Pain Relief by a drug I cannot find in any pharmacy

[cathyagnew1952451]

Is Novartis taking 1% Voltaren Gel off the market? The stuff really works. My pharmacy said shortly after I filled my Rx in Dec. '11 that they had been unable to get the drug & unable to get the medication so they could compound it themselves. Any suggestions. I cannot take po NSAIDS.

[OMeOMia25]

I recently fell in shower ....I have prescribed Flector 1.3% Pain Patches (12hr) but have not used them in the last several months.  Can I use these patches to help ease the muscular rib, and neck pain, etc...Especially if I'm currently taking the prescribed Fentanyl 25mcg Pain patches every 48 hours?
Would their be an conflict of these two medications?

Also, how many of these Flector patches can be applied on different parts of my body at the same time?
Is it ok to cut these Flector patches into strips and placed elsewhere...as on strained neck, ribs muscle areas, etc?

Thank You  : )

[4slenderthread]

Many arthritis sufferers are in a panic over the shortage of Voltaren gel (diclofenac sodium gel) and I get why they are worried. Voltaren gel is a prescription topical anti-inflammatory gel used for all kinds of arthritis pain: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis of the knees, hands and hips. People who have stomach issues from taking anti-inflammatories by mouth can bypass that problem with Voltaren gel.

Endo Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Voltaren 1% gel, is the sole supplier and they have released a statement that Voltaren gel is on back order and they cannot estimate a release date. Hmm. Endo also could not provide a reason for the shortage, though it is suspected that cross contamination problems at the plant that manufactures Voltaren gel are the culprits.

What are your options now?

1) Flector patches (diclofenac epolamine 1.3%) are still available and an option to think about. The Flector patch is FDA approved for the treatment of pain due to strains and sprains.

2) Pennsaid solution (diclofenac sodium 1.5%) is another topical treatment similar to Voltaren gel (also made by Endo) that is approved for the treatment of knee arthritis symptoms. The recommended dose is 40 drops per knee, four times a day.

3) Lidoderm patches are patches with topical lidocaine, which works as a pain reliever. Lidoderm can work for low back pain among other things. Lidoderm, unlike Flector patches and Voltaren gel, is not a topical anti-inflammatory but rather a numbing medicine applied to the skin.

4) An over the counter option, though not as well studied, is Aspercreme cream, which is a topical salicylate (aspirin) pain reliever. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation in the muscle and joints.

Take care!