What to do if Voltaren is in shortage — for Canada
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Voltaren (Diclofenac) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Canada context
Drug shortages in Canada are tracked by Health Canada when significant. For Voltaren, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Diclofenac — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg.
- Regulator
- Health Canada
- Currency
- CAD
How shortages work for Voltaren
When Voltaren is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Diclofenac, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Pain Relief Medications agent. Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Voltaren shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Diclofenac at 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Voltaren? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Diclofenac is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Voltaren at 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Voltaren come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Diclofenac is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Voltaren at the same 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg strength.
What to do if Voltaren is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.