Piroxicam gel versus Ibuprofen gel

[Finvola]

My husband has moderate arthritic pain in knees and ankle and has used Piroxicam gel but he now wants to change to Ibuprofen gel which, apparently has fewer general side effects. Also, his research indicates that Ibuprofen gel is the more effective of the two.

He takes Apixaban and his cardiologist whom he talked to in March of thei year is happy with his use of Piroxicam.

Has anyone got any knowledge/experience of using Ibuprofen gel when taking Apixaban? I assume the same advice applies - sparingly when required.

PS - Forgot to say that I did look through other threads but they are quite old and I suspect medical opinion on using anti-inflammatory GELS when taking anti-coagulants may have moderated slightly.

[CDreamer]

I use it sparingly and occasionally, no affect on AF and does help.

I have Arthritis in my feet and hands after years of dinghy sailing. It’s my feet that pain me most. I found acupuncture worked well along with using a heat therapy - hot water bottle every night. Probably don’t help myself as I won’t wear shoes and socks unless I’m going out. Luckily we have underfloor heating.

[Finvola in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CD - that's reassuring. My husband finds heat very beneficial and uses a Fango cushion as well as an electric cushion. I'll mention acupuncture (again) as he tried dry needling without much success. I probably have a bad image of Ibuprofen from the Danish study into the AF problems with oral treatment. Give a dog a bad name . . .

[CDreamer in reply to Finvola]

Dry needling can be painful and as far as I am aware treats inflammation in soft tissue after injury to help muscles relax and for things like Plantar Fascia. The Ibuprofen gel is more effective re pain relief along with gentle mobilisation of the joints. I was really surprised how effective the Acupunture was.

[Qualipop]

I've use piroxicam for years and years with no side effects at all but has your husband tried a TENS machine on his knees? It's far enough away from the heart to have any effect on it.

[Finvola in reply to Qualipop]

I'm not sure what triggered this worry, Qualipop as he too has used Piroxicam for years. He has a tens machine and an ultrasound and has tried most things to improve his muscles around the knees and foot.

[Qualipop in reply to Finvola]

There is an tablet called "I move" that my husband tried. It was first developed for arthritic dogs and had such a brilliant effect that they developed it for people. I've used the canine version on my dogs with almost miraculous results. (Yumove) but haven't tried the human version on myself. It's completely safe and natural. It has Glucosamine HCL, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E and ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel

[Finvola in reply to Qualipop]

I remember looking at Yumove for my collie when she developed arthritis at the age of 5. I didn't know it had been developed for humans - will have a look.

[Qualipop in reply to Finvola]

All my dogs have had yumove recommended by my vet since it first came out. They made the human form over 10 years ago. If I'm allowed to post a link, the noisy one here being pestered by her great granddaughter was 13 and a half and a week earlier could barely get onto her feet, she was so bad with arthritis. Sorry link didn't work. Go to You Tube and search for Elksky , There's life in the old girl yet .

[Finvola in reply to Qualipop]

Beautiful dogs Qualipop - they are enjoying life.

[Qualipop in reply to Finvola]

That old girl was a noisy devil but really loving. You wouldn't have believed how bad her arthritis was just weeks before. Thanks, I've had the same breed for 60 years.

[wilsond]

I am prescribed it by my GP,with the blessing of my EP. This is for chronic lower back pain due to osteoarthritis and a cyst on my hip. The risk is when it goes via the digestive route.

I dont use it every day.

[wilsond]

I was told a tens machine is not recommended? Interested to know if this isn't correct 🤔

[Finvola in reply to wilsond]

I know a tens machine shouldn't be used anywhere near the chest area or the upper back.

[DawnTX]

I have been told the same

[2learn]

Hi, I have arthritis and pain somewhere in my body about 90% of time, and its much worse at night so makes sleeping difficult. I occasionally use Voltarol which can work, I have prescription painkillers, codeine and paracetamol mix, and I use ice which is the most effective, but not always accessible. I thought Ibuprufen and Tens machines could be a problem with AF.

[Finvola in reply to 2learn]

That's miserable for you - and so much like my husband's situation. I agree with you regarding Ibuprufen and tens but judiciously used, I think the gel is safe and the tens on a knee is OK. I just don't trust either Ibuprufen or Diclofenac because of the Danish study which found that, taken orally, both can cause AF and that NSAID's generally should be prescribed with caution in AF patients.