Two medicines, side by side
Diclofenac vs piroxicam
Diclofenac and piroxicam are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of diclofenac since 1988 and of piroxicam since 1982. Pharmacies paid $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet and $0.215 per piroxicam 20 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025); the piroxicam FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 19, 2026).
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
Highlights of the piroxicam record
Piroxicam (Feldene) · label of August 19, 2026
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
Used for
From the label: indicationsPiroxicam capsules are indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. For relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Piroxicam capsules are a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for Relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) ( 1 ) Relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- April 6, 1982
- Generic labelers
- 10 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.215 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025, Piroxicam label of August 19, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do diclofenac and piroxicam differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: diclofenac since 1995; piroxicam since 1992 (Drugs@FDA).
| Diclofenac | Piroxicam | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine | Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Piroxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of piroxicam, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | The plasma half-life (t ½ ) for piroxicam is approximately 50 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 28, 1988 | April 6, 1982 |
| First generic approved | June 29, 1995 | May 29, 1992 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 149 labelers | 10 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) | $0.215 per capsule (Piroxicam 20 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -25% | -0.6% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 6 | 0 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 158,675 | 6,345 |
| 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.
Piroxicam label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of piroxicam with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to diclofenac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions