Mylan Diclofenac is a South African generic of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory painkiller, commonly dispensed as 50 mg tablets. It is used for pain with an inflammatory component — arthritis, back and muscular pain, sprains, period pain, gout and dental pain. It carries stomach, kidney and heart cautions.
What is Mylan Diclofenac?
Mylan Diclofenac contains diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). “Mylan” is the manufacturer, not a different medicine — the active ingredient and strength are what matter.
Diclofenac reduces pain, brings down fever and, distinguishing it from a simple painkiller, reduces inflammation. It blocks cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins drive inflammation, swelling and pain — and they also protect the stomach lining and help regulate kidney blood flow. That single fact explains both why the medicine works and where its risks come from.
You may see diclofenac sodium or diclofenac potassium on packaging. Both are diclofenac; the potassium salt is absorbed somewhat faster.
It is a Schedule 3 medicine in South Africa, and the same ingredient is dispensed as Voltaren, Cataflam, K-Fenak, Diclo-Flam and plain diclofenac.
What is Mylan Diclofenac commonly used for?
It is prescribed for pain where inflammation is part of the picture:
- Arthritis — osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions.
- Back pain and muscular pain with inflammation.
- Sprains, strains and sports injuries.
- Period pain, where it is often more effective than paracetamol because that pain is prostaglandin-driven.
- Gout flares.
- Dental pain, including after extraction.
- Post-operative pain.
For localised pain near the surface — a knee, an ankle, a hand — a diclofenac gel delivers the medicine locally with far less reaching the rest of the body. For someone who needs an anti-inflammatory but should be careful with tablets, that is a genuinely useful option worth asking a pharmacist about.
How Mylan Diclofenac fits into this medicine category
Diclofenac sits in the NSAID group:
| Group | Examples | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol | Pain and fever, little anti-inflammatory effect |
| Non-selective NSAIDs | Diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen | Anti-inflammatory; stomach and kidney cautions |
| COX-2 selective | Etoricoxib | Gentler on the stomach; cardiovascular attention |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Far stronger anti-inflammatory, as courses |
| Muscle relaxants | Orphenadrine | Relieves spasm rather than pain directly |
See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Mylan Diclofenac
Take it with food, and use the lowest amount for the shortest time that works.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it if:
- You have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding or reflux. NSAIDs are the leading medicine-related cause of stomach bleeding.
- You have kidney disease, or are dehydrated.
- You have heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke. Diclofenac carries a recognised cardiovascular risk.
- You have asthma. A minority of people with asthma react badly to NSAIDs.
- You take blood thinners, a corticosteroid, an SSRI antidepressant, a diuretic or an ACE inhibitor.
- You are pregnant — NSAIDs are generally avoided, and specifically in the third trimester.
- You are over 65, where stomach and kidney risks are higher.
Do not combine two anti-inflammatories. If you already take one, adding diclofenac multiplies the risks without improving relief.
Follow the dispensing label. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Stomach. NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding, sometimes without warning pain first. Risk rises with duration, age, alcohol, and combination with steroids or blood thinners.
Kidneys. Diclofenac can reduce kidney function, particularly if you are dehydrated, older, or taking blood-pressure medicines. During a vomiting or diarrhoeal illness, ask whether to pause it.
Heart. Regular use at higher amounts is associated with increased cardiovascular risk — which is why the guidance is consistently the lowest effective amount for the shortest period.
Consider the gel where pain is localised and near the surface.
Stop and seek medical attention for stomach pain, vomiting blood or material like coffee grounds, black tarry stools, breathlessness, chest pain, one-sided weakness or slurred speech, marked leg swelling, a significant reduction in urine, or a blistering rash. Persistent pain needs a diagnosis rather than continued anti-inflammatory use.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Mylan Diclofenac 50 mg used for? Pain with an inflammatory component — arthritis, back and muscular pain, sprains, period pain, gout and dental pain.
Does “Mylan” mean it is different from other diclofenac? No. That is the manufacturer. The active ingredient and strength are what matter.
Is it stronger than ibuprofen? Both are NSAIDs and broadly comparable. People respond differently, and prescribers switch between them for tolerance rather than strength.
Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes used together on advice. Do not combine it with another anti-inflammatory, and check for hidden paracetamol in combination products.
Why must it be taken with food? To reduce stomach irritation. It lowers discomfort, though it does not remove the risk of ulceration with longer use.
Is the gel safer than tablets? For localised surface pain it delivers less medicine to the rest of the body, so systemic risks are lower. It is not risk-free — ask your pharmacist.