diclofenac

Does anyone have any experience with diclofenac? If so, does it work better than over the counter antiinflammatory drugs and does upset the stomach much?

[dustybrown]

I take Diclofenac XR now and have had trouble with other prescription NSAIDs upsetting my stomach. For me, this one seems to be the best out of all I've tried and it's the most effective for my inflammation. I tried Mobic and Nabumatone and had problems with upset stomach and headache. In addition to Fibromyalgia I also have arthritis in my spine and shoulder, so I take it for that and I can't live without it. Ibuprofen and Naproxen doesn't even touch the inflammation and pain.
-Dusty

[concerned621]

I took it for inflammation in my foot. I have a calcification in my acheles tendon. I took an Essential Enzyme with it and had no stomach upset.  You can get this at a health food store either online or in your neighborhood.  I do know this prescription should not be taken for more than a month or so according to my doctor.  
So my doc just prescribed Voltaren topical.  It's the same thing as diclofenac but topical so you are getting less than 1% of it in your body so it's much safer.  You can also go online and $30.00 off coupon with your prescription.

Another excellent topical cream I've used for years is made by Nutra. It's "Nutra Ultra Joint, Face, Skin Cream." I think you can get it from VitaminShoppe.com I get it at my local stores but I have seen it online.  You apply to painful areas on your body once a day and it helps me so much.  I have suggested to so many friends and family and my store here can't keep it stocked.  

I hope this helped.  Take care!

[Shanna707]

Thanks for info. I also am intolerant of almost all NSAIDS, but did get away with taking diclofenac last winter for a couple of months so I'll probably just go back on it for as long as my stomach can handle it. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia both also. Do you know if fibromyalgia can deform joints like arthritis does? Fibromyalgia is a fairly new diagnoses for me. MY DR. wants me on Savella for it, but I've tried to take it twice and couldn't handle the side effects!

[Shanna707]

Thanks much. Do you recall what "essential enzyme" you took with the diclofenac?  I'll also check into the voltaren topical, although my pain in so widespread I don't know if that would be feasible.

[dustybrown]

Fibromyaglia does not cause deformities. I use the Volaren Gel for my shoulder- my doctor just gives me boatloads of samples. I had a shoulder surgery about a year and a half ago and I still have incredible pain and it seems to help. I've been taking the pill form for over a year and no problems stomach wise at this point. I have such bad facet arthritis and shoulder arthritis that when I did try to stop taking it for three months I was in the worst pain of my life!!!! It works very very well. I had to go back to it. Anyhow, good luck to you.

[concerned621]

The brand I take is "Source Naturals" it's called "Daily Essential Enzymes, 500 mg. I pay $19.50 for 120 capsules.  You can pay less and a lot more for enzymes.  Do what you can budget wise, my experiences is they all seem to work.  When I told my doctor I was taking it with the diclofenac and I had no stomach issues he wrote it down and is now prescribing the Essential Enzyme with it.  
I use the voltaren gel mainly for my foot pain. I know what you mean, my pain is so wide spread it would be hard to have it on my body all over all the time.  Now the "Nutra" product which is also topical I put on my low back, neck, feet, hands after every shower. You don't need very much and without it I ache so much more.  It's about $17.00 at VitamineShoppe.com.  All of it gets so expensive but I figure if I don't have to keep adding more pills it is worth it.  Good luck and I hope it all helps!!!!!