Cambia
(diclofenac)
Relieves pain and inflammation.
Our bottom line
Cambia (diclofenac) works well for pain and is available in many different forms. If you have a history of heart problems or stomach bleeds, it may not be the best choice.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diclofenac)
Upsides
- Works well to relieve muscle ache and pain caused by inflammation.
- Minimal risk for addiction unlike narcotics.
- Available in gel or powder packets if you have difficulty taking the pill.
- Most forms are available as generic.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Voltaren, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
37Downsides
- Not for chronic, daily use because of increased side-effects.
- May need to be taken two or three-times daily for maximum pain relief.
- Can cause serious stomach problems like inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
- Can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
- Can lower kidney function or cause permanent kidney damage.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Voltaren, on one page
Download Fact SheetCambia (diclofenac) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which relieves pain by reducing the inflammation in your body.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (diclofenac)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$668.15
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$671.50
What to expect when you take Cambia (diclofenac) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Swelling
Side effect rates for Cambia (diclofenac)
- Nausea24%24%40%40%
- Constipation13%13%11%11%
- Headache10%10%16%16%
- Infusion site pain10%10%8%8%
- Dizziness8%8%2%2%
- Gas8%8%16%16%
- Vomiting6%6%18%18%
- Trouble sleeping6%6%10%10%
- Itching5%5%8%8%
- Low blood pressure5%5%5%5%
- Fever4%4%10%10%
- Low red blood counts4%4%7%7%
- Infusion site leakage3%3%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Voltaren.
People taking Voltaren felt side effect more
People taking Voltaren felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Cambia (diclofenac)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of heart problems
- › Taking Cambia (diclofenac) for a long period of time
Cambia (diclofenac) can increase your chances of getting blood clots, a heart attack, or stroke. To lower the risk of having these problems, take the medicine at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Talk to your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness in 1 side of the body, or difficulty speaking.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats pain caused by osteoarthritis.Common concerns from people taking Cambia (diclofenac)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
- Cambia (diclofenac) can damage your kidneys. Taking the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time lowers your risk. Talk to your doctor if this worries you, or if you already have kidney damage before you start taking Cambia (diclofenac).
- Can affect how your kidneys work.
- Can lower kidney function or cause permanent kidney damage.
- Cambia (diclofenac) can cause stomach bleeding which can be dangerous. If you notice blood in your vomit or your stool has bright red blood or looks like black coffee grounds, or if you have pain in your stomach that doesn't go away, talk to your doctor right away.
- Works well to relieve muscle ache and pain caused by inflammation.
- May need to be taken two or three-times daily for maximum pain relief.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed VoltarenIt's brilliant for chronic pain in the neck and shoulders. It's even better than the physiotherapist46WomanJust as neededMuscle pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Voltarenon 5/21/2017long acting/sow release is way more better in reducing bone and muscle pain than immediate release. With slow release, you will have long term pain relief and take less of the drug overall (mg) than fast release. Diclofenac is better than any other NSAID and no effect on stomach. Make sure to drink a glass of water every time you take a diclofenac pill to protect your kidneys for long term use.47WomanTwo years or morePain