| For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
|---|
Do you mean the gel or the tablets? I know the gel was available in 2019.
Gel. I didn’t know it was available as a tablet. Wouldn’t a tablet be the same as ibuprofen?
Not at all. I used to get prescribed Voltaren tablets for a back problem - among the possible side affects are:
The active ingredient in Voltaren is Diclofenac, it is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ). But can have considerable side effects.
This is what I also bought in a farmacía, no prescription required. Worked wonderfully for my shin splint without the adverse effects that limit the amount of ibuprofen that you can take orally. I could never remember the name of it without looking at the tube, so in my Camino family we just referred to it as Voldemort.
All pharmacies in the EU will carry both Voltaren gel and Ibuprofen Gel. I usually fill my luggage with Ibuprofen gel on the way home because it is not available in the USA (with our without prescription). I find the 10% gel to be more effective than Voltaren gel.
It gel is nowadays called Voltadol Forte - propably they have the weeker one ,to - and is available in tubes for 100 and 50 grams.
Also be especially careful if you are also taking oral NSAIDS like ibuprofen.
You can also purchase ibuprofen gel at the local pharmacies( it is behind the counter) which is a good generic substitute however be mindful of the dosage. The Spanish version tends to be stronger.
Thats right. The key to the painless Camino is to keep the body in a proper shape. That also applies to the graduate warming up in the mornings and not exceeding limits at the end of the day. I have to admit I violated this rule once on VdlP when in a sunny and chilly morning over accelerated and ended up with a tibial tendonitis. Voltaren emulgel, available in Spanish pharmacies allowed me to walk anyway.
I, too, still have some Voltadol Forte.
I am appalled at this discussion. Diclofenac and ibuprofen are both potentially dangerous medications.
This is a good point.
Voltaren gel cream is readily available. If you take Voltaren (diclofenac) prescription in pill form, that might be trickier to get.
Ask your doctor if the topical gel will work for you.
Take it with you. I got tendonitis unexpectedly. Went to a pharmacy but the lady couldn't understand and offered sun screen. Second one gave me voltarin cream so yes readily available but not worth the hassle.
That strength has just been released for OTC sale in Australia. The previous strength, still available, and on my shelf at home, is 11.6 mg/g.
..
Can you please elaborate on why you believe they are dangerous? I've used both of them regularly for several years without any problem other than the 10% ibuprofen gel causing some skin minor skin flaking. Fortunately, I no longer need them, as I now have good orthotics which have fixed my plantar fasciitis. If one has a chronic disease of any type (including heart disease), it would be prudent to discuss all your medications (OTC or prescribed and even supplements with your doctor. There are many drug and supplement interactions.
The exact words were "potentially dangerous", which is quite different. I think that some examples have already been given.
