Get Informed: Diclofenac
Active Ingredient(s)
Diclofenac
What does it do?
This product is used primarily in the treatment of arthritis. It is in the family of NSAIDs, and its mechanism of action is unknown.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:18
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-09-08 21:01
Other Names
- Diclofenac
- Voltaren
- Cataflam
- Flector
- Voltaren-XR
- Zipsor
- Pennsaid
- Voltarol
- Motifene
- Solaraze
- Volsaid
- Diclomax
- Rhumalgan
- Slofenac
- Rheumatac
- Fenactol
- Voltarol P
- Diclozip
- Lofensaid
- Diclovol
- Econac
- Flexotard
- Acoflam
- Defanac
- Cambia
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
- Please log in
- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning related to potentially fatal cardiac and GI events including MI and strokes, bleeding or perforation of the intestines.
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 28 Jul 1988
- Est US Patients*
- 758,200
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Diclofenac or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.
Diclofenac Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Diclofenac interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Diclofenac used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 5,700 patients that use Diclofenac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis | 56% |
mild
severe
|
| Pain-Generalized | 47% |
mild
severe
|
| Back/Neck Pain | 39% |
mild
severe
|
| Fibromyalgia | 17% |
mild
severe
|
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 8% |
mild
severe
|
How well does Diclofenac work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 5,700 users taking Diclofenac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM). This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 75%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Diclofenac outweigh the bad things.
- 8%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Diclofenac.
Common Side Effects of Diclofenac
iGuard regularly polls our more than 5,700 users taking Diclofenac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
23% of patients experience side-effects on Diclofenac
2% of patients experience significant side-effects on Diclofenac
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Abdo Pain/Cramps
-
Swelling/Edema
-
Kidney Problems
-
Drowsiness
-
Dizziness
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Headache, Heartburn/Reflux, Sweating
Global Patient Feedback for Diclofenac ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been using the Flector Patch for one week now. I haven't notice any major side effects. I will say that it works wonders for me. My hip had me in so much pain I could barely climb the stairs. Now I am moving around. Ready to ask the doctor about using it for my back and shoulder to.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-10 23:36:04
Question/Comment:
I am using only the gel topical type as needed.
Is the gel safer than the oral pill form?
It is the best pain reliever i have used.
79 male usa
79 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-08-06 18:18:58
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The diclofenac gel is safer than the oral medication in that there would be no stomach upset, which is a side effect of drugs in this class. Also, the absorption from gel applied to the skin is less than what would be absorbed if taken by mouth. There are typically fewer interactions with a product applied this way.
Posted: 2010-08-17 23:09:05
Question/Comment:
I am on Voltaren gel for my torn rotary cuffs and it seeems to be working well. Is there any reaction to the drugs I am taking considering I am putting it on my shoulders?
72 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-25 10:59:35
Question/Comment:
I am using voltaren gel. I live in Michigan. It is awesome major decrease in pain. Good Luck
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-07-18 20:24:31
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard user may post questions and reply.
88
Patient Comments About
Diclofenac