If you have arthritis in just one or two joints, you may not need to expose yourself to the risks of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – such as ulcers; stomach upset; or potential heart, kidney or liver problems – in order to achieve some relief. Rubbing an NSAID on your skin is now possible.
The FDA recently approved Voltaren Gel as the first prescription skin gel to treat osteoarthritis (OA) pain. The gel contains diclofenac sodium, an NSAID that is the main ingredient in Voltaren pills. (Read the latest FDA warnings on topical analgesics.)
A prescription topical NSAID is great news for select people with arthritis, says Roy D. Altman, MD, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology and immunology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Voltaren Gel may be a good option if:
• You have arthritis in smaller joints. “The new Voltaren Gel gives patients the ability to apply something topically, which will not give significant blood levels, but will penetrate the skin and help reduce pain,” Dr. Altman says. “Voltaren Gel works as well as its oral predecessor when it comes to joints that are closer to the surface, such as the hands, knees, and perhaps the elbows and ankles.”
In the studies that led to the new gel’s approval, pain levels fell by 46 percent among people with hand OA after they applied Voltaren Gel for six weeks. In a 12-week study of people with knee OA, there was a 51-percent reduction in pain.
• You are older than 65. “A lot of elderly patients can’t take oral NSAIDs because they have stomach or heart risk factors, and they can’t take narcotic analgesics because they could become so drowsy they could fall and break a bone,” Dr. Altman says.
• You want to avoid pills. Some people with OA who want to avoid systemic side effects seek compounding pharmacies, so that they can have their favorite painkiller made into a topical formula. Pharmacists literally can take the medication out of the capsule and make it into a gel – voilà!
“This can be fairly expensive, however, and it can be inconsistent from one batch to another,” says Dr. Altman. “The new gel is less expensive and more consistent than a compounded topical formula. In addition, it comes with disposable dosing strips that show you exactly how much gel to use.” You squeeze the gel onto a card along the line for your dose, wipe the card directly onto your joint and rub it gently into the skin.
Voltaren Gel may not be a good option if:
• You also take oral NSAIDs. It’s not that the gel’s active ingredient doesn’t get into your bloodstream – it does, Dr. Altman says. “Some does get absorbed, just substantially less than with a pill,” he says. Specifically, 94 percent less is absorbed from the gel than from its oral counterpart. However, the new gel should not be used in combination with oral NSAIDs or aspirin because of the potential for adverse effects. When used alone, the only real side effects of the topical products are skin reactions where they are applied.
• You have several affected joints. “Voltaren Gel works fairly quickly – within a week – but the pill works quicker,” says Dr. Altman. And taking a pill would be a lot easier for someone who has multiple joints affected by arthritis, he says.
I hope I could get the promessed result in both of my hands
Thank You
Jaime
I live in pain all the time and i would want to try the gel may be I could get some rest
thank you very much for your concern
thank you
This is a fantastic product, and I use it on all the joints that hurt from my RA. Rub it on and the pain goes away almost immediately!!
Why can't we in the U.S. buy it over the counter like in Canada???
He suggested that I get on this website and and I would be able to get a coupon to help with the cost of the prescription.Your help would be appreciated.
Get pain on my foot... God knows why... Some dcBut today is 10-25-11 and is 6:11am... I'm from Miami fl I just Put some of the gel I can really say that pain is gone Now I feel like I can get some rest. Before I was just moving around in my bed. So lets hope every1 gets getter and it's safe to take this. Cus some times is scary how time after using something problem arrive... Good nite to all I'm going to try to get some sleep now... Thank u all for ur helpful comments.
Any comments on this?
Cindi
How sweet of you!
You need a Prescription for the gel, so they can't send you any.
Tell your Mom to talk to her Doctor.
My Doctor gave me 2 free tubes as a sample to try . If it helps, then he can write her a Prescription.
Go bless you both
Sincerely,
Geoffrey Christopher
My dr. just ordered Voltaren Gel for me. I see some of the side effects include, stroke, heart attack, and other serious things. Is this something to be concerned about or is it just a small fraction of a warning?
I will be starting to use the cream tomorrow, so a prompt reply is greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Barbara Nolan
regards brian
I started Volteran gel a month ago and stopped taking Ibuprofen altogether, which has greatly reduced acid reflux and leaves me with more energy.
I use 4 mg. of Volteran 2 X daily on my hips, buttocks and lower back, and down my left leg, saving just a bit for my right elbow. I also apply a small amount to my hips and left thigh at night and that pretty much lets me sleep through without pain waking me up.
So far so good! I'm glad to be off the pills!!
Additionally, I am sleeping much better since the pain is not keeping me awake.
If anyone wants to get rid of their Voltaren Gel, let me know. Insurance doesn't want to pay and I'm on disability.
Thanks
Michele
P.O. Box 203
Barranquitas,P.R.00794
To Whom It May Concern;
I am a Canadian and my sister-in-law in Florida told me about this cream. I have advanced osteoarthritis in both knees. I had an arthroscopy on my left knee. I have had bilateral injections of Durolane in both knees over the years. They no longer work and I find that I have pain with every step. I am looking at total knee replacements. Until then I am trying everything to help as my last 2 injections didn't even last 1 month.
Is there a coupon anywhere for your product?
Awaiting for your reply.
Thanks in advance.
Mrs. Melody J. McLaren
Thanks for your help.
I have shattered my knee cap in an accident and use your product to relieve the pain.
I am a Canadian resident and noticed your coupon is only good for US states. Are there coupons available for Canadian residents?
Please inform.
Thank You
Rick
I'm using half the usual dose - 1g on each hand, achilles tendon, and 2g on each knee, 4x day, for a total of 32g/day. I definitely still have pain, but there is a significant improvement in my morning stiffness and range of motion in my Achilles tendons and hands. I'm not sure if it has helped my knees yet.
It's pretty inconvenient but otherwise I'm pretty happy with this stuff. I hope the systemic absorption doesn't become a problem.
Voltaren gel is a miracle worker! It's available OTC in Mexico & Nicarargua... it's ridiculous how the US pharmaceutical companies are allowed to overcharge Americans... there's no reason for this gel to cost that much.
I bought it over the counter in France for less than €3 for a 50 gram tube. No prescription necessary there.
We Americans are getting screwed by our health care "system".
to use. Also on effexor. Any advice would be appreciated.
With a sensitive stomach, the gel has proven a life saver for relief from the pain of arthritis in my neck, knee and hip !
www.goaheadrubitin.com
the words seperately spell: go ahead rub it in
I've tried several rub-on creams and ointments over the years and the results have been ineffective. Personally, I've become pretty skeptical of claims of pain relief provided by many of the creams and ointments, claiming that a person can just rub it on their skin and have quick pain relief in the joints.
However, Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) 1%, has actually produced noticeable pain relief in my hands, fingers and neck area. I'm very pleased with the results I've had from Voltaren Gel.
I hope to continue using Voltaren Gel in the future, combined with my other prescribed medications.
I'm also ticked-off that it takes the U.S.
forever to release of any new drug just so they can charge an arm and a leg to get.It's obvious they don't give a damn about us it's the almighty buck they care about.
Than you.
Martin siegelbaum
thank you
The $30 coupon for Voltaren is redeemable on Voltaren's web site – www.goaheadrubitin.com – not the Arthritis Today web site.
Thanks,
The Editors
150gr for euro 8.90 ( about 12 dollars)
American price for 50gr( one third)
is $ 49,00 dollars on some sights.
my point once more;
Voltaren gel has been around for 20 years in Germany, relativly cheap, now it finaly is coming to the USA and is 3 times more money.
shame on you, Novartis , for ripping Americans off.
Shame on you America for beeing behind as usual.
Cost of the Novartis Gel in Germany:
150 gr. Euro 8.90 ( see internet AOL.DE)
In the USA it is $ 49.95 for 50 gr.
my point is this:
why again is the USA getting ripped off from Novartis? Why did it take 20 years to approve something Europe had that long?
Third World country, that is what we realy are.
THANK YOU!
Can I have your comments?
Thanks
I will be trying the cream on my 58 year old aching body too,lol.
Savings card registration for 5 months of copay/cash pay savings on 3 tubes or more per perscription minimum.
The capsaicin cream reduces pain by about 50%, and I'm hoping the Voltaren will knock out most of the rest of the pain.
To those who haven't used capsaicin cream or used it and didn't get good results: It is proven effective, but you have to use it consistently for several weeks to get full effects. And you have to be very careful with it. I not only had to heed all the warnings about it but also had to start with a very small amount and work my way up.
I may try pre-mixing concentrated capsaicin into the Voltaren if the latter seems to help.
Regards
Carole D
I do have a question as to hair loss, with use of this Gel? I am a healthy 57 year old female with a thick head of hair, my beautician noticed a lot of hair breakage and hair loss/thinning on my forehead hair line. The only Rx I take is Lipitor RX and of course otc vitamines in addition to Voltaren Gel 1%. Has there been problems with hair loss or thinning with the use of this product?
Discuss with your physician to see if Voltaren gel would be appropriate for you, and if so, give it a try. There is currently a discount available on the "Voltaren" website that may make the product more affordable to you.
The best of luck,and may you have many pain free days!
Joe Cro
(Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania)
I am somewhat scared of the patient info sheet and the warnings, especially after the
nap I had to take after using it.
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