Generic Diclofenac Sodium

Now that the patent for the drug has expired, generic diclofenac sodium is available for manufacture and sale. The medication is produced by several companies and sold under the name Diclofenac Sodium tablets. It is available in a variety of strengths, ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg. As with brand-name version, the generic version is used to treat pain and inflammation seen with various types of arthritis.

Diclofenac Sodium Tablets

An Overview of Generic Diclofenac Sodium

Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren^®, Voltaren^®-XR) is a medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions. Some uses for diclofenac sodium include the relief of:

Osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Short-term and long-term symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Diclofenac sodium is not a cure for these types of arthritis, however, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.

Voltaren and Voltaren-XR were originally developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The patents for these medicines have since expired, which means they can now be produced in generic form.

This article does not apply to diclofenac sodium gel (Voltaren® Gel and Solaraze^®) or diclofenac sodium eye drops (Voltaren Ophthalmic^®).

Strengths of Generic Diclofenac Sodium

Generic diclofenac sodium is sold under the name Diclofenac Sodium tablets. It is available in the following strengths:

Diclofenac Sodium 25 mg
Diclofenac Sodium 50 mg
Diclofenac Sodium 75 mg
Diclofenac Sodium 100 mg (equivalent to diclofenac sodium extended-release).

(Generic Diclofenac Sodium Continued: Page 2)