Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel and Itching: What Users Say

• use...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 7, 2013

For Pain "I use this gel for both a general-purpose anti-inflammatory and for tendinitis in my wrists. It works well with inflammation, and it works miracles on tendinitis. Within seconds of applying, I'm able to move my wrist with almost no pain. Causes skin irritation if used too often, however."

• way...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I am a type 2 diabetic for about 20 years now, and last year my one knee really got sore, and walking was tough. I used all kinds of pain creams on my knee, but nothing worked. I got a cortisone shot, and it worked for about a month, but it really elevates the blood sugars. Now I have been using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on my feet for a few years to get rid of the nerve pain because nothing else worked. So I shaved my knee and tried the DMSO, and like the foot pain, I find it gives me about 10 days of relief. My family doctor is not a fan of the cortisone shots and says the DMSO is safer. I am now trying DMSO mixed with some Voltaren. I leave it on for an hour, then wash the knee and apply aloe vera to reduce the itching from the Voltaren. The 50/50 mixture itches more than the DMSO. But I can walk without hobbling along like Chester."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2017

For Pain "I used the gel once, as prescribed, and broke out in a rash all over my body. The rash is called erythema multiforme. I was covered in bright red, raised welts and hives for close to two weeks. The experience was itchy, uncomfortable, and overall unpleasant. My Dr. said to stop using the gel, but the most frustrating part was there was nothing anyone can do. It simply needed to 'run its course!' Use at your own risk!"

• MoB...
• November 10, 2017

For Pain "My pain management doctor prescribed this for hip bursitis. I have not experienced any pain relief from it at all. I’ve been using this topical gel for several months, and it was only until approximately four months later that I associated itching all over my body after I use the gel. I thought it was my imagination, but I have tested it out several times. I am not itchy in the area that I apply the gel, but it must get into your bloodstream, and I have several areas of my body that start itching at the same time. So, in addition to not feeling any pain relief, I am reacting with all-over body itching. I will now report this back to my doctor and hope to find pain relief for my hip."

• 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."