Voltaren gel

Posted by toddybob @toddybob, Sep 19, 2022

My wife has chronic pain in her hip and hamstring. MRI negative. Physical Therapy no help. Acupuncture no help. Is Voltaren gel safe to try? I read it can cause liver damage.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 23, 2022

In reply to @sueinmn "I can't find one. Can someone please help here? Even their own Web site has no..." + (show)

Not sure about this one but it does mention it....

"Don't use Voltaren gel on your back, hips, or shoulders. According to the National Library of Medicine, Voltaren gel hasn't been studied for use on the hips, ..."
-- Voltaren Gel: What It Is, Uses, Side Effects & More - Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/health/voltaren-gel

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 23, 2022

In reply to @johnbishop "Not sure about this one but it does mention it.... "Don't use Voltaren gel on your..." + (show)

Interesting. In Canada, Australia, Mexico & much of Europe, it is marketed for use on back, shoulder & neck pain. This must be an FDA thing?

Another interesting note - 2.32% Voltaren Gel was available over the counter for about a year, but is now prescription only. I assume there was evidence of side effects from overuse.

Sue

anet | @anet | Sep 23, 2022

In reply to @anet "What is the shoulder/neck warning associated with Voltaren?" + (show)

The reason I asked is because my sister who has suffered from headaches for years said she had put voltaren gel on her neck and has not had a headache for a month. She has tried everything and was about to try Botox at her neurologist’s suggestion. I was hoping the voltaren would be safe for her.

Teri | @tsc | Sep 23, 2022

In reply to @anet "What is the shoulder/neck warning associated with Voltaren?" + (show)

Hi @anet, All I know is what I read on the box. Also, an illustration that came with Voltaren had a diagram of the human body with the red spots where you can apply it, did not show red spots on the shoulder or neck. I elected not to use it. @JohnBisjhop below offers an explanation. Thanks, John!anet

Teri | @tsc | Sep 23, 2022

In reply to @anet "The reason I asked is because my sister who has suffered from headaches for years said..." + (show)

Did she use it once only or does she use it frequently?

anet | @anet | Sep 23, 2022

I’m sure she used it more than once, but I don’t know how often she uses it. I’m going to show her this information so she can check with her doctor.

anet | @anet | Sep 23, 2022

Thanks.

mrsdebrun42 | @mrsdebrun42 | Jun 16, 2023

In reply to @sueinmn "Interesting. In Canada, Australia, Mexico & much of Europe, it is marketed for use on back,..." + (show)

Seems like a very serious possible skin reaction: "NSAIDs, including diclofenac, can cause serious skin adverse reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal. These serious events may occur without warning." This is with the 1.1% diclofenac sodium. So I'm assuming 2.32% can really bugger up people's skin as the medicine isn't absorbed into the bloodstream, but works locally.

SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Jun 16, 2023

That stuff has been useless for me and others I know.

Get BIO-FREEZE! My physical therapist, podiatrist and others have used it on me and it’s really great!

Hope she feels better soon.

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Jun 17, 2023

Toddybob, Hi there! I have used Voltaren Gel 1.1% for years. My massage therapist even uses it on my back and shoulders. If there is anyone who will have a side effect to anything it is"me"! I have done great with it. It helps my pain greatly. The Pain Clinic I go too recommends using it up to 4 times a day for best results as does my Podiatrist for my arthritic feet. I use a heat pack after the gel is appied for the pain. I have done well with it. I know we are all different. Hope this helps. Have a blessed day.