Question:
Are NSAID patches harmful?

I had gastric bypass in Aug-2009. For the last 3 months have been having severe left shoulder pain. Am seeing a pain dr who prescribed the Flector 1.3% patch. Is this patch as harmful as the oral NSAIDS?    — GM1953 (posted on December 10, 2010)

December 10, 2010
This seems like a question for your surgeon. I will say this, I have had experience with both oral and patch NSAIDS and was told the effect on the liver and kidneys was the same for both. The primary difference was that patches were more targeted to the pain area and the medicine absorbed faster through the skin rather than waiting for it to go through the digestive system. Also, I had RNY in September and was taken off the NSAIDS two weeks before surgery and am still not allowed to go back on them. Again, I would really suggest talking to your surgeon. Hope everything works out for you.
   — kittymama03

December 11, 2010
I've asked my bariatric professionals about topical NSAIDS,, such as Aspercreme, and they said they'd prefer them to the oral. You definitely need to talk to YOUR professionals as everyone's health situation is slightly different. Also, I'm banded, not RNY and that also might make a difference.
   — Lisaizme

December 11, 2010
My surgeon, Dr. Michael Snyder, told me NO. He said that the medication in the NSAIDS made it's way through the blood stream and could cause ulcers in the stomach just as easily as taking them orally....that included stuff like aspercreme. So, I have a prescription for Lidoderm patches, which I use sparingly. They are not NSAID-based. I also use muscle rubs that do not contain salicylic acid, but may have capscacin in it, or just menthol, or stuff like that.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

December 14, 2010
My surgeon told me the same as Erica's.
   — Muggs