Voltarol (diclofenac): is this NSAID okay for people with ITP?

[itplassne]

Does anyone know whether it's okay for people with ITP to use voltarol (diclofenac gel) as a topical application? It's an NSAID, which we're told to avoid because of the effect on platelets, but is enough absorbed through the skin to affect platelet levels?

[Jan2010]

A doctor in Urgent Care told me to buy some for my right arm for tendinitis, but not soon after I used it my platelets dropped like alot. The Urgent care doc said it wouldn't interfere with my platelets but she was wrong it did. When I stopped using that product by my next blood draw my platelets were back up. Beware of topicals for muscle aches and pains.

[itplassne in reply to Jan2010]

Thank-you for your reply, and the warning.

[Mark_Hudson]

so I think it’s ok our issue with NSAIDs is aspirin based one’s as they disperse platelets stopping them clotting from my memory. So aspirin ibuprofen etc but if in doubt speak to your haematologist

[itplassne in reply to Mark_Hudson]

Thank-you for your reply. I'll check with the haematologist.

[Dawnwarry]

I have had ITP (usually without treatment) since 1992. I also have arthritis in my feet for which I use Voltarol. I do not use it regularly but whenever I need to. I have not had any noticeable side effects and as my platelets fluctuate between 60 and 90 most of the time it wouldn’t appear to have affected me.

Hope that helps

[itplassne in reply to Dawnwarry]

Thank-you for your reply. People's experience with voltarol seems to vary (as with everything in ITP!)

[MjohnB]

I was told by my haematologist to avoid ibuprofen due to the risk of it causing bleeding in the stomach or intestines, rather than it impacting platelets directly, so I had assumed it's okay to apply topically.

As above though, best to check with your haematologist. A quick Google and I can see there is evidence NSAIDs can impact platelets.

[itplassne in reply to MjohnB]

Thank-you for your reply. I know not to take aspirin or ibuprofen (internally) but wondered whether anyone had had medical advice about topical application. I'll check with the specialist.

[Slothlike1]

I use this regularly on my ankles and knees for osteoarthritis. I was diagnosed with ITP three years ago and my platelet counts hover around 50. I asked my Haematology Consultant about Voltorol Gel and he said it was fine for me to use, but not oral Ibuprofen. But I'd double check with your Consultant as may depend on other conditions personal to you.

[itplassne in reply to Slothlike1]

Thank-you for your reply. It's interesting that your consultant drew the distinction between systemic and topical ibuprofen, but I'll check with my consultant, as suggested.

[Morgan]

My hemotologist told me it was ok as long as its not long term use. It was my doctor that wasn't keen as it was more a problem with bp meds but i used it anyway and was fine.

[itplassne in reply to Morgan]

Thank-you for your reply. I'm going to check with the consultant before I risk using it