Warning from the FDA regarding OTC topical pain relievers-PLEASE READ!

I'm assuming this does not apply to prescription topicals like Diclofenac sodium, which my wife uses for her painful wrist. It is very effective in reducing he pain level.

@jenatsky - Is this the same as Voltaren topical gel? I use Voltaren Extra Strength gel on my knees.

As the two pieces say there are specific products this pertains to and one of them did contain diclofenac gel but it was compounded outside of the U.S. it does not pertain to diclofenac or Volteran gel sold in the states.

Diclfenac is now OTC and should be applied topically not internally imbibed.

I think Diclofenac is sold OTC as Voltaren gel. Kind of interesting because Diclofenac tabs are Rx only and I believe not for long term use. I don't know of any restrictions on the gel and have used it myself.

FWIW I have found Bio-Freeze Professional to be the best pain-relieving gel. It does have a strong smell of menthol but that fades and it really works on easing pain. That said, I use it for muscle soreness and not on my hands. I think Voltaren would be better on joints for arthritis pain.

Diclofenac sodium is the topical. Diclofenac potassium is the internal med for pain, which requires a prescription.

Thanks. Good to know. I was taking diclofenac potassium as part of my pain regimen.

The warning is for an orally ingested foreign remedy. It could have an indeterminate high level of diclofenac not declared in the labelling.
Topical diclofenac gels in the 1% range are very safe when used as directed
as they are minimally absorbed through our skin.
Beware of foreign OTC oral pills. They have also been spiked with strong
drugs such as steroids as well.

Thanks very much for that clarification.

Thanks for article. I only buy well known products. You never know what is in off brand merchandise.