Diclofenac for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews

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

Diclofenac has an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from a total of 42 reviews for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. 60% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative experience.

Diclofenac rating summary

6.7/10 average rating

42 ratings from 45 user reviews.

Compare all 318 medications used in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

10		24%
9		26%
8		10%
7		5%
6		2%
5		7%
4		0%
3		2%
2		5%
1		19%

Reviews for Diclofenac

dawna...
March 4, 2013

"I have been taking diclofenac for 3 years for arthritis in my lower spine. When the doctor gave it to me he said I would see a difference or not in a day or two. Immediately I had relief and could rise from a chair, lean over a table, and pick up objects. Things I couldn't do for a year prior. If I miss a day of this medicine the pain and stiffness returns. I am very grateful."

8 / 10

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68 Report

Maggi...
May 29, 2008

Voltaren (diclofenac) "I have rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and also arthritis in my neck and spine. I take the 100 mg tablet and it works just fine for me. I take it with Zantac 150 to protect my stomach. I only need 1 pill a day. If in severe pain, I will also take a muscle relaxer called Norflex and I am able to rest and function and get much needed relief."

9 / 10

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67 Report

belle...
August 3, 2017

"I was diagnosed with RA 32years ago. My initial treatment was Myocrisin [gold injections] and diclofenac during flare ups. After 18 years the Myocrisin was not working, so medication was changed. Since then quality of life has not been good, and the only relief from pain was Diclofenac, which settled things down in 1-2 days. Now told it was being discouraged from use, so taken off it. All the alternatives have not worked, so persuaded a new Rhumatologist to re-instate it for short while and life was good again. I had no side effects from this drug. When a flare up occurs I take 2 in the day 75mg and everything quietens down, then it may be weeks before another attack. To me it is a wonder drug. All drugs are a risk, and for me this is good"

9 / 10

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27 Report

Frequently asked questions

Anonymous
July 22, 2011

"I have rheumatoid arthritis for the past 20 years. I used to take diclofenac sodium 100mg per day. When I got better I stopped for 3 years. Now again stated once in 3 days and now every night after food one 50 mg tablet. I have not experienced any side effects. Inflammation in many joints has reduced. I am 48 years old."

9 / 10

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39 Report

Block...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
September 17, 2013

"Was using 7.5 mg. of Meloxicam when after a period of about 3 years it began to not prevent the arthritic pain and swelling that I had in my shoulders and ankles. My rheumatologist placed me on 75 mg. of Diclofenac and one day later all symptoms subsided."

9 / 10

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32 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Mickey
Taken for 1 to 6 months
December 3, 2020

Voltaren (diclofenac) "This Voltaren is a total scam! Too expensive and doesn’t work. You have control over my online reviews and can delete at Will....But you cannot control my mouth, and I will give reviews every chance I get!"

1 / 10

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12 Report

Jai
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
November 18, 2018

"Hip pain due to arthritis plus cartilage is nil due to use and joint is worn out at 64 years old. Surgery prescribed. Meanwhile hurts plenty and loss of balance when pain strikes like a knife mid stride. Taken one diclofenac 100mg. 7am single dose, 7pm I still feel great and am less dependant upon cane. Use this only when I feel very sore, tight, grinding hip joint, sharp pain. Feels as though have glass marbles in a sock for a joint. Makes a noise loud enough for my husband to hear if I move the wrong way. Relief seems to be within a couple hours and is lasting all day. I take no other medication for arthritis."

10 / 10

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17 Report

More FAQ

Anonymous
Taken for 2 to 5 years
May 18, 2012

Voltaren (diclofenac) "I take a combination of 50mg Voltaren for the rheumatoid arthritis once per day and 200mg Plaquenil for Sjogrens twice per day. I started with 100 mg's Voltaren, but thought that was too much so I had the doctor prescribe 50mg twice per day. I just take one unless I need more."

9 / 10

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30 Report

Sunsh...
Taken for less than 1 month
November 15, 2022

Voltaren (diclofenac) "I have rheumatoid arthritis and was hoping Voltaren Cream would help with joint pain because I can no longer take Meloxicam. Voltaren was recommended by my rheumatologist but did NOT WORK!!! Waste of my money."

1 / 10

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6 Report

Diclo...
Taken for 10 years or more
December 10, 2017

"I have been using voltaren (diclofenac) for my RA for 27 years without any other strong medications. Yes, I lost my knee joints and had their replacement, however, for all these 27 years I have never stopped working full time job as a teacher. The most recent dosage is 150 mg a day. If I had stronger pain, I did diclofenac shots to myself and that helped a lot. What I noticed, the quality of the European diclofenac is much higher. After staying on the US production or maybe because of aging (or both), I've started feeling side effects: GERD and stomachache at night. So it's time to find something else, though I am grate full to this medication for keeping me alive and productive for 27 years!"

10 / 10

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15 Report

Phyl
Taken for 1 to 6 months
March 12, 2024

"I used the gel and it didn't really help but the 85mg oral has saved me! It worked almost immediately. I don't know what I'll do if I can't stay on it. If I stop taking it for 2 days, then I can hardly walk. I have hand and feet issues no one is really addressing; just take a pill. At least it works. No side effects but hoping it isn't damaging kidneys as I have read about that. I am 62 and healthy."

9 / 10

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1 Report

JohnH...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
January 28, 2014

"My doc had me try Diclofenac after bad side effects from Piroxicam. The pain management with Diclofenac is marginal at best for my arthritis and causes severe swelling in my feet and ankles, but I'm now having to take a diuretic because of it."

3 / 10

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19 Report

Sally
December 29, 2020

Voltaren (diclofenac) "I tried Voltaren once yesterday on my knee. I used less than the 2 inches recommended. In a short time, my face turned bright red like a sunburn. I am returning this to the store and will not use again."

1 / 10

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8 Report

RA Re...
July 18, 2009

"I have been on diclofenac 75mg twice a day for 5 years. The first year I took it 2 X each day. After the methotrexate began to kick in, I now only take it when needed when I get a flare up. At the most, only about once per week, sometimes less. It has made a big difference in helping me manage the pain of rheumatoid arthritis."

10 / 10

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22 Report

Count...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
September 21, 2017

"I want to answer Bellestar above and give a comment. I wonder why she was told Diclofenac is being discouraged from use. My son who has a connective tissue disease and has severe joint issues was given the drug years ago by the wonderful Pain Clinic Hospital . It was a miracle drug for his pain. He's had no side effects that we know of."

10 / 10

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11 Report

plsma...
December 2, 2009

"I could not keep the oral medication in my stomach long enough to do any good, so my rhuematologist prescribed a 5% diclofenac cream that was compounded at a local pharmacy at a much lower price than Voltaren. Problem solved."

2 / 10

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19 Report

Theon...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
February 6, 2019

"I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 10. Doctors would prescribe strong opioid pain killers. I get more relief from the diclofenac gel applied to my joints and muscles than from any pain killer. Diclofenac gel is more affective for me than oxycodone, Morphine, Dilaudid, etc."

9 / 10

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8 Report

Mary
Taken for 1 to 6 months
December 25, 2019

"I am currently on this medication diclofenac and it does not work at all for my RA. Been taking it for several months I have never taken any pain medications beside Tylenol or Ibuprofen out of the fact that I am a busy mom. My pain is 24/7. Will continue per my doctor prescription but I would not recommend it."

1 / 10

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7 Report

DrB
May 27, 2008

"Pain and inflammation cleared up within 2 days. Took a couple hours to take effect. I had to take it for a week at breakfast and lunch, now just using as needed. I have not noticed any side effects. With some of the medications I was given, I had severe muscle cramping, etc. Stronger pain medicine had almost no effect. Previously had much difficulting moving and sleeping. Diclofenac solved this for me. So far this is a great medicine."

9 / 10

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15 Report

ilaban
June 4, 2009

"I suffered severe pain in the ankle from gout. The pain left within 2 hours of taking diclofenac sodium. It was my first time getting gout and a very painful experience. Will always use this medicine in future occurrences."

9 / 10

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12 Report

CINCY
Taken for 1 to 6 months
April 11, 2018

"I took 4 days to work, SCARED to take it after I read side effects, after serious nerve pain took it. I read feedbacks from users reassured me 2 go forward with dose, helps sleep, only take 1 a day @ 5 pm. 75 mg, Lots of pain still with sleep, not the stabbing pain, serious pull like pain, use ice, weight gain, little diarrhea @ first, need surgery, will take till then, better than the Norco and ibruprophen, this works on nerves. 69 yrs old female"

10 / 10

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5 Report

Barbara
August 28, 2021

"I have spondylitis and have been on diclofenac for 10 years. My doctor is trying to take me off and replacing it with gabapentin. After 1 week without diclofenac I have gone from fully active to useless. My neck and lower back pain are intense, lots of stiffness, can barely move. Complete life changer."

10 / 10

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2 Report

Anonymous
December 7, 2009

"The medication worked for a few days. but this problem comes from a long time ago surgery like 30 years ago. Now I have a fallen arch and very bad pain. The medicine works great but I think something else needs to go with this. thanks"

6 / 10

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7 Report

Old...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
June 28, 2012

Voltaren (diclofenac) "Awesome works better than any other anti-inflammatory. I couldn't walk if it weren't for them."

10 / 10

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68 Report

Anonymous
September 3, 2011

Voltaren (diclofenac) "I have rheumatoid arthritis and use Voltaren topically on my joints. This helps."

8 / 10

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38 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.