Alternatives to diclofenac
13 same-class SPL records vs diclofenac - uses, FAERS reaction fields, and OTC/Rx flags from public FDA sources.
Brand: Voltaren, Cataflam
How to read a high-report FAERS peer set
diclofenac ranks in the upper FAERS-volume third of the corpus (#93 of 524); 13 same-class peers are listed for field comparison only. Labeled indication field for diclofenac: This medicine temporarily relieves arthritis pain.
Top FAERS reaction fields for diclofenac total 89,711 reports across 10 reactions, set beside diflunisal, etodolac, ibuprofen. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About diclofenac
Diclofenac is a gel that helps with arthritis pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, or knees. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs.
Used for: This medicine temporarily relieves arthritis pain. It is only for pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, or knees. It may take up to 7 days to start working. If you still have pain after 7 days, stop using it.
13 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) peers (wide set)
diflunisal
RxDolobid
Diflunisal can help with mild to moderate pain. It can also treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You should use the lowest dose that works for you, for the shortest time needed.
etodolac
RxLodine
Etodolac treats the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can help with pain and swelling in your joints. Etodolac is also used for short-term relief of acute pain.
ibuprofen
OTCAdvil, Motrin
Ibuprofen can help with minor aches and pains. You can use it for headaches, toothaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. It can also help with the common cold, minor arthritis pain, and fever.
indomethacin
RxIndocin
Indomethacin treats moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis. It can also help with acute painful shoulder (bursitis or tendinitis) and gouty arthritis. This medicine reduces pain and swelling in your joints.
ketoprofen
RxOrudis
Ketoprofen extended-release capsules treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These conditions cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This medicine is not for treating sudden, sharp pain.
ketorolac
RxToradol
Ketorolac is used for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain. It is often used after surgery. You should only use it for up to 5 days.
mefenamic acid
RxPonstel
Mefenamic acid is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in people 14 years and older. It should not be used for more than 7 days. It is also used to treat menstrual cramps.
meloxicam
RxMobic
Meloxicam treats the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children who weigh at least 132 pounds (60 kg). This medicine helps to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints.
nabumetone
RxRelafen
Nabumetone is used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. This medicine can help you feel better.
naproxen
OTCAleve, Naprosyn
Naproxen is used to relieve pain and inflammation. You can use it for arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also treats ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Naproxen can help with tendonitis, bursitis, gout, menstrual cramps, and general pain.
oxaprozin
RxDaypro
This medicine can help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. Oxaprozin can help you feel better by reducing these symptoms.
piroxicam
RxFeldene
Piroxicam helps to relieve the pain and swelling from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint problem that usually affects older people. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
sulindac
RxClinoril
Sulindac can help with the pain and swelling from different types of arthritis. This includes osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also treat ankylosing spondylitis, a painful shoulder, and gout.
diclofenac vs diflunisal & etodolac · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Rheumatoid Arthritis" shows the widest count spread between diclofenac and diflunisal, etodolac, ibuprofen in this extract (9,241-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | diclofenac | diflunisal | etodolac | ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | 12,281 | 50 | 350 | 18,855 |
| Fatigue | 11,317 | 57 | 272 | 17,866 |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | 9,241 | - | - | - |
| Rash | 8,747 | 26 | 201 | 10,700 |
| Arthralgia | 8,640 | 43 | 284 | 12,950 |
| Abdominal Discomfort | 8,483 | - | - | - |
| Alopecia | 8,041 | - | - | - |
| Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | 7,710 | - | - | - |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
diclofenac FAERS volume vs class peers
FAERS volume band
diclofenac is FAERS corpus rank #93 of 524 (high volume tercile). Top-reaction field total: 89,711.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does diclofenac sit in FAERS report volume vs Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) peers? ▼
Registry note: FAERS counts are voluntary reports and do not establish causation or risk rates. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for diclofenac: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Voltaren SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.