DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1%

85/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited

High Serious Adverse Reactions with Diclofenac Sodium 1%

323,575 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1%

DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1% is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited. Based on analysis of 323,575 FDA adverse event reports, DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1% has a safety score of 85 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1% include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, PAIN, FATIGUE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1%.

AI Safety Analysis

Diclofenac Sodium 1% has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 323,575 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Pain, Fatigue. Of classified reports, 78.7% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. A significant proportion of adverse reactions are serious, with 78.7% classified as such.

The most common reactions include abdominal discomfort, rash, and swelling, indicating potential gastrointestinal and skin-related risks. There is a notable increase in liver injury and gastrointestinal disorders, suggesting potential hepatotoxic and gastrointestinal side effects.

Patients taking Diclofenac Sodium 1% should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Diclofenac sodium 1% is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. It may interact with other NSAIDs, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 85/100

Diclofenac Sodium 1% received a safety concern score of 85/100 (high concern). This is based on a 78.7% serious event ratio across 33,605 classified reports. The score accounts for 323,575 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE7,366 reports
PAIN7,115 reports
FATIGUE6,725 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS6,149 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT5,800 reports
RASH5,779 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS5,628 reports
ALOPECIA5,585 reports
PEMPHIGUS5,460 reports
GLOSSODYNIA5,420 reports
OFF LABEL USE5,370 reports
SWELLING5,219 reports
ARTHROPATHY5,048 reports
HAND DEFORMITY4,979 reports
JOINT SWELLING4,950 reports
WOUND4,838 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY4,613 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION4,608 reports
ARTHRALGIA4,539 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED4,412 reports
SYNOVITIS4,325 reports
PERICARDITIS4,227 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE4,187 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED4,161 reports
HEADACHE4,024 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY4,022 reports
DISCOMFORT4,005 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED3,983 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE3,906 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE3,771 reports
HYPERTENSION3,584 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION3,532 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION3,504 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION3,455 reports
NAUSEA3,454 reports
VOMITING3,308 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS3,248 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY3,190 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE3,176 reports
DIARRHOEA3,155 reports
BLISTER3,014 reports
DYSPNOEA3,008 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS2,978 reports
PYREXIA2,920 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED2,896 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED2,856 reports
FOLLICULITIS2,851 reports
INFECTION2,845 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE2,832 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS2,826 reports
MALAISE2,796 reports
DIZZINESS2,778 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED2,776 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE2,773 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING2,750 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY2,730 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA2,705 reports
PRURITUS2,690 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING2,685 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME2,664 reports
LIVER INJURY2,628 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER2,597 reports
STOMATITIS2,583 reports
FIBROMYALGIA2,556 reports
INJURY2,553 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED2,542 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION2,435 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER2,405 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY2,389 reports
MUSCLE INJURY2,386 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,385 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE2,360 reports
URTICARIA2,355 reports
DECREASED APPETITE2,274 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER2,254 reports
SINUSITIS2,229 reports
PNEUMONIA2,220 reports
WHEEZING2,204 reports
ASTHENIA2,199 reports
CONTUSION2,194 reports
EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY2,111 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER2,068 reports
INSOMNIA2,033 reports
SLEEP DISORDER1,973 reports
SWOLLEN JOINT COUNT INCREASED1,930 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS1,886 reports
BURSITIS1,811 reports
JOINT RANGE OF MOTION DECREASED1,805 reports
DYSPEPSIA1,761 reports
CHEST PAIN1,751 reports
DRY MOUTH1,722 reports
INFLAMMATION1,702 reports
DEPRESSION1,690 reports
GAIT INABILITY1,683 reports
OEDEMA1,678 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION, INSOMNIA TYPE1,676 reports
ASTHMA1,673 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE1,579 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS1,561 reports
PRESCRIBED OVERDOSE1,541 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus and alopecia are reported, indicating potential autoimmune reactions.
  • Multiple cases of pericarditis and synovitis suggest potential cardiovascular and musculoskeletal risks.
  • Liver injury and increased cholesterol levels indicate potential hepatotoxicity and metabolic side effects.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 21,483, Male: 7,804, Unknown: 39. The most frequently reported age groups are age 43 (1,907 reports), age 44 (1,734 reports), age 40 (1,045 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 33,605 classified reports for DICLOFENAC SODIUM 1%:

  • Serious: 26,435 reports (78.7%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 7,170 reports (21.3%)
Serious 78.7%Non-Serious 21.3%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female21,483 (73.3%)
Male7,804 (26.6%)
Unknown39 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 431,907 reports
Age 441,734 reports
Age 401,045 reports
Age 59666 reports
Age 58442 reports
Age 60435 reports
Age 50412 reports
Age 53373 reports
Age 61371 reports
Age 72366 reports
Age 63360 reports
Age 62357 reports
Age 68357 reports
Age 55342 reports
Age 70341 reports
Age 69340 reports
Age 56339 reports
Age 65336 reports
Age 67332 reports
Age 66330 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Diclofenac sodium 1% is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. It may interact with other NSAIDs, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Diclofenac Sodium 1%, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, pain, fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal discomfort. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use as directed by a healthcare provider. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor diclofenac sodium 1% for safety, particularly in high-risk populations such as those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

The FDA has received approximately 323,575 adverse event reports associated with Diclofenac Sodium 1%. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium 1% include Drug Ineffective, Pain, Fatigue, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Abdominal Discomfort. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (7,366 reports), Pain (7,115 reports), Fatigue (6,725 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Diclofenac Sodium 1%.

What percentage of Diclofenac Sodium 1% adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 33,605 classified reports, 26,435 (78.7%) were classified as serious and 7,170 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium 1% (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Diclofenac Sodium 1% break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 21,483, Male: 7,804, Unknown: 39. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

The most frequently reported age groups for Diclofenac Sodium 1% adverse events are: age 43: 1,907 reports, age 44: 1,734 reports, age 40: 1,045 reports, age 59: 666 reports, age 58: 442 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

The primary manufacturer associated with Diclofenac Sodium 1% adverse event reports is Aurobindo Pharma Limited. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Diclofenac Sodium 1% include: Rash, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Alopecia, Pemphigus, Glossodynia. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

You can report adverse events from Diclofenac Sodium 1% to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Diclofenac Sodium 1%'s safety score and what does it mean?

Diclofenac Sodium 1% has a safety concern score of 85 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. A significant proportion of adverse reactions are serious, with 78.7% classified as such.

What are the key safety signals for Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

Key safety signals identified in Diclofenac Sodium 1%'s adverse event data include: Systemic lupus erythematosus and alopecia are reported, indicating potential autoimmune reactions.. Multiple cases of pericarditis and synovitis suggest potential cardiovascular and musculoskeletal risks.. Liver injury and increased cholesterol levels indicate potential hepatotoxicity and metabolic side effects.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Diclofenac Sodium 1% interact with other drugs?

Diclofenac sodium 1% is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. It may interact with other NSAIDs, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Diclofenac Sodium 1%.

What should patients know before taking Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use as directed by a healthcare provider. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.

Are Diclofenac Sodium 1% side effects well-documented?

Diclofenac Sodium 1% has 323,575 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. The most common reactions include abdominal discomfort, rash, and swelling, indicating potential gastrointestinal and skin-related risks. The volume of reports for Diclofenac Sodium 1% reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Diclofenac Sodium 1%?

The FDA continues to monitor diclofenac sodium 1% for safety, particularly in high-risk populations such as those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.