about shingle

God bless your father for reaching the age of 102. Iam sorry to hear that your father has been in pain for over a month.

I realize that sometimes a physician will prescribe a medication for an off-label use. This means a drug is ordered to treat a condition that it was not originally intended for. But, Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is used to treat joint pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet caused by osteoarthritis.

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the  varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with antiviral medications, such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex) and Famciclovir (Famvir), help speed healing and reduce the risk for complications.

Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, in a gel, cream, skin patch or spray are often ordered to provide relief when the pain is severe.

Maybe, your father's physician thinks Voltaren Gel will work similarly to a Lidocaine gel. Give your father's physician a call as soon as possible. Tell him that your father is still having pain. A change in medication may be in order.

Maryann