ibuprofen gel

[Fight-the-good-fight]

Currently unable to contact a pharmacist or doctor.

Does anyone know of a topical pain killer gel I can take whilst on anticoagulants?

Apparently, ibuprofen gel is a no-no.

Thanks

Thanks everyone, pharmacist confirmed I can use Deep Heat, Heat Patches and or, paracetamol.

[BobD Volunteer]

I have always been told that used sparingly it is fine as little if any gets into the blood stream.

[Fight-the-good-fight in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD.

I started anticoagulants on Wed. I think I will use a little gel on my neck and shoulder.

[Robfromwales in reply to BobD]

I had same advice as bob recently

[Finvola]

My doctor and pharmacist told me that Piroxicam (or similar) is safe if used sparingly for a short time. I take Apixaban and have used it for a day or two on a small area - twisted ankle for example.

[Fight-the-good-fight in reply to Finvola]

Thanks Finvola, when I finally manage speak to a pharmacist I will ask about Apixapan.

[Finvola in reply to Fight-the-good-fight]

Sorry I have caused you confusion - my grammar is poor in my answer above. Apixaban is the name of my anticoagulant and I have used Piroxicam gel once a day for a couple of days for a sore ankle. Hope that helps.

[Qualipop in reply to Finvola]

JUst for his further information, Piroxicam is also called Feldene Gel. I've used it for years.

[opal11uk]

I use the Freeze Gel when needed from time to time

[Speed]

I understand Voltarol is fine though it is an NSAID like ibuprofen.

[BrotherThomas]

I've been told by an anticoagulant specialist nurse that Voltarol is OK for short term use if used sparingly. I've resorted to it a few times over the years for up to 4 days without any problems.

[Sanpet]

I take 60mg Edoxaban daily and have resorted to Ibuprofen gel for my back as it is the only thing that works. I too was told that occasional use - not regular - would be ok as not much of the drug reaches the bloodstream. This is probably only from internet searches though, I doubt a Dr. would say the same, they are very cautious of course and rightly so.

[wilsond in reply to Sanpet]

Both my GP and EP assure me it's OK and I have it on prescription. I am on Apixaban.

[Morzine]

I was told I could, like Bob , lightly , but you only would need a thin layer to rub in

Sue

[Visigoth]

I have osteoarthritis in my shoulder and occasionally use Voltarol with no problems (I’m on Apixaban) but often find better relief from deep heat or heat patches which are completely safe anyway.

[Maggimunro in reply to Visigoth]

I agree wholeheartedly about the heat treatment for chronic pain relief, like my low back pain. Also an ice pack for my knee when that was acutely inflamed prior to my surgery.

I can’t tolerate any of the NSAID’s anyway, either as a pill or to rub into the skin

[Ppiman]

Any pharmacy shop will advise you, not just the one you use. I was told local gels are safe as so little is absorbed.

Steve

[wilsond]

I have been prescribed Voltarol for several years by my GP,with agreement of my EP fir back pain.It does contain ibuprofen but does not transfer into the bloodstream, as explained to me by GP and pharmacist. Good luck

[Summer133]

Hi,

I currently take adoxaban and I was getting pains in my lungs and ribs.. the hospital and Dr told me to use ibuprofen gel ..but also said dont take ibuprofen.

They said the gel is ok to rub in to your skin but can't take ibuprofen orally.

I thought ibuprofen was ibuprofen regardless off gel or tablets..but the said it was ok to use the gel..

I did use it and feel better but I stopped once I forgot better.

Not sure of that helps you.

Thanks

Sadia

[SuziElley]

voltarol

[Qualipop]

I use Feldene gel. (Piroxicam) It is an anti inflammatory but gP says it's ok and prescribes it. You would need to check though. He's also ok'd voltarol but it depends which anticoagulant you take. I think the problem is more with long term use and the possible damaged the tablets can do to your stomach. Gels and ointments seem to be fine.

[1Golf]

I’ve used Voltaren for years even after AFIB entered my life 2 years ago. I take Eliquis and have had no problem’s whatsoever.

[DoggieMum]

Have you tried using a TENS machine for muscle pain. They are about £20?

[frazeej]

Voltaren (generic is diclofenac sodium). FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!! Also, my cardiologist, when asked, said that if you don't have any history of GI bleed/upset with ibuprofen, using it sparingly and on occasion would be OK with the anticoagulant Eliquis or Xarelto.

JimF

[RoyMacDonald]

I found Aspercreme is very good. Rolls on very nicely. The only thing is that you can only buy it in America so the postage is quite high. It has Lidocaine in it, that's the stuff that the NHS use as an anaesthetic when they do an operation.

All the best.

Roy

[LaceyLady]

I use arnica gel. Found really good product on Amazon with thyme in it, I have to take care as skin can react 🙄 But I have some from SBC

[LaceyLady]

ps I am a Biomagnetic therapist and use very strong Neodymium magnets and wand, helped heal husband torn muscle and various other ails.

[soupersue]

I remember being told by a GP, when I asked if I could use ibuprofen gel on my knee, why on earth not, are you eating it or rubbing it in? Not my favourite GP but I’m still here and it was several years ago.

[Fight-the-good-fight in reply to soupersue]

Thanks soupersue, your response made me smile. Your GP definitely lacking bedside manners.

[LaceyLady in reply to soupersue]

It get into the blood stream 🤷🏼‍♀️

[joebad]

I too use Voltaren, aka diclofenac sodium. If you're in the U.S., you can buy 1% solution over the counter, 2.5% requires prescription. You can get 2.3% in Mexico without prescriptions. Also, in U.S., Costco sells both 1% Voltaren as well as the generic under Kirkland brand and it is far less expensive, 3 - 5.29 oz tubes for around $35.

My cardiologist, gp and orthopedist all have told me that because the gel does not enter the bloodstream, it's perfectly safe to use while on anti-coagulant or blood thinner. Some people get good results using this gel, some don't. It works quite well for me, has become my "go-to" in place of ibuprofen which used to work wonders...