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Diclofenac

Pain Relief

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What is diclofenac?

Diclofenac (also called Voltaren®) is a man-made steroid that works like a steroid made by the adrenal gland in your body. This medicine has several uses:

  • To relieve inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain), especially in joints
  • To relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis
  • To treat certain skin diseases caused by excessive UV rays (from the sun or tanning)

Diclofenac is applied to the skin and is available as a 1 percent topical gel.

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Possible side effects

  • Many of these side effects happen only at the application site.
  • Itching skin
  • Rash
  • Dry skin
  • Skin peeling
  • Redness on the skin
  • Tingling feeling on skin
  • Headache
  • Indigestion (upset stomach)
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Acne

    These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to your health care team.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take diclofenac will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • The diclofenac gel may take up to 12 hours to provide the most relief of symptoms.
  • Diclofenac can hide a fever. Watch for signs of infection. Tell the doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you see such signs. Refer to the hand out “Do you know… The signs of infection.”
  • Wash your face 2 times a day with soap and water to decrease the chance that temporary acne will develop.
  • Discard after the expiration date printed on the label.
  • Do not apply topical gel to the eyes, mucous membranes (mouth, inside nose), open wounds, or infected areas.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Wash the area of skin to be treated.
  • Use the dosing card supplied with product to measure the correct amount of medicine. Then apply the gel to the clean dry skin. Rub the medicine gently into the skin until it has been absorbed.
  • Avoid occlusive (air-tight and water-tight) dressings and avoid applying heat to the treated area.
  • Avoid direct sunlight on your skin when you are using topical diclofenac. Your skin will burn more easily.
  • Store topical diclofenac gel at room temperature in a dry place.
  • Diclofenac may affect the way some medicines work. Some medicines may also affect the way diclofenac works. These medicines include the following:
    • Methotrexate
    • Celebrex® (celecoxib)
    • Cyclosporine
    • Prozac® (fluoxetine)
    • Celexa® (citalopram)
    • Paxil® (paroxetine)
    • Zoloft® (sertraline)
    • Tenofovir (alafenamide or disoproxil fumarate)
    • Prograf® (tacrolimus)
    • Some blood pressure medicines
    • Some anticoagulant medicines

      Always tell your health care team if you are taking any of these medicines or if you start taking any new medicine while you are using topical diclofenac.

      Always check with your pharmacist to obtain the Medication Guide for NSAIDs every time you pick up your topical diclofenac.
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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