Ibuprofen gel

[Myflowers2]

Has anyone used ibuprofen gel while taking Apixaban?

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

Thank you for your message, it is known that Ibuprofen contains a natural blood-thinning agent, which can have an adverse effect on Apixaban. Therefore, i would check with a pharmacist for advice or recommend an alterative painkiller.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Myflowers2 in reply to TracyAdmin]

I did ask the pharmacist he said ok. But just wondered if anyone else has used it as still a bit concerned.

[CDreamer in reply to Myflowers2]

I’ve used it or the spray, it’s fine.

[RoyM in reply to Myflowers2]

I take Apixaban and had occasion to use the iduprofen gel. I asked for medical advised that using the gel kept it local to the pain and provided I didn't use to much it would be fine.....and it was.

Regards Roy

[Beeflower in reply to Myflowers2]

Yes I have used it , prescribed by doctor, only a low dose , and I’ve been ok

[dmjtanner in reply to TracyAdmin]

My cardiologist okayed the use of diclofenac gel which is similar.

[bantam12]

I have a chronic back problem and I regularly use it.

[DollyDutchGirl_1946 in reply to bantam12]

Please, please be very careful as it’s only meant to be used for two weeks max. I used it way, way more than I should have - and landed up with chronic kidney disease stage 3….

[bantam12 in reply to DollyDutchGirl_1946]

Thanks for your concern, I don’t use this on a daily basis but when my back is particularly bad it’s my only option, my Consultants are aware and ok with it.

[BobD Volunteer]

I was told years ago by my doctor that gel was OK used sparingly as so little if any entered the blood stream.

[wilsond]

Yes it is prescribed for me by my GP. I am on Apixaban and cannot take oral ibuprofen. As the gel is topical it bypasses the gastric system where excessive bleeding can occur.

[Emoryrich]

Same as above, very little crossover. My pharmacist also said OK.

[Ppiman]

Yes - well, something similar, diclofenac gel (Voltarol 2%) for a tender shoulder. I was assured it was safe by the pharmacist and have been told the same by my GP previously.

To my surprise, as it had failed miserably on various previous occasions, and does nothing for my wife’s back pain, this time it seemed to work - or by coincidence my shoulder got better.

Steve

[babs1234]

I have. I didn’t know there was an issue with it

[Dave678]

Yes, no problem with using the Ibuprofen gel according to my GP & Pharmacist but avoid the tablets.

[MaryCa]

I've used etoflam, which is an anti inflammatory gel, prescribed by GP

[Thomas45]

I was recently prescribed it by a GP for arthritis in my hands, and I questioned at the time if it was appropriate as I take Warfarin daily. He assured me that it would not affect my blood.

[Omniscient1]

Not quite what your asking but if muscle pain my goo of choice is voltarol,

[Sixtychick]

I found Volterol worked better for my shoulder and neck pain. You can only use it regularly for 2 weeks at a time though.

[Broseley]

I was told categorically NO by my GP and several pharmacists. However my rheumatologist said of course it's fine to use it, and wrote this in a letter to my GP who capitulated. So I have now used it, with no noticeable problems.

[Tapanac]

yes I was prescribed it for my knee but not for long definitely no tablets though I actually think volterol gel is more effective though which I had before

[Ellie-Ann]

yes. I’ve used 10% ibuprofen gel given on prescription BUT when I saw the heart failure nurse she said it’s a NO NO. Think about it….whatever goes onto your skin eventually winds up in your venous system. An aromatherapist will tell you the same. I now stick to paracetamol as the nurse was quite emphatic about it. Good luck.

[RoyMacDonald]

My Dr. said it's OK and prescribed it for my back pain. Said to be cautious in the amount used though.

All the best.

Roy

[Desanthony]

I use it as I have spinal issues and now a bad shoulder so need something stronger than the medications that are allowed. Used to be on 4 different pain killers a day before AF. I use occasionally at night so that it can numb the pain enough for me to drop off to sleep.

[Hampden]

I wanted to use it as thought it would be good for OA in hands while sewing. Checked with my GP who said no. I’m on Apixaban

[Camelia23]

HI Myflowers2. I use ibuprofen ointment when my joints ache. Seems to work. Some is absorbed I believe but it is negligible I believe.

[spetho2001]

Yes I use Diclofenac with Eliquis when ever I think I might have inflation of a joint. I use as little as possible. Or let me put it this way, I use it four times a day for as little time as possible till the pain from the swelling subsides which could be, most times, three days.

[Tako2009]

I had ibuprofen gel prescribed for arthritis pain in my hands - it’s ok with anticoagulants according to my pharmacist- didn’t do much for the pain but does work for many people xx

[LordGabriel]

I think it used to be a big fat no! Nowadays they say yes! I’ve been using it occasionally- no issues.