Diclofenac Gel

Diclofenac gel is a prescription skin gel that belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It comes in two forms; one is approved to treat osteoarthritis, while the other is licensed to treat a precancerous skin condition called actinic keratosis. The gel is usually applied to the skin four times a day (for arthritis) or twice daily (for actinic keratosis).

What Is Diclofenac Gel?

Diclofenac gel (Solaraze® Gel, Voltaren® Gel) is a prescription medication. The 1 percent gel (Voltaren) is approved to treat osteoarthritis, while the 3 percent gel (Solaraze) is approved to treat a precancerous skin condition known as actinic keratosis.
 
(Click What Is Diclofenac Gel Used For? for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Potential Side Effects

As with any medicine, diclofenac gel may cause side effects.
 However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
 
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
In studies, skin reactions at the application site were the most common side effects of this medication.
 
(Click Side Effects of Diclofenac Gel to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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