Can’t take NSAID drugs like ibuprofen or Co-codamol. What else can be done?

Try MSM methylsulphate, natural and at most chemists.

I’ve just seen a physiotherapist about my knee. She’s given me 13 exercises to do each day; I’m not very good at following instructions so I’m not sure if I’m doing them correctly. They’re really boring but must be doing something because my knee really ached afterwards.

I have needed a knee replacement for about 10 years. Perhaps 12. Last month I finally got an appointment with a sympathetic doctor who finally got me an X-ray. Now I’m seeing a physiotherapist and been offered an appointment every two months. Do the rest at home. I’m 74 and many of my neighbours in Willesden have had their knee replacement in their sixties. Not sure why.

Ibuprofen gel just seems to dry quite hard on my skin and makes it a bit sore. I've used Voltarol for years. You have to be careful about exposing your skin to the sun if it has voltarol on. Boots do a cheaper generic version.

I asked - begged - the GP for Naproxen the other week but she refused and said it wasn't advised for older patients.

Paracetamol just doesn't hit the spot, does it, and I can't take co-codamol.

Is it ok to use ibuprofen or Voltarol gel, I wonder?

I'd be interested in hearing what they recommend. Maybe relaxation tapes might help, too. I don't know what I'd do without relaxation tapes, my knee peas and my good old hot water bottle.

Thank you for your answers. I will have to get myself to the local pharmacy for an answer. I had my doubts about voltarol but was so dismayed about the fact that I might be left with no kind of pain relief that I refrained from looking.


was so dismayed

Not your advice Maybe70, the one you commented on. Possibly lethal for someone with bleeding ulcers.

MayBee70

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

it is truly scary to read such dangerous, possibly lethal advice. GN should not allow medical advice to be given here, truly.

Co dydramol is dihydrocodeine and paracetamol and is stronger then co codamol. Paracetamol is effective if you take it four times a day.

Debbi58

Aspirin

No not aspirin,it goes for the stomach too, it will have to be paracetamol or if something stronger needs to be prescribed, perhaps tramadol

Be careful of Voltarol, if you take certain medications you should not use it. Furosemide is certainly on that list.

Phone or visit your local pharnacy and ask the pharmacist.
IME they often know more about drugs, drug interactions and side effects than most GP's.

Paracetamol taken regularly at maximum dose can be quite effective and safe for stomach,

Aspirin is as bad as ibuprofen if you suffer from ulcers...

Aspirin

Older people shouldn't take ibuprofen. I know of two people that suffered with terrible stomach ulcers from taking it..one was put into an induced coma. I do apply it topically sometimes but never take it in tablet form. Having seen a physiotherapist about my knee yesterday I think my first port of call would be a good physio. Paracetamol is pretty safe but isn't anti inflammatory. Turmeric is but can't be taken if you're on eg blood thinners.

If I contact the doctor they will suggest this as apparently you have to see a physio three times before they can suggest anything else - what utter madness is this?

The OP is in pain. They need pain relief, not yanking around. Getting pain under control shroud be step one, not some add-on after they have watched you suffer for months!

growstuff

Co-codamol isn't an NSAID. It contains paracetamol and codeine.

This, cocodamol an effective pain reliever. You need high fibre to avoid constipation

I’m taking codrydamol can’t take codeine or anything stronger. I do use voltarol though.

Why are you having so many falls ?
You need to see what is causing the falls

Or speak to a pharmacist.

Try cocodamol first. I found them very effective when I fell badly and hurt my ribs.

GN or any internet forum is really NOT, NOT, NOT the place for your question, especially as you have other health conditions. Please see your GP and stay safe.