Two medicines, side by side
Acetaminophen vs diclofenac
Acetaminophen and diclofenac are both labeled for pain. Drugs@FDA records approvals of acetaminophen since 1968 and of diclofenac since 1988. Pharmacies paid $0.0339 per unit (Acetaminophen 500 mg caplet) and $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the acetaminophen FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 13, 2024); the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025).
Highlights of the acetaminophen record
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) · label of November 13, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationstemporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: minor pain of arthritis muscular aches backache premenstrual and menstrual cramps the common cold headache toothache temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 7, 1968
- Generic labelers
- 89 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0339 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 19
Highlights of the diclofenac record
Diclofenac (Voltaren) · label of February 11, 2025
Used for
From the label: indications• for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: o hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) o foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) • this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 28, 1988
- Generic labelers
- 149 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0619 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 6
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Acetaminophen label of November 13, 2024, Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do acetaminophen and diclofenac differ on the record?
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: acetaminophen since 1986; diclofenac since 1995 (Drugs@FDA).
| Acetaminophen | Diclofenac | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Fever, Cough and cold, Pain | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | November 7, 1968 | July 28, 1988 |
| First generic approved | December 1, 1986 | June 29, 1995 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 89 labelers | 149 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0339 per unit (Acetaminophen 500 mg caplet) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | +5% | -25% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
| Recalls recorded | 19 | 6 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 445,075 | 158,675 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Diclofenac label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to acetaminophen
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions