valentinelynx
Senior Member
- Messages
- 1,310
- Location
- Tucson
Gel form skin-applied ibuprofen and other painkillers exist. I wonder if this would have any less effect.
Yes, Voltaren gel and things like the Flector patch generally don't cause the same problems as IV or oral NSAIDS because very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. Personally I like Voltaren gel (also available as generic now: diclofenac gel) a lot for hand pain.
Having said that, there are some exceptions. My father-in-law is limited in how much Voltaren gel he can use because it makes his blood pressure rise if he uses too much. However, he is 98 years old, so I imagine his skin is on the thin side (no kidding!) and so he absorbs much more than normal. And is more sensitive to the effects of NSAIDs due to age and infirmity. Although he's doing very well for being 98 with heart failure, COPD, diabetes, etc.!