One of the main side effects of anti-inflammatory medicines commonly used to treat aches and pains is stomach upset. Some medicines are more notorious than others for this problem but the issue is seen across the whole class of medicines, known as Non-Steroidal-Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). The recommendation to take this class of medicine with or immediately after food is standard and wisely given for protection against stomach irritation.
 
For those prone to experiencing stomach upset with NSAIDs other options need to be considered. One effective way to get a medicine into the body and avoiding the oral route that leads directly to stomach problems is to inject it. It is not really convenient for home use and needles can hurt, require careful handling to be disposed of safely and are a source of phobia for many.
 
A better way is to use a trans-dermal gel to carry the medicine across the skin and into the muscles, tendons and joints where it is needed to reduce pain and inflammation. While initially met with scepticism, transdermal gels have been in the market place for a long time now and are proven to be very useful. Due to the fact that they avoid the stomach altogether, gastric upsets are not an issue with this method of treatment.
 
Diclofenac is one of the group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics. Anti-inflammatory analgesic gels are used to relieve pain and reduce swelling in a number of conditions affecting the joints and muscles, for example, sprains, strains and bruises. Diclofenac is the market leading medicine in transdermal gel form and is popular for treating sports injuries. Diclofenac is marketed under the name, Voltaren Emulgel.
 
Other medicines using the transdermal method include ibuprofen under the brands Nurofen Gel or Deep Relief Gel and also etofenamate under the brand name, Rheumon Gel.