Two medicines, side by side
Diclofenac vs sulindac
Diclofenac and sulindac are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of diclofenac since 1988 and of sulindac since 1978. Pharmacies paid $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet and $0.189 per sulindac 150 mg tablet (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 sulindac FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 20, 2024).
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 sulindac record
Sulindac (Clinoril) · label of December 20, 2024
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 ).
Sulindac tablets are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ).
Used for
From the label: indicationsCarefully consider the potential benefits and risks of sulindac and other treatment options before deciding to use sulindac. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS ). Sulindac is indicated for acute or long-term use in the relief of signs and symptoms of the following: 1. Osteoarthritis 2. Rheumatoid arthritis** 3. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 27, 1978
- Generic labelers
- 7 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.189 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 1
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025, Sulindac label of December 20, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do diclofenac and sulindac 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; sulindac since 1988 (Drugs@FDA).
| Diclofenac | Sulindac | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | , like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition. |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 28, 1988 | September 27, 1978 |
| First generic approved | June 29, 1995 | March 3, 1988 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 149 labelers | 7 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) | $0.189 per tablet (Sulindac 150 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -25% | +4% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 6 | 1 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 158,675 | 2,402 |
| 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.
Sulindac label, drug interactionsNSAIDs The concomitant use of sulindac with other NSAIDs is not recommended due to the increased possibility of gastrointestinal toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to diclofenac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions