Diclofenac Formulations for Pain Management

Introduction to Diclofenac Formulations

• The American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians recommend diclofenac topical as a first-line therapy for acute musculoskeletal pain 3
• Diclofenac potassium is recommended as a first-line NSAID for acute migraine therapy by Nature Reviews Neurology 1

Cardiovascular Risks

• Diclofenac has a higher thrombotic risk compared to other NSAIDs with a relative risk of 1.63 (95% CI 1.12-2.37) versus placebo 2
• For patients with cardiovascular risk factors, naproxen is preferred over diclofenac 2

Safety in Special Populations

• The Association of Anaesthetists states that diclofenac is safe to use during breastfeeding because only small amounts are detected in breast milk 4
• Diclofenac has been used extensively during lactation and is considered safe 4