Diclofenac Sodium (Voltaren/Diclofex) Medicare Coverage

Diclofenac sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat arthritis, menstrual pain, migraines and general pain. The brand name equivalents of Diclofenac sodium include Voltaren, Diclofex DC, Solaraze and Pennsaid.

How you take Diclofenac sodium and your dose will depend on what you are treating. Diclofenac sodium comes as an eye drop for the treatment of postoperative eye swelling, eye pain and sensitivity to light. It may come as a topical cream for other types of pain treatment.

If you are taking Diclofenac sodium by mouth, common side effects include headache, upset stomach, constipation, dizziness, diarrhea, gas, fatigue and signs of a common cold.

If you are using Diclofenac sodium topically on the skin, common side effects include skin irritation and headache.

How much does Diclofenac-Sodium cost with Medicare?

Diclofenac-Sodium coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Diclofenac-Sodium?

According to GoodRx, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Diclofenac-Sodium in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Diclofenac-Sodium include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Diclofenac-Sodium. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Diclofenac sodium can increase your risk of heart and blood vessel side effects like heart attack and stroke. The risk of these side effects is greater if you have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease.

This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication that can cause bleeding, ulcers or perforation of the stomach. If you are taking this medication by mouth, take with a full glass of water. If you take this medication with food, it may not work as well.

If you are using this medication topically, do not take it by mouth. Use it on your skin only. Wash your hands before and after use.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.