Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tabs

Does anyone else take these tablets, (a.k.a. Dicloflex)?

I was prescribed these for arthritis in my knee and ankle, originally on 3 a day and have managed to reduce to 1 a day. However, I have now torn my cartiledge again, (I only had it repaired in May this year ), so the doctor has advised that I go back onto the higher dose to help with the pain and swelling until I get into see the specialist.

My question is, and I could kick myself for not asking the doctor yesterday...if I could kick myself, that is ..can I use those Iboprufen gels that you can buy?

When I got my prescription the chemist advised that I wasn't to take anything with Iboprufen or aspirin in it so I am assuming that includes these massage gels. Clive uses those for his neck and shoulder so we have plenty here but I'm not sure if I will make myself ill if I use them too.

I'm so annoyed as I have Henry entered at Richmond this weekend, his first champ show...I took him training last night and couldn't get around the ring with him, although he went well for someone else...I was so looking forward to showing him myself but it isn't to be

If I can get on top of the pain I may be able to run again. Many thanks in anticipation

No, because diclofenac is an Anti-inflammatory drug........

I take 3 a day with Solpadol.....

Hope you get some comfort from the pain soon x

You can get a voltarol gel Sheree (Diclofenac sodium and voltarol are the same) but I don't think that you can use this in addition to the tablets. A heat pad might help when you are sat down. Hope the pain eases up soon.xx

I uses to take it for a joint problem and was told not to use the gels with it as they have the same ingredient.

Thanks Lou I shall have a look for Solpadol when I pop out later then...I was concerned it would be an overdose if I used the gel too xxx

Thanks Jane, I did wonder about taking them both, I was taking the Voltarol previously but then got these tablets on prescription and they worked just as well at less than half the price

I did try sitting with my leg elevated and a bag of frozen cauliflower on my knee, (we didn't have peas ), but helpful Henry kept trying to grab them and run xx


Thanks for that...it seems obvious when someone else tells you but I just wanted to double check

Ideally you should only take one type of anti-inflammatory at a time but you are able to take pain killers as well at the same time.

Also, you can get OTC lignocaine gel which may help. it takes about 20-30 minutes to work and is a local anaesthetic gel but gets absorbed into the skin. So some of the pain inside your knee will diappear.

Cartain knee braces and supports specifically designed for cartilage problems may also help. Your OS/Consultant should be able to prescribe you a decent one (the best ones are a few hundred pounds).

Thanks very much for the information...I shall look into the gel as that may be the answer until I get the appointment through with the specialist

I have taken Diclofenac and Ibuprofen together, but would advise against it for the above reasons. I got a severe slap on the wrists by the Nurse Prac at work when I told her, but hey what are you supposed to do when in severe pain? Didn't do me any harm anyway!

I'm led to believe, by a very irrate Consultant, that the Ibuprofen Gels work exactly the same as the tablets as it's just absorbed into the blood stream the same way as oral meds, only it goes through you skin instead? Based on that info I probably would avoid taking the tablets and gel together.

Have you tried natural remedies? I've heard some really good reports re acupuncture, homeopathy etc for arthritis.

Thanks Emma

I only found out I had arthritis when they operated on my knee in May, I just thought it was stiff joints due to age. I have tried arnica, devils claw etc, (bear in mind I'm veggie and couldn't face taking fish oils ), but nothing took away the pain until I tried the voltarol and then got prescribed the Dicloflex.

I'd certainly be willing to try acupuncture but am hoping that, once this op is over, if they will do another op so soon, that I can keep the pain at bay just with a small dose of the Dicloflex

I had it after having Ellie for the stitches....

I was told i could take Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol but no ibuprofen....

Hope that helps.....

Alex
xx