Diclofenac for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• J...
• December 11, 2014

"Diclofenac really helped with my arthritic hip pain and heel spur pain the first two weeks, but I had to stop taking it because it caused dizziness, nausea, nightmares, insomnia, irritability, headaches, pressure in ears, muscle weakness, fatigue, decreased urine output, worse joint pains when worn off, liver pain."

• 022...
• March 23, 2012

"My doctor prescribed this medication for arthritis in my feet. It worked great, and within a few days, there was no pain in my feet, or anywhere else for that matter. After about 2 weeks, however, I developed heartburn and intestinal cramps so severe that I passed out on 2 occasions. If you can handle the side effects, this medicine works wonders for pain and inflammation."

• Inf...
• November 5, 2017

Diclofenac "I took this medication for osteoarthritis, and it helped so much. Surprisingly, it nearly stopped my chronic migraines too. The best thing about Zorvolex is that I do not get the ear ringing that other NSAIDs or the regular dose of generic diclofenac cause. The only downside is that I turned 65, and Medicare Part D doesn't cover it. I was able to get an exception for one year, but what they paid was minimal. Before 65, I only paid $50 a month. It tripled. I just couldn't afford it anymore, so I've stopped taking it. My ears are ringing again. I hope there will be an affordable generic soon."

• LT5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

Diclofenac "I was prescribed Voltaren 75 mg tablets 2X daily for knee and foot arthritis pain after initially using the gel and Aleve with no improvement. The first week, it worked like a miracle, and I walked 30 minutes daily on the treadmill with NO pain at all. Life was good again! The second week, it had no effect on my pain. The pain is back. I am so discouraged. I am trying it for another two weeks. I wish I knew why it worked so well to begin with and now doesn't."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 8, 2023

"It has made my life so much better. I've been taking it for many years, no known side effects. You think it's not helping but go off of it, and you realize how painful, miserable your life would be. I am a super active 71-year-old and rely on it -- I take two 50s a day, one in the morning, one at night."

• Sni...
• September 11, 2015

"Only been taking this medication for 2 days now. I can tell a difference already. Had been taking hydrocodone for quite some time and felt like I had to increase the dose to not feel pain from my OA. I'm hoping this RX continues to work for me for a while. I am worried about the possible side effects as they seem very scary."

• Jan...
• May 26, 2018

"This drug worked very well on my arthritis knee pain - for a while. After the 5th day, I got over stomach problems. Some lightheadedness persisted but was tolerable. About day 30, however, I started getting pains up and down my legs in the afternoons and evenings. This problem was not on the list of side effects. The pain kept increasing in intensity, and I finally called my doctor, who told me to stop taking the medicine. Don't know what I'll do now, but diclofenac turned on me!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 8, 2019

"Diclofenac gel not really helpful, but pill form 75 mg took away the stiffness from my knees and, in general, aching from my joints. Can really tell the difference when I stopped, as my lower back ached (I have spina bifida occulta), my neck, my feet (multiple issues there). It was like they all came back to remind me all at once. I was prescribed 2x per day but have been only taking 1 a day, as like all drugs, they will have side effects even if not obvious. So works great for achy joints, etc., for me."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

"I had foot surgery for broken tarsometatarsals and am post-surgery about 5 months with continued swelling and pain from the hardware and non-union of one joint. I have osteoarthritis and Sjögren's autoimmune disease and am on multiple meds plus 2400 mg of ibuprofen most days. My foot surgeon took me off ibuprofen and tried diclofenac potassium 50 mg two times a day. Wow, what a difference. Most of my arthritic joints had major relief and degenerative disc disease even improved."

• MzC...
• September 12, 2015

"Started on Meloxicam 15 mg, and it did nothing. Was in so much pain in my knees that I called my Dr., and he prescribed Diclofenac sodium DM 75 mg twice a day. I have been on this med for 5 days now. It helped with the pain, but I don't know if I can deal with the side effects of muscle aches, irritability, weakness, fatigue, stomach issues. It is seeming like the side effects are winning. I cannot continue to take this medication. I will be contacting my Dr. and giving him the details and will need to try something else, does anyone have any suggestions on a different medication?"

• jjs...
• April 29, 2008

Diclofenac "This works great for my back. I have arthritis at L4 and L5 and DJD (really the same thing). When my back goes out, I need a steroid pack, but if I catch it early and start taking Voltaren, the need for the steroid pack disappears. It also decreases my need for Vicodin, which I'm scared of getting hooked on. I also have had a history of ulcers, so I take Protonix every day. I haven't had any problems yet!"

• Saj...
• May 11, 2008

"I just tried this about 2 weeks ago for my arthritis pain. I am taking the generic version of this, one a day, 75 mg. So far, it is working. I would like to see how it works this coming winter when I have the most amount of pain. So far, so good though."

• kcp...
• August 3, 2008

"I have osteoarthritis as well as residual pain from a serious back surgery 4 years ago. I have been taking naproxen for four years and just could not control the pain without occasional doses of a narcotic. I cannot believe how much better I feel. I have been back out on my bike and working in the garden. Things I have not been able to do all summer. So far, I am very impressed. We will see what happens this winter."

• c m...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2016

Diclofenac "Do not take this medication. I got collagenous colitis from taking this medication. It took a couple of months of extreme diarrhea to diagnose this problem. I have to take a steroid now to stop the diarrhea!"

• Fra...
• August 29, 2009

"I was prescribed this along with tramadol (Ultram) to deal with pain associated with hip and knee arthritis prior to my hip resurfacing procedure. The combination worked very well for me, although I still needed a cane. I also got some cortisone injections in my knees, which were miraculously helpful. Since the surgery 1 month ago, I've been able to discontinue the tramadol and now only take the diclofenac occasionally (1 a day, 2-3 times a week). However, it does make me a bit lethargic, and I notice that my legs do swell and I seem to urinate less volume (sorry for the details). I do recommend the diclofenac, however."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2009

"Doctor prescribed diclofenac (75 X 2/day) three weeks ago for severe arthritis in my big toes. I'm 60 years old and still work, mostly on my feet all day. Pain and swelling have been reduced, but not totally gone. I'd have to say I'm happy with the result, as it has enabled me to keep working, but side effects are troublesome: I get headaches close to migraine level, my vision is so blurred sometimes, I'm VERY groggy in the morning and have a hard time getting out of bed, and the ringing in my ears has gotten worse. So I can only give it a 7 out of 10."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2015

"I have been taking diclofenac for 2 1/2 months for moderate osteoarthritis of the hip. It does not alleviate the pain. I am unhappy with the results and will probably ask my doctor to refer me to an orthopedic surgeon for better treatment options."

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2024

Diclofenac "Couldn't stand, was taken to ER. They said I have arthritis behind my knee and prescribed Voltaren. Put it on behind my knee and again the next morning. An hour later I could walk on my own. That was 6 mos. ago with no side effects."

• Ouc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2022

"Was prescribed diclofenac gel for osteoarthritis pain and swelling. I used the OTC gel as prescribed for 4 days, by which time the pain was at least 3 times worse and the swelling doubled - my knee looked like a grapefruit. Discontinued use, the swelling subsided and the pain ebbed back to the original level. This cure is much worse than the disease."

• jba...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 16, 2021

"Took diclofenac 75 mg for years with great success for osteoarthritis pain relief (back, knee, neck) until I began experiencing esophageal inflammation and GERD that were attributed to its long-time use. Unfortunately, I can no longer take it on a regular basis. Even occasional use will now flare GI symptoms. Its effectiveness rates very high, long-term side effect on GI tract brings rating down."

• Jam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 11, 2021

Diclofenac "Voltaren DOES NOT, I repeat DOES NOT WORK on my arthritis pain located at the joint of both thumbs. Very painful and limits hand function due to the pain. I have tried for a few years just to see if it would develop into a helpful remedy, JUST A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. Does not relieve any pain in thumb joints at all. This product is garbage."

• Joa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 6, 2024

"Was prescribed in about 2001 for fibromyalgia and took Diclofenac for 20 years. Then my GP stopped my regular prescription because of 'heart attack' risks. Nothing works so well!! Also take Gabapentin & Tramadol for osteoarthritis but these don't touch fibromyalgia. Use Voltarol 2.32% gel for joint pain and good. Have a small stock of Diclofenac left for emergencies."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2018

"I was suffering bad pain in foot round the toes area up to ankle and golfer's elbow. Within 3 days of taking 25 mg 3 times a day, my pain was completely gone. I have been trying just taking one a day, but my pain comes up again, so I will stick with 3 a day, and I feel back to normal again, especially at work, as I do a repetitive job."

• spe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 23, 2021

"I was prescribed diclofenac 75 mg to be taken twice a day. I was on diclofenac for probably five years, and it made me feel a lot better in that my aches and pains were essentially nonexistent. However, I am now aware that I have paid the price for taking this drug too long. This drug is an NSAID, and it is known to compromise your kidney function. So now, lucky me, I have been diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. I feel partly to blame for this because I was aware that this drug should not be taken long term, but I'm also a little upset with my doctor who kept prescribing it. Just be aware that this drug can do to you what it has done to me. I hope my kidneys can recover now that I have ceased using diclofenac. The research that I have done thus far is unclear as to whether or not your kidneys can recover and, if so, by how much."

• Dro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2020

"I have taken meloxicam 15 mg daily for the past year for knee and hip arthritis. My knee has improved, but my hip has continued to be a problem. I know I will need a hip replacement, but it is not an option now. My doctor switched me over to diclofenac 75 mg twice a day. I have been on it for five days, and my hip pain has improved dramatically regarding mobility and sleeping. I have not had any side effects, but I do take it with my meals. I hope I continue to see pain relief until I can get my hip replaced."