Diclofenac

Hi folks, it's me again. Just out of interest, is anyone still being prescribed Diclofenac? It's always worked well for me but my GP says they don't prescribe it any more. Thanks. x

[Gigi71]

Hi TB I was on Voltarol Retard for 31 years for RA. They stopped making it over 3 years ago. I hung on to taking to well before this as my rheumy had wanted me off it, my GP let me stay on it. My GP was away at the time and another doctor gave me Naproxen, 500mg twice a day, it wasn’t as good, so I saw my own doctor who decide the time had come to not give me Diclofenac, due to the high risk of heart trouble. I have got use to Naproxen for RA, but it doesn’t touch my back pain, so I take 1200mg Gabapentin for that. X

[Hidden in reply to Gigi71]

Hi Gigi, thanks for your reply. I doubt my doc will give me Diclofenac/Voltarol although it's wonderful stuff! I've been on Gabapentin for three years now but I'd like to try Pregabalin. I'm also on Naproxen but it's not really helping. Thanks again.

[Gigi71 in reply to Hidden]

My brother in law has been given Pregabalin for his lower back stenosis and so far it’s working for him. We are both in our seventies and no chance now for diclofenac for either of us, such a good pain relief though. I did a few years back go on a Cox 2 inhibitor and it worked really well too, again had to come of because of a fear of a heart attack. I can’t get on with any opiate meds. All the best x

[Hidden in reply to Gigi71]

Thanks Gigi, there's a lot of us in the same boat! x

[Queenielot]

No they dont use it any more has it showed it could cause kidney problems so thet took me of it but this was a couple years ago i find naproxen helps me x

[Hidden in reply to Queenielot]

Thanks Queenielot, I will persevere with Naproxen. Such a shame we can't have Dicofenac! x

[Welsh-1]

Yes mine tried to move me on to two others but they didn't work, so back on diclofenac with omeprazole to line the stomach

[Hidden in reply to Welsh-1]

I already take Omeprazole but I'll have to see what doc says tomorrow. Thanks.

[ladymisty]

Hi. I have been prescribed Naproxen, 500mg twice a day too. But you can buy the Diclofenac/Voltarol gel from any chemist which is excellent.

You can still buy diclofenac abroad, which I did, when my doctor wouldn't give them to me, but I'm afraid to use them now. Unfortunately I can't use gabapentin and pregabalin because of side effects. But if you have a flare up in a particular area, I do recommend the gel.

[Hidden in reply to ladymisty]

Thanks ladymisty, yes, I've got some but I wish I could be dipped in it in the morning, a bit like sheep dip!

[deejames]

It worked very well for me at the start but now my stomach has been so damaged by its use that I cannot take any anti-inflammatories ever.

[Hidden in reply to deejames]

That's not good.

[Lea66]

My hubby has been having shoulder impingement and has been prescribed diclofenac/voltaren cream here in the US recently.

[Hidden in reply to Lea66]

That's really good stuff if you use it regularly. Hope it helps him.

[katieoxo60]

Hi there, I can have diclofenic in the voltarol cream and you can still purchase this at the chemist or get it from the doctor on prescription. I think they have stopped prescribing diclofenic tablets for long term releif of pain as there are other better options if you can take pain releif orally.

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks Katie. I've got some but it's a bit of a faff putting in on three times a day and having to get undressed when you're out! I saw the doc yesterday and have settled for Naproxen and I have changed from Gabapentin to Pregabalin and so far, so good!

[katieoxo60 in reply to Hidden]

I have heard that Pregabalin is better than Gabapentin as Gabapentin as cough as side effect which is not good for those with lung conditions. I can take naproxen for three days but then to spite breathing changes it also effects my bowel. But it does work on the pain. so good luck with the changes hope they work for you.

[Hidden in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks Katie!

[Karm]

They should still prescribe as I get it, not unless some places in the country have changed. I know with my GP they have a list of things they won't prescribe for but don't say exactly what you can't get. Maybe speak to the pharmacist where they give you your meds etc and see what they know or have to say about it? X

[Hidden in reply to Karm]

If I mention Diclofenac to my GP she runs for the door!

[Lobby67]

I was prescribed Diclofenac a couple of weeks ago. Only took it once and had such a hideous allergic reaction, I’ve not been able to take it since!

[Hidden in reply to Lobby67]

That's a shame! It's a brilliant drug if it agrees with you but we're told it has serious side effects. Hopd you find something else that suits. Good luck!