Generic Name: Pennsaid for Osteoarthritis (diclofenac-topical)
Pennsaid for Osteoarthritis Reviews
"After taking meloxicam for my osteoarthritis in my knee, I found the meloxicam started giving me severe stomach pain. My doctor switched me to Pennsaid topical ointment. First, I found I was drowsy on this medication, but this side effect soon went away. The Pennsaid has taken away my knee pain, plus I have no stomach problems, because it is not ingested, but goes directly to the source of my pain. I recommend this medicine for those who cannot take oral NSAIDs."
"By far, this is the best topical solution I have ever used. I have osteoarthritis in my right knee (had surgery over 20 years ago for torn ligaments), and I have severe back issues (2 ruptured discs and degenerative disc disease). I use Pennsaid for both problems as needed. After application, the pain is gone or immensely diminished within 10 minutes. I am being completely honest. Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover this drug, and the cost is over $2500 for a 3.8 fl. oz. bottle! When I informed my doctor about this, he put me in contact with a mail-order pharmacy. He wrote me a prescription and sent it to this pharmacy, and I ended up getting this drug for only $10!! So for all of you who are frustrated with the ridiculous price, research online pharmacies or inform your doctor about the mail order option. I would post the name of the pharmacy that I use, but I'm afraid of any legal repercussions that may result. Good luck, and don't be fooled into paying full price!"
"Oh my gosh, I have to admit, I had absolutely no hope that a topical would work for my bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my knees. I've been in some pretty nasty pain, walking with a cane on some days, and unable to walk very far or stand even long enough to do dishes. I'm 51 years old, and I'm using a scooter at Disney World because I simply cannot walk to the gate, much less around the park. Well, I'm not going to say that suddenly I can run a marathon, nor can I walk around Disney, but the stiffness has loosened up, the swelling has gone down, and I can walk around my house without furniture walking. I can walk in the backyard to walk the dogs, and I can stand to do dishes or fold a load of laundry. 5 stars!"
"The first time my doctor suggested Voltaren cream. I have osteo in both knees, right ankle, and my spine. After several tubes and no reduction of pain or swelling, my doctor suggested Pennsaid. The difference was like day and night. Not only did it reduce the pain, but the swelling in my ankle was also reduced. When I investigated both products, I was shocked to find that only Pennsaid contains a delivery agent, DMSO, that Voltaren does not. So it seems the DMSO delivers directly into the joint while the Voltaren only stays on the skin. Bottom line, I will never spend my money on anything else going forward. Pennsaid works for me."
"Relieves knee and hip osteoarthritis pain immediately. I have used it when required for approximately 4 years with no known side effects. I am a 70-year-old with hypertension controlled with medication."
"I have been using Pennsaid topical for a week now on my neck (facets in my cervical 2-7 are narrowing and pinching nerves)... Great results... Not having any pain... It is calming down the nerves!!! What a relief!! The only side effect is a slight burning for about the first five minutes after applying... But then it subsides! This is a Godsend for me!!!"
"My doctor gave me some samples last year. It did work on my knees, and I also used it on my lower back. I wish I had gotten a prescription for it because it gave me relief from oral medicines for a couple of days."
"Have been using Pennsaid for over eight years but strictly on an as-needed basis (2-3) times a week. Very effective for knees and hips (almost instant relief). Only side effect is an occasional oral off-taste."
"I have been using this for a few weeks now, and I can feel a difference. I work in an assembly plant, so therefore I make the same movement all day long. It works on my shoulders and my wrist. People are saying it costs too much, or some get it at a discounted price. I get mine absolutely free and shipped to my house, all for free. My doctor is the one who told me that she wasn’t even going to write a prescription and have me go to my local pharmacy since I would still pay full price. She uses a mail order pharmacy. She told me that it would cost as much as $10.00, but when the pharmacy called to verify all information, they said it’s free!! So you all need to talk to your doctors about a mail order pharmacy! My doctor saved me tons of money!"
"I've got bad arthritis. I had bilateral knee replacement done 3 yrs ago, my right shoulder rebuilt, and right hand surgery, all within the past 5 years. I've taken so many Advil a day to combat the misery, along with Manuka honey and cinnamon trying to work through the pain and have a joy filled life, but no lie, it's really, REALLY hard some days! I found an unopened box of Pennsaid. I thought I had nothing to lose and began using it. I Am Stunned!! It has taken the burning waves of severe pain out of both hips..(THAT IS HUGE FOR ME!!!)..and has really helped my hands be able to work. It has relieved the residual pain I have in both knees and even the pain of swollen joints in my feet! I'm so happy and pleasantly surprised as I was a total skeptic. I'm so happy to have a life again....it's been awhile!!"
"I can't take NSAIDs because I get extremely sick to my stomach when I do (I was diagnosed with gastritis) and my Orthopedic doctor gave me a few samples of PENNSAID and I am impressed. Inside one packet of 2% gel on my knee and the swelling went down almost immediately, and the pain was completely gone for almost 8 hours. I have many joint issues. I have worked jn the service industry for over 20 years, and I love what this drug can do. Unfortunately, I cant afford it ($1000/ month?), and of course my insurance won't cover it. Its really a shame because I think this is a breakthrough kind of treatment for pain. If drugs like this were more available, maybe there wouldn't be such an opiate epidemic in the U.S. Lives would be saved in the long run, and less resources would be used on patients ODing."
"I love this medication. I was in pain for 7 months with no sign of relief. My doctor gave me samples and I could not believe the instant relief I got from this medication. So far, I'm not experiencing any side effects, and I hope it continues to be this way."
"I was given samples of this for arthritis pain in my foot due to a previous injury. I used just a little bit of it each day to make sure I wasn’t allergic. I thought after a few days it was safe but then about 4 days later I broke out in this horrible rash on my foot. It itches, burns, I can’t sleep at night, and it’s gone from red, to purple, and now swollen and red with some boils. If you have any allergies please be careful with this medication. It’s been a week and my foot is still awful looking."
"This worked to completely take away pain from a bone spur in my right foot in less than two weeks. Haven't needed it again since the pain went away. I have used it on my knees and it helped for that too. I'm about to try it on my sprained ankle hoping it works. I got this for a discount $10 mailed to my home. Prescribed by a Podiatrist"
"For the first several days that I used Pennsaid I had significant pain relief in my knee. However, some pain has returned even with continued use. I hope that I will eventually feel better. So glad that my doctor was able to help me get this prescription at a discount through a pharmaceutical discount provider! Saved $$$$"
"Went to a walk in Orthopedic clinic and given two packets of Pennsaid 2% for an aching Achilles. Attending physician wrote script and sent it to their recommended pharmacy. Used the two sample packets and a rash broke out on my ankle along with skin pain. Seven days after my initial visit the Pennsaid arrived by mail. Never used it and my prescription insurance paid $2,297.00 (3.8 fl oz). You wonder big Pharma is loathe by general public?"
"I have osteoarthritis in my right knee, and I run. I also get IT band pain. So sometimes, I am so stiff and achy either from running, or just because. I get super stiff behind my knee, and it makes it hard to even walk, or straighten my leg all the way. I take ibuprofen, I ice it...and that helps some. I woke up this morning with it being extremely stiff behind my knee. I applied Pennsaid all over the back and front of my knee. No kidding - within 5 minutes, most of that stiffness is GONE. I am in shock. And if you have knee pain, you know how debilitating it can feel. This stuff is INSANE - in a good way!! I'm so glad I have it. I literally can't believe how much it helped me. And no, I don't work for a pharmaceutical company."
"I'm 30 yo male, 6 months ago a had surgery on broken navicular (arch of foot) ever since I've had occasional swelling and pain towards the end of the day, I'm very active work outdoors. I take Movic as needed but requested something along the line of a cream for on site relief from my Dr, he gave me some Pennsaid samples. I will be requesting a prescription asap! I get relief in 10 minutes of application ! Hope this helps someone"
"I did physical therapy, icing, resting, every technique to try to stop the pain in my knee. I have osteoarthritis as well. This medication was the only thing that worked and stopped the pain in my knee. I am so happy my doctor prescribed this drug for me."
"I'm allergic to Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen. My doctor knew this. He insisted that this stuff would be fine on me. He put a dab on my hand and said that since there wasn't a rash I was fine. I put it in the places he told me to and the. I got very very very sick. Lethargic almost. It was awful. Major major major stomach cramps and pain. My throat started to close up. It was awful. Do not take this if you are allergic to Ibuprofen. You'll regret it. Some doctors truly are idiots."
"I loved this Pennsaid cream. It helped me along with my cortisone shots but I developed a itchy rash from it and had to get a cream to take the rash away. It really is depressing because this stuff was really helping me but I am allergy to something in it."
"I had replacements in both knees , but I still have a pain worst then before surgery. Now I have hip, ankles, hands joins problem. Doctor prescribed PENNSAID, but I don't have insurance and can't afford pay so much money. It is a ridiculous price"
"I received a few sample packets of Pennsaid from the dr. Used them sparingly and IT worked great for my knee pain. No pain. Loved the stuff. Got a script for a bottle of it. The real stuff. Didn’t work at all. Horrible for the huge price tag that came with it. Be careful because the generic version works better."
"I had hip replacement six years ago and recently developed serious pain in my replaced hip where I couldn't sleep. Doctor took x rays of the replaced hip and the hip was perfect. He probed the pain area and I went through the roof. He recommended painsaid to control inflammation, Doc felt my exercise regime causes the inflammation. I got instant relief and I would recommend it."
"My opinion of this topical medicine is far different than everyone else's. I've been using it for a torn meniscus regularly for two months and I see absolutely no difference. I might as will be putting body butter on my knee. I'm very tuned into medicines, every little side effect and whether it works or doesn't and this stuff is phony baloney."
More about Pennsaid (diclofenac topical)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Pennsaid drug information
Other brands
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, Licart, Flector Patch, Solaraze, ... +4 more
Professional resources
- Pennsaid prescribing information
- Diclofenac (Topical) (AHFS Monograph)
Other brands
Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, Licart, Flector Patch, Solaraze, ... +4 more
Related treatment guides
- Osteoarthritis
