Voltaren gel - no longer free on prescription?

I have only ever bought Voltarol gel OTC - is that the same thing?

Our surgery has not prescribed it for some years now, I've had to buy it and it's expensive.
The tablets have not been prescribed for a long time either.

We can be prescribed an ibuprofen gel which is not as effective imo.

Yes it is the same. I swear by it for some things and it’s not cheap. I can’t believe how many things are no longer on prescription.

Been reading around it, and it seems that it should not be used regularly and over 21 days- with quite serious health risks associated. Didn't realise this.

Yes, Voltarol/Voltaren, the same.

From drugs.com

Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while using Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel.

I swear by VoltarolSR tablets but the Doctor won’t prescribe it for me. I think it’s because I have asthma.
I buy Voltarol Gel - I have a really painful right shoulder.

Oh great!!
But thank you 🙂

Considering it should not be used regularly for long periods of time- I am amazed it can be bought over the counter.

Callistemon21

Oh great!!
But thank you 🙂

Which bit?

I know someone that has used two tubes of Voltarol a month for years and she’s now in her nineties. I think the tablets were phased out a long time ago though.

I am amazed- there is always one example of someone who got through the net. My mum smoked heavily from the age of 18 and died aged 94.

I have only ever bought Voltarol for arthritis pain, never been prescribed it. Yes it is expensive, isn’t everything pharmaceutical now?

nhs advises that GPs generally are not to issue prescriptions for items that can be bought without.
there are some exceptions for people with long-term conditions, or to ameliorate symptoms caused by a course of treatment. www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/why-cant-i-get-prescription-over-counter-medicine/

My friend's mum is on basic pension with many health issues- and on basic pension. The cost of buying herself has she uses daily, is very expensive.

People were no longer be able to purchase diclofenac tablets, from 2015 used to treat pain and inflammation, from pharmacies without a prescription from their doctor due to the small risk of heart problems and the effects of NSAIDs on the gastric system.
In the US, this drug is referred to as “Voltaren Arthritis Pain.” In the UK, this OTC drug is called “Voltarol. “Both Voltaren Arthritis Pain and Voltarol refer to similar topical products that contain forms of diclofenac as their active ingredient.

Yes, forgotten that- my tube was bought abroad and it is 'Voltaren' - same difference.

Fleurpepper

Callistemon21

Oh great!!
But thank you 🙂

Which bit?

The information about the side effects.

I was told by the GP years ago that Diclofenac (Voltarol) tablets would no longer be prescribed as they caused bleeds in the stomach.
The gel is not prescribed if an alternative is available.