Generic Diclofenac

Introduction

Diclofenac, whose active ingredient is Diclofenac Sodium, belongs to the non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSA ID) group used for pain relief. In the United Kingdom it is prescribed for inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, postoperative pain, and certain forms of osteoarthritis. Though originally developed by the pharmaceutical company Ciba (now part of Novartis), many manufacturers now market both brand‑name and generic versions. The drug’s anti‑inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a mainstay for short‑term control of pain that arises from tissue inflammation.

What is Diclofenac?

Diclofenac is a synthetic phenylacetic acid derivative that has been approved for oral, topical, and parenteral use. It was first introduced in the 197s and quickly became one of the most widely used NSAIDs worldwide. The molecule, Diclofenac Sodium, is the sodium salt of diclofenac acid and delivers the pharmacologically active component in a form readily absorbed after oral ingestion. In the UK market the drug is sold under several well‑known brand names—including Voltaren®, Cataflam®, and Dolovan®—as well as a non‑brand (generic) product that contains the identical active compound. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

How Diclofenac Works

Diclofenac inhibits the activity of cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) enzymes, predominantly COX‑2, which catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins amplify inflammation, sensitise nociceptors, and maintain fever. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, Diclofenac decreases local inflammation, diminishes peripheral pain signalling, and modestly lowers temperature. The drug reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours after oral dosing, and its therapeutic effect usually persists for 6–12 hours. Diclofenac is extensively metabolised in the liver (mainly by CYP2C9) to glucuronide conjugates and eliminated via the kidneys. The relatively short half‑life—approximately 1–2 hours—facilitates flexible dosing schedules but also requires regular administration for sustained control of chronic inflammatory pain.

Conditions Treated with Diclofenac

Who is Diclofenac For?

Diclofenac is most appropriate for adults who need rapid anti‑inflammatory relief of musculoskeletal pain. Ideal candidates include:

• Patients with acute soft‑tissue injuries, osteo‑arthritic flare‑ups, or postoperative inflammation where a short‑term NSAID regimen can limit symptom escalation.
• Individuals who have previously responded well to NSAIDs but require a stronger COX‑2 inhibition than ibuprofen or naproxen can provide.
• Patients who wish to reduce short‑term opioid consumption after surgery, under clinical supervision.

Contra‑indications or cautionary situations include:

• Established cardiovascular disease (e.g., recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension) where the drug’s propensity to increase blood pressure and affect platelet function may be harmful.
• Active or recurrent gastrointestinal ulceration, as COX‑2 inhibition can impair mucosal defence.
• Severe hepatic or renal impairment, given Diclofenac’s hepatic metabolism and renal excretion.
• Pregnancy (particularly the third trimester) and lactation, where NSAID safety data are limited.

Clinical decision‑making must balance expected analgesic benefit against these recognised safety concerns.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort: dyspepsia, mild abdominal pain, or heartburn. Usually resolves with food intake or short‑term antacid use.
• Skin reactions: erythema or mild rash at the injection site (for parenteral forms) or locally on tablet contact.
• Elevated blood pressure: modest rises observed in ≈ 5 % of users; regular monitoring recommended.

Rare

• Peptic ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding: occurs in < 1 % of patients but may be serious, especially in older adults.
• Hepatotoxicity: isolated reports of raised transaminases or cholestatic injury; monitor liver function in long‑term use.
• Renal function decline: occasional reversible reduction in glomerular filtration, particularly in patients with pre‑existing kidney disease.

Serious

• Cardiovascular events: increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or exacerbation of heart failure, particularly with prolonged high‑dose therapy.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions: including angio‑oedema, anaphylactoid reactions, or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome.
• Life‑ threatening bleeding: gastrointestinal or intracranial haemorrhage requiring urgent medical attention.

Clinically relevant drug–drug interactions

• Aspirin, other NSAIDs, or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel): additive inhibition of platelet aggregation heightens bleeding risk.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics: combined use may potentiate renal impairment or hyper‑kalaemia.
• Lithium: Diclofenac can reduce lithium clearance, raising toxicity risk.
• Methotrexate: NSAID‑mediated reduction in renal clearance may increase systemic methotrexate exposure.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or corticosteroids: combined with Diclofenac, these agents increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products, before commencing Diclofenac.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing ranges (adult oral tablets)

The dose should be taken with food or a full glass of water to minimise gastric irritation. The lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration is recommended.

Missed dose

If a dose is forgotten, it may be taken as soon as the patient remembers unless the next scheduled dose is within 2 hours. In that case, the missed dose should be omitted to avoid exceeding the recommended maximum. Consistent timing helps maintain steady plasma concentrations.

Overdose

Acute overdose of Diclofenac can lead to severe gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, or central nervous system depression. Immediate medical assistance is mandatory. If overdose is suspected, contact NHS 111, a local emergency department, or the Poisons Information Centre (0808 24 0666). Supportive care includes activated charcoal, gastrointestinal decontamination, and monitoring of renal and hepatic function.

Practical precautions

• Avoid alcohol while taking Diclofenac; both increase gastric bleeding risk.
• Use with caution in patients with hypertension, heart disease, or compromised liver/kidney function.
• Pregnant or lactating women should not use Diclofenac unless explicitly directed by a specialist.

Buying Diclofenac from Our Online Pharmacy

Diclofenac can be purchased from our online pharmacy in UK with the confidence of verified quality and regulated sourcing. Key benefits include:

• Affordable pricing: Generic Diclofenac Sodium is supplied at near‑manufacturer cost, making it significantly cheaper than many brand‑name alternatives.
• Verified quality: Every batch is sourced from licensed overseas manufacturers that fulfil EU and UK Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet, reliable shipping—express parcels typically arrive within 7 days, standard airmail within 2–3 weeks.
• Pharmacy‑broker service: We act as an intermediary between you and licensed overseas pharmacies, enabling a discreet service that respects patient privacy while complying with UK import regulations for personal use.

This model provides a safe, cost‑effective route for patients who have limited access to local pharmacies or whose insurance plans restrict NSAID options.

FAQ

• Is Diclofenac available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The drug is marketed under several brand names such as Voltaren®, Cataflam®, and Dolovan®, as well as generic tablets that contain the identical active compound Diclofenac Sodium. Generic versions are typically priced lower while meeting the same therapeutic standards.

• What is the recommended storage condition for Diclofenac tablets?
  Diclofenac tablets should be stored at a controlled room temperature (15 °C–30 °C), protected from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat. Excessive humidity—especially in bathroom or kitchen cabinets—can degrade the tablet’s active ingredient over time.

• Does Diclofenac have a different formulation for topical versus oral use?
  Yes. Oral tablets contain Diclofenac Sodium blended with excipients such as lactose and magnesium stearate, whereas the 1 % topical gel uses a carbomer‑based gel vehicle. The two formulations deliver the active compound via distinct absorption pathways, resulting in localized action for the gel and systemic exposure for tablets.

• Can Diclofenac be safely imported into the UK for personal use?
  Personal import of a single prescription or non‑prescription medication for personal use is allowed if the product is for the individual’s own treatment, the quantity does not exceed a three‑month supply, and the medication complies with UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards. Importation must be lawful and is subject to customs checks.

• Are there specific warnings for Diclofenac in patients of Asian ethnicity?
  Studies suggest that certain Asian populations may have a higher prevalence of CYP2C9 variants that reduce Diclofenac clearance, potentially increasing plasma exposure. Clinicians often consider lower starting doses and close monitoring of hepatic and renal function in these groups.

• How does Diclofenac compare to ibuprofen regarding COX‑2 selectivity?
  Diclofenac shows a higher selectivity for COX‑2 than ibuprofen, resulting in a slightly stronger anti‑inflammatory effect but also a modestly greater cardiovascular safety concern at high or prolonged doses. Clinical choice therefore depends on the balance between analgesic need and individual cardiovascular risk.

• Is it possible to travel with Diclofenac tablets in hand luggage?
  Yes, oral Diclofenac tablets are permitted in hand luggage for personal medicinal use when travelling within the UK and throughout the EU, provided the medication is in its original labelled packaging and the quantity is reasonable for personal consumption.

• What inactive ingredients are present in standard Diclofenac tablets?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, starch, magnesium stearate, and povidone. Patients with hypersensitivity to any of these substances should verify the specific product’s ingredient list before use.

• Does Diclofenac have any effect on laboratory blood‑test results?
  Diclofenac can transiently raise liver enzyme concentrations (ALT, AST) and may affect serum creatinine values due to renal hemodynamic changes. Clinicians interpreting liver or kidney function panels should note recent NSAID exposure as a potential confounder.

• Are there any known interactions between Diclofenac and COVID‑19 vaccines?
  Current evidence does not indicate a clinically relevant interaction between Diclofenac and mRNA or adenoviral COVID‑19 vaccines. Nonetheless, because NSAIDs can blunt inflammatory markers, some clinicians advise withholding high‑dose NSAID therapy around the time of vaccination if feasible.

• What is the typical shelf‑life of Diclofenac tablets after manufacture?
  Most oral Diclofenac tablets have a shelf‑life of 24–36 months when stored under appropriate conditions. The expiry date printed on the packaging reflects the guarantee of full potency through that period.

• Can the topical Gel be used on broken skin?
  No. The gel should only be applied to intact skin. Use on open wounds or ulcerated areas can increase local absorption unpredictably and may raise the risk of systemic side effects.

• Is there a difference in bioavailability between the film‑coated and standard tablets?
  Film‑coated Diclofenac tablets generally display slightly faster disintegration and marginally higher peak plasma concentrations compared with conventional tablets, though the overall bioequivalence is maintained within acceptable regulatory limits.

• Does Diclofenac affect the reliability of drug‑testing for employment?
  Diclofenac is not part of standard screening panels for most workplace drug‑tests. However, if a full pharmacological profile is ordered, Diclofenac may be detected via quantitative urine methods, though its presence is not usually interpreted as illicit drug use.

Glossary

Cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) enzymes

Enzymes that catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which drive pain, fever, and inflammation.

Therapeutic window

The concentration range of a drug in which it is effective without producing unacceptable toxicity.

Gastro‑intestinal (GI) bleed

Any loss of blood from the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the digestive tract, often manifested as haematemesis or melena.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Diclofenac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Diclofenac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.