Voltaren (diclofenac sod 75mg tab. del.rel)

[char431]

My rheumatologist has prescribed Voltaren for my arthritis pain..I have tried many other anti infams and have also had the full series of epidural spinal injections and full series of Suprytz knee injections...I had protein level blood testing to rule out polymyalgia rheumattica ( which it did ) ...I am a 67 year old female and up until one year ago have been vey active and looking forward to do a lot of traveling in the next few years....The pain came on suddenly and I was finally giving up hope of finding an answer to my problems...the past year of my life has been hell.....Two days ago I started with the Voltaren and I am pain free...I am afraid to get my hopes up as it is early in the game and seems too good to be true...I would like to know how others have done with this medication over time...Thank you.....

[GP_]

Please use as prescribed.

[char431]

Thank you Dr. for your comment...I have just completed one more day pain free and I intend to be very careful to take this med with food at ll times....I also intend to have blood testing done every 3 months to rule any liver or kidney problems...I was found to "not" have osteo or rheumatoid arthritis, just really severe general arthritis that came on suddenly....I am hearing very good testamonials re. this drug but also 1or 2 very bad ones, so I intend to proceed cautiously as it is my only hope at this time to be pain free...again thank yu for commenting.....Char

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Supartz and other forms of viscosupplementation are not anti inflammatory medications and if your articular cartilage is destroyed or you have Rheumatoid arthritis they may not work. Diclofenac is purely a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug and it will relieve the pain till it is acting in your body. Always take it after your food and avoid taking the medication on empty stomach. The pain sure will decrease if it is a normal inflammation but if it is a chronic knee problem and if you are diagnosed with osteoarthritis then you have to consult your rheumatologist till what time can you continue with this.

Take care!