This page presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the FDA-approved drug label. A report submitted to FAERS does not prove a drug caused the reported event. Always consult a healthcare provider about medications.
Diclofenac Sodium is a medication. According to the FDA-approved label, for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use. FAERS contains 147,313 submissions naming this drug from 2001 through 2026; the top three reactions cited are drug ineffective, pain, and fatigue.
Most-Reported Reactions
Counts of the reactions most often cited in FAERS submissions that named Diclofenac Sodium. Inclusion here does not establish causation - submitters describe what was observed, not what was confirmed. One submission can list several reactions, so the totals exceed the report count.
Patient Demographics
Patient sex and age across the FAERS submissions that named Diclofenac Sodium. Percentages here are computed only from submissions where these fields were filled in - many leave them blank.
By Sex
By Age Group
Severity Outcomes
Severity flags recorded across the 147,313 FAERS submissions that named Diclofenac Sodium. Each bar shows the count of those reports carrying that flag. A single case can carry more than one (a hospitalization that became life-threatening, for example), so these bars are independent rates - they don't sum to 100%. Inclusion of a case under any flag does not establish that the drug caused the outcome.
Submissions Per Quarter
Quarterly count of FAERS submissions that named Diclofenac Sodium. Ups and downs on this chart can track prescribing volume, news cycles, or shifts in how reports get filed, rather than the drug becoming safer or more dangerous.
From the FDA-Approved Label
Excerpts from the official FDA-approved prescribing information for Diclofenac Sodium. This is the authoritative source on indications, warnings, and known adverse reactions.
Indications
for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
Warnings
For external use only Allergy alert: Diclofenac may cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin. Symptoms may include: hives asthma (wheezing) skin reddening blisters facial swelling shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Liver warning: This product contains diclofenac. Liver damage may occur if you apply more or for a longer time than directed when using other drugs containing diclofenac Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is small but higher if you are age 60 or older have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product apply more or for longer than directed Heart attack and stroke warning: NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. These can be fatal. The risk is higher if you use more than directed or for longer than directed. (continues in label)
AdverseEvent.ai is not affiliated with the FDA. Adverse-event counts come from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Drug labels come from the FDA drug label dataset. A report submitted to FAERS does not prove a drug caused the reported event — always consult a healthcare provider about medications. This site is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
