Strong Over The Counter Painkillers (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Marydoll

I have RA and wear a Fentanyl patch after being referred to a pain clinic. I had been through about every painkiller available.

I also use prescription 10% ibruprofen gel, 5% is useless for RA pain. Do you not have an RA specialist nurse, whom you can call for advice. I find they are very knowledgeable and helpful and a quick route to my consultant.

Hopefully your infusion will help. Until recently, I injected my self weekly with biologics, (Tocilizamub) much better than a monthly infusion. Have you considered asking your consultant or is it unsuitable for you?

Thank you.

I had weekly injections of Enbrel, around 15 years ago. It worked well for a number of years, then became less effective, which is when they switched me to the twice yearly infusions. They have been amazing but we seem somehow to have skipped one set, which is why I think the pain level is so high now.

All my hospital letters say that if I have any problems between hospital appointments, to speak with my GP first.

But actually, yes, I do have a rheumatologist nurse helpline, and I will call them tomorrow. Thank you for the reminder 😀

HurdyGurdy

Thank you.

I did have a telephone appointment with a different GP, as the first meds were not really helping.

Unfortunately had a strong accent, and was on speakerphone, so not easy to understand, but he prescribed Ibuprofen 5% w/w gel, which did nothing at all.

I will try for a further appointment tomorrow morning, to see if they will increase the Co-Dydramol strength, or offer something else.

Gosh, I have been so spoiled by having these amazing infusions, I had forgotten how painful arthritis can be

Voltarol gel Back and Joint Pain (2.32%) is very effective. I use it for mid-foot arthritis. You can buy it over the counter.

I have RA and wear a Fentanyl patch after being referred to a pain clinic. I had been through about every painkiller available.

I also use prescription 10% ibruprofen gel, 5% is useless for RA pain. Do you not have an RA specialist nurse, whom you can call for advice. I find they are very knowledgeable and helpful and a quick route to my consultant.

Hopefully your infusion will help. Until recently, I injected my self weekly with biologics, (Tocilizamub) much better than a monthly infusion. Have you considered asking your consultant or is it unsuitable for you?

Have you tried applying the ibuprofen gel when your body is warm. It absorbs much better.

HurdyGurdy

Thank you.

I did have a telephone appointment with a different GP, as the first meds were not really helping.

Unfortunately had a strong accent, and was on speakerphone, so not easy to understand, but he prescribed Ibuprofen 5% w/w gel, which did nothing at all.

I will try for a further appointment tomorrow morning, to see if they will increase the Co-Dydramol strength, or offer something else.

Gosh, I have been so spoiled by having these amazing infusions, I had forgotten how painful arthritis can be

Can I ask if you are in the UK @HurdyGurdy

Thank you.

I did have a telephone appointment with a different GP, as the first meds were not really helping.

Unfortunately had a strong accent, and was on speakerphone, so not easy to understand, but he prescribed Ibuprofen 5% w/w gel, which did nothing at all.

I will try for a further appointment tomorrow morning, to see if they will increase the Co-Dydramol strength, or offer something else.

Gosh, I have been so spoiled by having these amazing infusions, I had forgotten how painful arthritis can be

You must go back urgently to GP as they can prescribe opiates to keep you going. shout loudly as in your unbearable pain, and how it makes you feel. And have felt far too long for it to be a short bearable flare up

It does sound like it need a proper new pain review but in the short term don't hold back to literally - cry for help.

Depending on the severity of your pain, I’m afraid you won’t find suitable pain relief over the counter, for what you describe.
Your GP will have to prescribe anything stronger, eg: Co-Codamol 30/500 or something stronger if required.

I do sympathise with the painful time you are having as I am recovering from a fractured hip and knee taking the above dosage of Co-Codamol with Ibuprofen 400, 4 x per day.

Co-dydramol aren't just paracetamol, they also contain dihydrocodeine. They do come in different strengths though, and only the lower dose is available over the counter.

Another week is a long time to wait in pain - you should ask your doctor for something stronger.

Please get back in touch with your GP. There are dangerous interactions between drugs - and nasty side effects - that you really need to avoid.

Codydramol contain Codiene, so they're not 'just paracetamol'. I've found Tramadol effective, but you do need a prescription - for good reason.