Key takeaways
Diclofenac is the generic name for Voltaren, available as oral tablets, topical gel, and patches.
Brand-name Voltaren tablets are discontinued in the U.S., but generic diclofenac tablets remain available by prescription, and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is available over the counter.
Generic diclofenac treats arthritis pain, ankylosing spondylitis, menstrual cramps, and migraines, depending on the formulation.
Have you been prescribed Voltaren tablets in the past and are wondering why you can only get the generic now? Voltaren is the brand name for diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prescribed to treat arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Original brand-name Voltaren tablets are no longer available in the United States, but generic diclofenac tablets are still available with a prescription. If you don’t need a tablet, diclofenac is available over the counter as a gel under various brand names.
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What is the generic name for Voltaren?
The generic name for Voltaren is diclofenac. Diclofenac is available in several salt forms, including diclofenac sodium (eye drops, oral tablets, and topical gel), diclofenac potassium (oral tablets, capsules, and powder packets), and diclofenac epolamine (patches). Diclofenac belongs to the class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes. Like corticosteroids, NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation, but without the steroid-related side effects.
Voltaren is one of several brand-name versions of diclofenac. Other diclofenac brands include:
- Lofena (diclofenac potassium) oral tablets for pain and osteoarthritis
- Cambia (diclofenac potassium) oral powder packets for acute migraines
- Zipsor (diclofenac potassium) oral capsules for acute pain
- Flector or Licart (diclofenac epolamine) topical patches for acute pain
- Aspercreme/Motrin/Voltaren Arthritis Pain (diclofenac sodium) topical gel for osteoarthritis pain
What happened to brand-name Voltaren tablets?
The manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), discontinued Voltaren oral tablets (diclofenac sodium delayed-release) in the United States, making them unavailable by prescription.
“This is a process of the drug life cycle and not a recall or safety issue,” says Jason Schroder, DO, a board-certified anesthesiologist and co-founder and medical director of Craft Body Scan in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “I’ve had patients who have come in saying that they were worried that their medication was discontinued, but in reality, the market grew.” The good news is that generic diclofenac sodium tablets continue to be manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies and are available by prescription at your local pharmacy.
If you were previously prescribed Voltaren, it’s understandable to have questions about switching to the generic. However, FDA-approved generics are designed to work the same way as their brand-name versions and must meet the same standards. “A generic drug contains the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration, and provides the same clinical benefits as the brand-named product,” says Brian Nwannunu, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Texas Joint Institute in Allen, Texas. “A generic medication is a pharmaceutical copy of a brand-name medication.”
Is Voltaren gel now available over the counter?
Yes. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel is available over the counter in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved diclofenac sodium 1% topical gel for OTC use in 2020 for the temporary relief of arthritis pain in adults.
This topical gel is applied directly to the skin over the affected joint to relieve arthritis pain. The OTC version is specifically indicated for arthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. It is not intended for widespread body pain or pain from surgical procedures. “Depending on the region, it is also available in extra-strength (2.32% [in Canada]) formulas, specialized formulations for back and muscle pain, and versions featuring ‘no-mess’ roll-on applicators,” says Dr. Nwannunu.
Other diclofenac topical products may still require a prescription. For example, 1.5% and 2% diclofenac topical solutions are prescription medications.
What forms of diclofenac (Voltaren) are available?
Diclofenac (Voltaren) is available in several formulations (oral tablets/capsules/powders, topical gels, and topical patches). But availability varies depending on whether you have a prescription or are purchasing them over the counter.
- Oral tablets/capsules/powders (prescription only): Diclofenac sodium is available by prescription as delayed-release oral tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg strengths, while capsules come in 25 mg and powders come in 25 mg and 50 mg packets. Brand-name Voltaren tablets have been discontinued in the U.S.
- Extended-release tablets (prescription only): Generic diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets are available in a 100 mg strength. Brand-name Voltaren-XR has also been discontinued in the U.S.
- Topical gel 1% (OTC): Arthritis Pain Gel is available over the counter at most pharmacies and retailers under various brand names, including Aspercreme, Diclofono, Good Sense, Leader, Motrin, Profinac, Rexaphenac, and Voltaren. These all contain diclofenac sodium 1% and are sold in different tube sizes, such as 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g. The gel is also available as generic diclofenac sodium topical gel 1%.
- Topical solutions (prescription only): Diclofenac sodium 1.5% and 2% solutions are available by prescription only and are indicated specifically for knee osteoarthritis.
- Topical patch (prescription only): Diclofenac epolamine 1.3% topical patch (Flector or Licart) requires a prescription and is used to manage acute pain from minor strains and contusions.
If you’re unsure which Voltaren generic formulation is right for you, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What is generic diclofenac (Voltaren) used for?
Healthcare providers use diclofenac (Voltaren) to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation, and minimize joint stiffness for several medical conditions. Oral tablets/capsules/powders are prescribed to manage osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and various forms of acute pain, such as menstrual cramps and migraines. The topical gel is used for arthritis joint pain in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Topical patches can help manage acute pain from minor injuries, such as strains, sprains, and contusions.
Like any medication, diclofenac comes with some potential serious health risks, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. All NSAIDs carry an FDA black box warning for increased risk of serious cardiovascular and GI events, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- GI bleeding
- Ulcers
- Stomach pain from intestinal tears
- Allergic reactions
- Liver disease
- Kidney damage
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these occur. And note that NSAIDs like diclofenac should never be used right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) heart surgery. If you’re considering oral diclofenac, discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider. Depending on your medical condition, topical diclofenac may be the safer option, as it carries a lower risk of systemic side effects.
How much does generic diclofenac cost?
The average retail price of a 60-count supply of generic diclofenac sodium 75 mg delayed-release tablets is approximately $108. “OTC generic versions of diclofenac gel are about $10–$20 at most stores, and prescription versions are $30 or more without insurance,” Dr. Schroder says.
Most insurance plans cover generic diclofenac tablets, which may help offset out-of-pocket costs. OTC topical gels and patches, and other oral forms like capsules or powders, may not be covered. Contact your insurance provider for information on what your plan covers.
How to save on diclofenac (Voltaren)
Here are some ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescription diclofenac (Voltaren) if you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover the medication:
- Use a SingleCare discount card: With a SingleCare card, you can pay as low as $6.99 for a 60-count supply of generic diclofenac sodium 75 mg delayed-release tablets at participating pharmacies such as Kroger.
- Compare prices across pharmacies: Prices for oral diclofenac vary by location. Shopping around can make a meaningful difference.
- Ask about 90-day supplies: A three-month supply with refills may lower your per-fill cost. Ask your prescribing provider whether this is an option.
For Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, which is available over the counter, you can compare store-brand diclofenac sodium gel 1% as a lower-cost alternative, or, if you have insurance, see whether your plan will cover a prescription for the generic gel to offset costs.
Expert takeaway
“As a pharmacist, a common safety error I’ve seen with diclofenac OTC gel is accidental double-dosing,” says Jeff Fortner, Pharm.D. “Many patients don’t realize that diclofenac is an NSAID just like OTC ibuprofen and naproxen or prescription meloxicam or celecoxib. Using diclofenac gel along with other oral NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach or GI bleeding, kidney or liver damage, and cardiovascular issues.”
Frequently asked questions
Is there a generic version of Voltaren gel?
Yes. Diclofenac sodium topical gel 1% is the generic version of Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel.
Does Voltaren gel require a prescription?
No. Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel has been available over the counter since 2020, when the FDA approved it for nonprescription use.
What is the difference between Voltaren gel and Voltaren tablets?
The main difference is how each form works in the body. The gel is applied directly to the skin and targets pain in a localized area, while tablets are taken orally and provide relief throughout the body.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jul. 7, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Cleveland Clinic (2023)
- Perigo announces FDA approval for the store brand equivalent of Voltaren arthritis pain, Perrigo (2020)
Featured experts
- Jason Schroder, DO, of Craft Body Scan
- Brian Nwannunu, MD, of Texas Joint Institute
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