NSAID (phenylacetic acid)
Diclofenac in Brazil: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Diclofenac in Brazil under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in BRL. Diclofenac belongs to the NSAID (phenylacetic acid) class.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
About Diclofenac
Diclofenac is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic. Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies.
Mechanism and action
Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Brands and generics in Brazil
In Brazil, Diclofenac is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) equivalence rules, and the price difference in BRL is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. For Diclofenac specifically, the legal online options in Brazil depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Frequently asked questions
Is Diclofenac available in Brazil? ▾
Yes — Diclofenac and its brands are available in Brazil through pharmacies authorised by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Diclofenac in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. The exact status of Diclofenac (Rx or OTC) is determined by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária); most active ingredients in the NSAID (phenylacetic acid) class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Diclofenac cost in Brazil? ▾
The price in BRL depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Diclofenac in Brazil
Diclofenac in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.