Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce swelling (inflammation) and pain
. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain, including aches and pains, problems with joints, muscles, and bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sprains, strains, back pain, toothache, migraine, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis
. Diclofenac comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules, slow-release tablets, and capsules, suppositories, gel, plasters, injection, and eyedrops
. It is available on prescription only, except for diclofenac gel and plasters for joint pain, which are available to buy from pharmacies
. A high-strength diclofenac gel is used to treat actinic keratoses, which is a dry, scaly patch of skin caused by sun damage
. If you need to take an NSAID long term, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend ibuprofen or naproxen instead of diclofenac because they are less likely to cause heart problems
