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Diclofenac User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia, Lofena, Zorvolex, Zipsor

Diclofenac has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 685 reviews on Drugs.com. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 20% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Diclofenac

  • Mbz
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2020

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Back Pain "I’ve had a herniated disc (L1-L2) that has not healed in 8 months, I’ve tried chiropractic, two epidural steroid shots and physical therapy. Now that I’m taking Voltaren daily I have much less pain and inflammation, more range of motion and get so much more out of my physical therapy sessions. I finally feel like I am getting my life back."

10 / 10
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145 Report
  • Charles
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2020

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Sciatica "I’ve been struggling with sciatica for almost a decade. Voltaren is fine but I think I've found even a better one. It's called Acuraflex. I've just ordered it so it will come in a few days. I've seen that it has some good ingredients so I think it will be maybe even better than voltaren. Has anyone tried it yet? cheers"

8 / 10
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130 Report
  • Dylan
  • July 8, 2021

For Sciatica "I have had sciatic pain for 20 years now @ 44 years old I have finally found this drug and it worked wonders in 50mg dose. I would be hobbling around like a senior without it and I only need a 2 a day for a couple of days and I’m back to normal. This works for me. I would say try it if you want to get your life back. I wouldn’t wish sciatica pain on anyone it can ruin your life."

9 / 10
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73 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Tweet...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • July 9, 2013

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I have been on every NSAID there is, both prescription and non-prescription. Finally a doctor suggested I try Voltaren. I've been on it about 8 years now, and it has helped me keep my narcotic usage to a minimum. It helps the severe osteoarthritis pain in my joints along with the muscle pain I have."

10 / 10
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184 Report
  • Marky
  • May 9, 2019

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Back Pain "My back was in pain and I was bent over and couldn't stand up straight, the pain was bad and I have taken strong pain meds for years. I started taking Voltaren 75mg. The next day I was 75% better. The following day my back pain I was 100% better, so I am very pleased that the voltaren tablets worked."

10 / 10
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96 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Ambrid
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 11, 2022

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Back Pain "I've had severe unrelenting L4-5 radiating pain, searing sciatica, and overall spine fatigue.I am only 56 years old and normal BMI so I'm not sure why I've even got so many spine issues that are unrelieved by therapy or posture improvement. That aside, my dr rx'd me voltaren pills..and honestly, the side effects were scary. Then I saw a gel available. I turned around went back to my drs room and asked about the gel, his nurse said she had a sample + $5 off coupon. I've used the gel for 2 days and I already feel noticeably less pain. I'm a little concerned that all the American articles say to not use it on your back, but Australian and New Zealand articles seem to use the emulgel voltaren which looks to be the about the same thing to me. Mine has 1% active ingredient and I think the emulgel . I will ask my doctor when I see him in a month. but so far I would say it is definitely a noticeable difference even after one day.. of course if I develop a side effect I will update this review."

9 / 10
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49 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 2, 2013

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Sciatica "I have 4 lumbar disc's bulging how ever the l5sl is impinging on my nerve root, complete pain couldn't stand couldn't walk couldn't sit etc. I was in missesry. finally they put me on something other than ibprofen and it was Volteran genric! It took about 1 week to kick in and work but I honestly can say I take this in the am along with my muscle relaxer and gabepentin and I am pain free and gained back 6 hours of my life! IT only works for me so far for 6 hours and by the time I can take next dosages I am back in the worse pain ever, hopefully everyday I can gain a little bit more than 6 hours of my life back!!!!!!!!"

6 / 10
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152 Report

More FAQ

  • Seattle...
  • July 16, 2014

Cataflam (diclofenac) for Back Pain "I've had chronic lower back pain for over two years (herniated disk). I can't say for sure what has relieved my pain, but ever since taking diclofenac my pain almost immediately has gone from being almost completely debilitated, to being able to function physically at the level I was at when pain started. Still have pain and not 100%, but my quality of life is back and I feel much more fluid and agile. For almost six months I could hardly get out of bed, let alone tie my shoes."

8 / 10
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138 Report
  • anony...
  • January 25, 2019

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Sciatica "If you apply the ointment/gel cover it up with a piece Saranwrap - no need to wait for it to dry and it can incubate that way without anybody noticing. Try to do this when you feel the first signs of sciatica...that'll do the trick."

10 / 10
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84 Report
  • Lottie
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 10, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "The diclofenac is a miracle drug for arthritis but with all the side effects and my age of 66 I am afraid to take it 2x a day every day. So I only take it like every 3 or 4 days and take aspirin and tylenol on the days off. I also am on narcotic pain meds that do absolutely nothing. I get a steroid shot every 3 months, I wish it was every 2 months cuz thats only how long the shots last. I hurt everywhere every joint and under all my skin with inflammation. I can barely walk or get up from sitting or laying and have not been shopping or to church in years. The relief I get from diclofenac lets me get around my house and clean up and cook."

10 / 10
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75 Report
  • AmyB
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 2, 2015

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees, and arthritis in my back, and shoulders. My doctor prescribed Voltaren because I built up a resistance to ibuprofen and Aleve. I've been in pain for so long I forgot what it was like to be pain free. A little nervous over the long term side effects, so hoping I can get the weight off so I can be medication free. Just thankful to be able to move and do things I love without pain."

10 / 10
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113 Report
  • Mary...
  • April 25, 2012

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I started taking Voltaren back in October for osteoarthritis of my knees, right hip & left hand. I also have bursitis & piriformis syndrome in my right hip as well as achilles tendonitis in the right foot. I take 75mg 2 times a day. My knees are so bad that I had to have Synvisc-One injections as well. Combined I have been able to work my 12 hr shifts as an RN. I still have pain that's about a 6-7 after working three 12's in a row, but would not be able to work at all without the Voltaren. I am looking to have my knees replaced in the near future. The only side effect I have had is stomach upset if I do not take it with food and some mild constipation. I would recommend this medicine to anyone. "

10 / 10
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137 Report
  • Jomi
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 24, 2021

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Back Pain "I have arthritis in lower back. Physical therapy helped my pain, but not completely. The addition of Voltaren use has brought me tremendous additional back pain relief. My pain level is the lowest it’s been in 20 years. I am so thankful that this product exists!!!"

10 / 10
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44 Report
  • World...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 3, 2015

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Pain "Voltaren Gel has given me back the ability to walk without pain. I have had heel Spurs and plantar fasciitis and bursitis in my heel for about 20 years. I began using Voltaren Gel about 10 months ago and am so thankful that I have not had any significant pain for the past six months. I also try to wear only shoes that have very high arches. With the Voltaren Gel, I massage it all around my foot and over the top and bottom as per the directions. Great stuff!!!"

9 / 10
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103 Report
  • Ned
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 13, 2020

For Sciatica "I have tried many drug combinations over the years. Some were...”ok,” and some didn’t do a thing for my Sciatica. Then my VA doctor put me on Diclofenac, among with GabapentIn. I can honestly say this stuff works for me! It’s doesn’t take the pain away 100%...but enough to live my life again."

8 / 10
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48 Report
  • GGML
  • October 12, 2012

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in my hands, elbows, knees and feet, and some days the pain was so bad I didn't want to move. The first day I took Voltaren I felt full pain relief, It's a wonderful pain medication. I like that its not a narcotic. Thank you Voltaren I have my life back."

9 / 10
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118 Report
  • Hondo...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 26, 2020

For Sciatica "I have had sciatica for years now (age 66) and I have experimented with many drugs. My physician has me on 75 mg dose of diclofenac twice a day. I can't tell the difference between one or two pills a day, but if I stop taking pills completely, the pain is very unpleasant. So this does help, but I have to stop and take a break several times during my two mile walks each day. That allows the pain and numbness to temporarily get better in my butt and legs. Muscle relaxants are scary as they leave me zoned out and unsafe to drive and they don't always take away the pain. This generic for voltaren is the best thing yet I've tried that has the least amount of side effects."

6 / 10
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48 Report
  • Tom
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2018

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Pain "Voltaren 75mg for knee inflammation. Stay away! This drug nearly killed me! I am an overall healthy 39 yo Male. Side effects: bloody diarrhea / tarry stool, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, faint, lightheaded, dizzy, racing heart, passed out and fell twice (Gastric bleed)! I believe I was on the verge of a heart attack. I cannot believe this drug is still available! No relief whatsoever."

1 / 10
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64 Report
  • Success
  • March 30, 2016

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "38yo female, suffered severe neck pain for about 5 years with no success in any type of treatment (massage, spinal reflex, nerve pain specialists etc.). I have spent a small fortune on my neck pain. I have finally self-diagnosed as osteoarthritis after feeling sand-like grit in my neck and a few internet searches. Thought I would try voltaren and magic. Only need to take 50mg once per day and no neck pain. Highly recommend."

10 / 10
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82 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 23, 2009

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I've been on this now for 5 months and it is by far the best pain medicine out there. No high feeling or anything like that. If your doctor has you on Celebrex and you don't feel any relief, ask him for Voltaren. You will most certainly feel the difference. If you are on it for any length of time (like me) then every so often you'll have to have blood work done to check your kidneys and liver to make sure they are functioning right as this medicine can cause problems with that. For me everything is good to go so far. I swear by Voltaren."

10 / 10
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125 Report
  • Sammers
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 28, 2013

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "I have tried a dozen different medications but none as effective as this. I tried Celebrex last year and was in so much pain after three days I went back to my Voltaren. I take 100mg twice a day that helps me work and function normally."

10 / 10
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97 Report
  • Jane
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 11, 2021

For Back Pain "I am a 49 year old woman with cervical stenosis/myelopathy due to impingement from disc degeneration and bone spurs. Also severe pain from cervical radiculopathy down my right arm. During a terrible flareup six weeks ago with unbearable pain, I began taking 50mg diclofenac three times a day plus paracetamol (acetaminophen), with diazepam and codeine at night when the spasms were bad. Over time, I've achieved pain relief from the diclofenac and have been able to drop the paracetemol, diazepam and codeine. The pain isn't gone completely but I can work, sleep, etc. Anytime I forget to take it, or try stepping down to ibuprofen instead, the pain comes back viciously within hours! So I know it's doing its job. I've had minimal side effects (some constipation). You do need to take it with meals. I understand it's not intended for longterm use, but hoping it will see me through to surgery next year. I'm very grateful for it!"

9 / 10
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37 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 17, 2011

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Osteoarthritis "MD recommended that I take this medication for 4 weeks, 75 mg twice a day. He warned me that most people stop taking the medication after two weeks because they feel much better. I have been taking the medication for 3 days and this is the best that I have felt in six months. I will defintely follow his instructions and continue for 4 weeks in hopes of feeling even better. No more pain in the hip, no more pain when rising, no more sharp pain when walking, or leg tenderness when trying to sleep. I was recently diagnoised with osteoarthritis."

9 / 10
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99 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 14, 2014

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Pain "After suffering for 3 mo post op joint pain for a torn medial meniscus I was started on Voltaren pills and within 12 hours I was pain free and walked up stairs again-- a miracle! I had also developed plantar fasciitis in the opposite foot from hobbing and it immediately was gone also! I can tell after 12 hours when it is wearing off because the pain starts to return."

10 / 10
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84 Report
  • hottie
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 10, 2014

Voltaren (diclofenac) for Pain "I've been on Vicodin, Percocet, etc. My body doesn't react to those. I was diagnosed with a cervical strain and was put on this. Absolutely love it for muscle pain. I have arthritis and fibromyalgia and this medicine is great. Also no side effects."

9 / 10
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84 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.