen."

• BCa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have been in pain management for 9 years. Chronic lower back pain and sciatica have been treated with methadone, 30 mg daily. I do not take drugs like Voltaren, diclofenac, orally because of stomach upset. My arthritis has become more of a problem now. My wrist joint becomes very painful and swollen. This diclofenac gel has been very helpful - I was skeptical. Using a 4-gram dose 2X daily has relieved a lot of pain and inflammation. Thank you."

• Mom...
• July 5, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I'm allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. My doctor knew this. He insisted that this stuff would be fine for me. He put a dab on my hand and said that since there wasn't a rash, I was fine. I put it in the places he told me to and then I got very, very, very sick. Lethargic almost. It was awful. Major, major, major stomach cramps and pain. My throat started to close up. It was awful. Do not take this if you are allergic to ibuprofen. You'll regret it. Some doctors truly are idiots."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2011

Diclofenac topical for Pain "The gel helps with the pain, but my stomach was a little upset. I got a mild headache, and I felt very drowsy and out of it. Yes, I know it's the gel, but I still had side effects. I only rubbed in a small amount. I can't swear by it, but I think it also caused me to have several anxiety attacks, which I think are related to the woozy out of it feeling. It says it makes you dizzy on the box."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2019

Diclofenac topical for Pain "Pros: Worked great for my pulled psoas muscle in my lower back. Does not cause the stomach issues of ibuprofen. Can cut into shapes that work on almost any area. Cons: Price (coupon helps). Not as effective on deep injuries - knee meniscus. Shelf life (not sure if you can store in the fridge). Bottom line: Highly recommended for muscle/joint pain close to the surface if you can get them for a good price."

• Mmo...
• June 24, 2017

Diclofenac topical for Osteoarthritis "I am 53 and have OA under my kneecaps due to patellofemoral syndrome and poor kneecap tracking. No swelling, but lots of pain. Can't take oral NSAIDs due to stomach issues. Unfortunately, despite applying this three times a day for weeks, there was no improvement in pain."

• LPS...
• January 22, 2021

Diclofenac topical for Pain "A podiatrist prescribed Voltaren for my Haglund’s deformity, which is a hard bump on the heel. It’s been bothering me for a year but became unbearable recently after three days at Disney. The warning saying not to use the gel for longer than 21 days was worrying, but I started applying it anyway. Honestly, it doesn’t help much. I’m also wearing a compression boot for six weeks and taking a prescription NSAID that’s wreaking havoc on my stomach. But there’s my deformity, hard and round and painful. I hate the thought of surgery, but I also can’t give up walking!"

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2016

For Pain "I have tendonitis in both wrists from years of repetitive movement, and a 10% gel did help, but not as much as I had hoped. I had to apply it three times a day for at least three days before seeing any results. I experienced severe stomach cramps and diarrhea for side effects."