Voltaren vs Diclofenac: are they the same?
Voltaren is a commercial brand whose active ingredient is exactly Diclofenac. This page explains what that means in practice: where they differ (brand, manufacturer, price, available strengths), why they are clinically equivalent, and when the brand or an authorised generic is the better choice.
Are they the same?
Yes — Voltaren contains Diclofenac as its active ingredient. Talking about "Voltaren" in clinical terms is the same as talking about Diclofenac at the dose strengths 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg. The differences from the authorised generic are brand, manufacturer (Novartis), excipients, tablet appearance and price — not the active molecule itself.
When Voltaren is used
ボルタレンは成人において変形性関節症、関節リウマチ、強直性脊椎炎、急性筋骨格系疼痛、術後疼痛、原発性月経困難症、急性片頭痛、尿管疝痛の治療に承認されています。外用ボルタレンは光線角化症(一部の国)や筋骨格系疼痛などの局所疼痛に承認されています。臨床ガイドラインによれば、外用NSAIDは多くの局所筋骨格系疼痛、特に高齢者において第一選択として推奨されます。
Mechanisms compared
Because they share the same active ingredient, the mechanism is identical: ジクロフェナクはシクロオキシゲナーゼ酵素COX-1およびCOX-2を可逆的に阻害し、イブプロフェンやナプロキセンよりやや高いCOX-2選択性を示します。プロスタグランジン合成を低下させることにより、鎮痛、抗炎症、解熱作用を発揮します。治療用量におけるCOX-2選好性は、ナプロキセンと比較した心血管リスクプロファイルを部分的に説明します。
Brand or generic — which to choose?
For most patients, authorised generics of Diclofenac are clinically equivalent substitutes for Voltaren and typically cost substantially less. The practical differences are manufacturer, excipients (rarely matters except in specific sensitivities), tablet appearance and price. The brand is preferred by some patients for personal reasons or insurance coverage; the generic is the default when cost matters.
よくある質問
Is Voltaren the same as Diclofenac? ▾
Clinically yes — Voltaren is the brand and Diclofenac is its active ingredient. At equivalent doses (25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg) they produce the same effect. The difference is brand, manufacturer (Novartis) and price.
Is generic Diclofenac as effective as Voltaren? ▾
Yes. Authorised generics of Diclofenac must demonstrate bioequivalence to the brand. The active substance is the same; average effect is the same. Price is usually substantially lower.
Why does Voltaren cost more than generic Diclofenac? ▾
The price difference reflects originator development costs, brand recognition and competition among generic manufacturers. The molecule is identical; the cost is not.
本ウェブサイトの情報は参考および教育目的のみで提供されます。資格を有する医療従事者への相談に代わるものではありません。