Ibuprofen gel

Voltaren Gel is available with a prescription in the US - though its naproxen instead of ibuprofen. (Think Alieve vs. Advil)

If you've got a reasonable doctor, the Rx shouldn't be hard to get if you think it might help with your aches and pains. I was given it for my IT band problems and it seems to help my flare-ups as much as taking naproxen orally would. 

My doc gave me 2 tubes of Voltaren.  I only used it for my toe.  Had some arthritis in my big toe a while back and it made running really hard.

jami

I'll have to look for that. Is there a brand name? 

At some race I did a few years ago I got a goody-bag that contained  a spray-on analgesic / anti-inflammatory that contained aspirin (or a derivative) and some other ingredients (menthol, camphor, etc.).  It helped with local aches and pains.

I'm like you....it's ridiculous that the Ibuprofen gel isn't available over the counter....probably a patent issue or something else that the drug companies control.  Have you tried buying Voltaren over the web?

Keep in mind that the gel works because you absorb it through your skin into your systemic circulation.  Just like most other topical patches and many creams/gel, it has no "local" effect.  Doesn't matter if you rub it on sore joints or your forehead.  And it's not any safer from GI toxicity either...only an upset stomach if the tabs bother you, but the gel carries the same serious risk of ulceration/GI bleed as the pills (albeit quite low with occasional use).

(ps, when I'm not training I play pharmacist)

-MIke

Regulation issue. Costs them money to get FDA approved for OTC. If they figure the sales will not be worth the hassle, they won't do it.

I appreciate what you are saying with your experience.  In my experience using it, there is NO COMPARISON to how helpful it is topically on my hip as compared to taken orally. 

BUT.....I'm sorry, those pills being absorbed through my stomach vs. the gel being absorbed through my hip.....you're killing me.  I respect everyone who has an opinion on something in their field...it makes me sit up and think about what they are saying.....I can't get behind what you are saying with regard to GI issues.  My experience doesn't come close to bearing out what you say in that regard, and I've got a cast iron stomach.

I use the Voltaren Gel for the arthritis in my hands.  Works immediately and is really effective over a long period.

you can order online from Canada, and it is way cheaper than the cost of the prescription version that your doctor may prescribe.  takes a couple of weeks to get here if you take the cheapest shipping.

I don't doubt that there is some relation to the topical medicine and the stomach lining, but it can't be as bad as oral NSAIDs which can occasionally cause a perforated ulcer (if not taken with food) resulting in emergency surgery.  I am not a medical doctor, but this happened to a family member who has now been banned from oral NSAIDs.

If you are taking oral NSAIDs, it is important to eat and drink plenty with them.