Updated info on Maitaitom's "Magic Cream"
 

Just wanted to let all of you know that we bought a tube of it (Voltaren Emugel) in Paris for 5.90 euros, and bought another tube in Rome for 8.90 euros. So stock up in Paris.
As an anecdote, both of us were suffering mightily with our knees by the second day in Paris, climbing up/down all the metro steps and walking a kabillion miles, so after buying a tube at a pharmacy, we each rubbed a small amount onto certain areas of our legs.

Lo and behold, the next morning, the spots where we'd applied the cream were fine, but the areas that were neglected were still sore.

So if you're in Paris, do yourself a favor and buy a tube or two.

Joyce,

Where did you buy it? My husband's foot is not getting better and I am afraid he will have a hard time walking around Paris. Thanks

Cafegoddess,
Just go into any farmicia and ask for
Voltaren Emugel. We bought ours in the little pharmacy on St. Andre des Artes. It does seem to help. Good luck!

If you read my trip report and how I had a hard time walking til my pharmacist in the 4th gave me intralgis,
I brought back a doz. boxes (tablets)

I, too, used to lug home Voltaren Emugel from Paris. Then, I found I could order it from this website:
A1-health dot stores dot yahoo dot net

Of course, it costs more (about $20 for a 3 oz tube), but if you can't get to Paris anytime soon and your bones are aching now ....

Good news.

On Oct 17 the FDA approved Voltaren Emulgel for sale in the US. However, it is by Rx only.

The price in US/Canada is about $30 for a 120 mg tube.

In Europe, it is available w/o an Rx for about 7E.

((I))

bookmarking for 2008. Thanks.

TIBURON is another analgesic cream that is inexpensive and widely available in pharmacies in France..containing Ibuprofen.

Keep in mind that Voltaren contains diclophenac, wich isn't exactly 'harmless stuff'.

ttt

bkm

I see where Lindsey Vonn is using Voltaren (Magic Cream). I can see the headlines now if she wins: "MaitaiTom Saves The Olympics For U.S. Ski Team!" Yes, I've had a cocktail.

((H))

Maitaitom.... What a contribution to history! :)

I'm sure she will share her medal with you.

For visitors to Germany: It is now possible to buy Voltaren 0.25 mg pills OTC. It's not possible to get these without a recipe e.g. in the UK.
They work even better, but aren't something to take for a longer period of time.

Voltaren K 12.5mg and 25mg tablets are also available OTC in the Netherlands, as is the gel.

Since both contain diclofenac they are not to be used lightly, and you should check they don't interfere with any other tablets you are taking. Do not take them with any prescription NSAIDs for instance - even the gel should be used with caution in combination with certain medicines.

I have used Voltaren, but as hetismij posted above, not sure if I want to use that drug long term.

We also had good results with Perskindol (which is based on wintergreen oil), here is some info about it in English:
http://www.perskindol.co.uk/