Advantages of Pennsaid over V Gel Although both Pennsaid and Voltaren Gel have been shown to reduce pain of OA, Pennsaid also increases movement. And Pennsaid can be taken along with oral diclofenac.
Don't forget Dr. Galer's study comparing these two topicals; he found that Pennsaid more often was preferred over V Gel. The Voltaren Gel shortage combined with increasing formulary and drug plan coverage is introducing Pennsaid to many OA sufferers. What portion will continue using Pennsaid?
Pain Pract. 2011 May-Jun;11(3):252-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2010.00420.x. Epub 2010 Sep 20.
A comparative subjective assessment study of PENNSAID® and Voltaren Gel®, two topical formulations of diclofenac sodium.
Source
Nuvo Research Inc., West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382, USA. bgaler@nuvoresearch.com
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that is debilitating for many individuals. While oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain a common and effective treatment approach to managing OA, concerns over cardiovascular and gastrointestinal adverse events can potentially limit their use.
Various formulations of topical NSAIDs have been shown to provide effective localized treatment with minimal adverse events. A patient perception study was conducted to evaluate patient preference between topical diclofenac sodium gel and that of diclofenac sodium topical solution with the penetration enhancer dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Twenty-four healthy volunteers were randomized and asked to administer one dose of the topical products. Surveys were provided and assessed immediately after application, 5 minutes after application, and after the application had dried to gauge subjects' overall experience with the topical preparation. Overall, each drug's application was well tolerated and no adverse events were reported.
Results of the patient preference survey demonstrated that topical diclofenac solution with DMSO had a number of characteristics that were rated significantly better than for diclofenac sodium gel.
Mean subjective responses to topical diclofenac solution with DMSO were also more favorable for most items in the questionnaire, and more subjects preferred or highly preferred topical diclofenac solution with DMSO over diclofenac sodium gel.