Diclofenac Sodium Extended-Release

Diclofenac sodium extended-release is a prescription drug licensed to relieve pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in people who have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a number of other conditions. The drug comes in tablet form, and is typically taken once a day. Possible side effects include fluid retention, liver damage, and unexplained rash.

What Is Diclofenac Sodium Extended-Release?

Diclofenac sodium extended-release (Voltaren®-XR) is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac sodium extended-release is commonly used to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
 
Diclofenac sodium extended-release is not a cure for these types of arthritis, however, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.
 
(Click What Is Diclofenac Sodium Extended-Release Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses for the drug.)
 

Possible Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with diclofenac sodium extended-release.
 Not everyone who takes the drug, however, will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of diclofenac sodium extended-release include:
 
 
(Click Side Effects With Diclofenac Sodium Extended-Release to learn more, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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