What is the public saying in USA?A message board in USA talking about Pennsaid. The first poster from Montana asks a question. Out of twelve replies, one gives some advice related to Pennsaid. The other 11 offer another product to use. Better education? Commercials maybe? Need2. 1. Arthritis--Pennsaid--diclofenac--topical? Fri Jan 21 2011 10:51 PM I have osteo arthritis which is getting worse by the month. I was taking one oral med some years ago put me in the hospital with bleeding gut, left me anemic for a year, and ongoing gastric problems. Now I take a different med, not as effective, still hard on my gut, and a "buffer" which also has gastric side affects. SO NOW they have me trying the above listed Pennsaid which you rub right into the joint on your skin. Anyone use this, have any comments on effectiveness, side affects, trouble. AND have you got your prescription insurance to pay for it? 2.Pennsaid is a different brand name for Voltaren ( both are diclofenac as the active ingredient) It is a NSAID (similar to ibuprofen, aleve, etc,,) but is used topically,,,so you can "avoid" the GI side effect issues. Probably not as effective as taking something orally,, I agree with prior post on a Rheumatology opinion....if you have had a significant GI bleed on NSAIDS,,,your options are becoming limited... ( not sure if you on a PPI,,,ie,,acid suppression med like Prilosec,,etc to protect you stomach ) A lot of the Rheumatology "meds" dont have the gastric issues as it relates to bleeding,,,Maybe Nuvo and Covidien should have a fulltime poster answering these message boards. Wouldn't hurt. Need2.