Anyone use Flector Patch?

[mrsD]

There is a new warning about Voltaren (diclofenac) used topically or orally and this would include Flector patches:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/S.../ucm193047.htm

[Posted 12/04/2009] Endo, Novartis and FDA notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the Hepatic Effects section of the prescribing information to add new warnings and precautions about the potential for elevation in liver function tests during treatment with all products containing diclofenac sodium.

And this link discusses why Voltaren and all other NSAIDs (except for naproxen) raise risk of heart attack sustantially:
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/aleve...eam-13085.html

[fibroqueen]

After Celebrex became dangerous to my kidneys, having lost 40 percent of my output function, my pain physician gave me Flector patches, which treats both my fibromyalgia and my arthritis discomforts well. I have malformations in my neck and spine, from the arthritis.

However, my insurance will no longer cover the medication, saying it is only for "acute pains due to sprains, etc."

Except it works, allowing me to stand for the six hours a day that I have to each day for work. Without it I'm incapacitated, unable to think for the severity of the pain.

I truly believe it is a great drug; and, as I have hyper-sensitivities to many allergens and didn't have any problems with this drug, nor did it negatively affect my kidneys, I hope you have a similar positive experience.

And, I pray that the Insurance Gods will allow me to get my needed medications again.

[mike s]

I use a patch I got from korea it is awesome and much less medicine 30 mg and I have bad knees and wow it makes them work again. I'm 65 and still playing softball because of these patches.

[OLD GEEZER]

The doctor just prescribed flector patch for my low back pain caused by sacroiliitis. My concern is all the warnings concerning heart related side effects. 6 months ago I had a block artery with a stent placement. Can't anyone elaborate on the seriousness of the heart side effects. Should I worry???? Stop usage?

[mrsD]

There are 3 types of things to watch for:

1) cardiac effects (basically for all NSAIDs used over long periods)

2) GI bleeding effects (the bleeding effects are centrally done thru the blood stream and occur with swallowing this drug or absorbing thru a patch)

3) Liver toxicity--- recently this warning was put out;

black boxed warning here:
http://www.rxlist.com/flector_patch-drug.htm

http://www.arthritistoday.org/news/d...-damage025.php

My doctor would not give me this patch, therefore.

I use OTC Salonpas with some success.

There is also a new OTC very strong rub, called Precise by
the makers of Tylenol.

[agkimber]

Flector isn't going to help much with plantar fasciitis. The only two things that really help are stretching exercises (basically for the rest of your life) and special silicone heel cups (the brand is Bauerfeind and you can get them on amazon - select Health and Beauty section, then enter silicone heel cups). Mine always comes back within about three weeks of slacking off or quitting my exercises, so keep at it.

Plantar fasciitis has nothing to do with tendons - if it did, your doc would be crazy for giving you cortisone shots because they are absolutely verboten for tendon problems (they can cause the tendon to rupture). Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation/shortening of the fascia.

If the patch won't stay on, try sports tape (stretchy and only sticks to itself) or netting. Don't get it wet.

[Lutie]

Originally Posted by Susan_MCL

I was just prescribed the Flector patch this morning for a tear in my MCL.

On the one hand, I was expecting another steroid injection when I saw the doctor this morning, so I was relieved when he offiered the patch as an alternative.

On the other hand, it is VERY expensive, and after reading the prescribing information, I'm really not very impressed with what it offers. It seems like glorified ibuprofen, which I could get at $11.00 for a bottle of 180. Also, it contains gelatin, which is a no-no for vegetarians.

Be very glad that your insurance brings the cost of the patches to $.33 each. Even with my insurance (United Healthcare) it cost me $2.00 per patch for a prescription of 30.

So far I've had the patch on for about an hour. The only difference I notice is that it is sort of cool, being a gel and all. I could have gotten that from Icy Hot.

I know I sound a little bitter, but that is because I am. I Googled Flector this morning and the most abundant information I found is about how it is going to make the manufacturers and investors rich due to an intensive sales force and its appeal to insurance compaines.

My doctor only gave me 15 days worth of patches. This is hardly going to repair my torn MCL which I have been nursing for almost 5 months, so I am left to believe that there was some incentive for him to prescribe this medication.

I'll keep you posted.

This post appears to have been a while ago, but I wondered how long it has been since your knee was healed...I did the same thing to my knee four months ago...cannot take anesthesia, so no operation...my physician gave me a couple of boxes of the patches...loved it the first time I used it, but the cost will keep me from getting them...loss of insurance (and job) has now dictated what procedures and medicines I can take...this will not be on that list of few aids...stinks without insurance! Oh, well! It is life!