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.

I have MF pain in my mid to upper thoracic area. All MRIs results come back normal. I am going to PT 1-2 times/week that helps for a day or two. The MFR practitioners in my area charge at least $80/ 1 hr sessions. That plus $35/ PT appointments can cost me $150/week that I cannot afford. I’ve been fighting this pain for almost 7 years. My PCP has prescribed Nucynta for pain relief and Tizanidine for back spasms. Working on strengthening my back muscles through PT now however the exercises make my back pain worse so far. Hoping that will subside in time. I also tried Acupuncture; 12 sessions at $80/appointment with no lasting relief. I feel like nothing I try provides sustained relief. Will try the UTube stretching excercises - haven’t tried them yet. MF pain syndrome is terrible.

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

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.

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.

I agree Countess. That's one reason I don't buy medical products like Voltaren on Amazon, either. I don't think Amazon does a good job of policing their 3rd party suppliers of branded products.

While not a medical product, I bought a bottle of Byredo Mojave Ghost body wash on Amazon. The packaging and branding were spot on, but what was inside was most certainly not the real product. Byredo makes an expensive line of bath products usually available at Niemann Marcus.

That said, I don't always avoid Amazon for these non-medical purchases. But for medical products or OTC drugs and topical treatments, I'd rather pay a premium and buy from a manufacturer or at a reliable retail location.

I agree. I don’t buy much from Amazon, not even a member. I buy otc items from reliable places like you.

Yeah I'd rather pay the premium and know what I'm getting. I use Flonase, on and off, for allergies. It's available at Costco, but in a three pack. Considering how little I use, I'll just pay the higher price at CVS and then have what I need for the summer.