Comprehensive medication guide to Cataflam including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic diclofenac potassium on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans (Tier 1–2). Some Medicare plans have quantity limits. During high-deductible periods, GoodRx coupons ($5–$18) may be lower than the insurance copay.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$15–$75 retail for generic diclofenac potassium 50 mg (30 tablets); as low as $5–$18 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons at major chain pharmacies for a 30-day supply. Brand-name Cataflam is discontinued; generic is widely available.
Medfinder Findability Score
82/100
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Cataflam is the brand name for diclofenac potassium 50 mg immediate-release tablets, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It belongs to the same drug class as ibuprofen and naproxen, working by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins — compounds that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.
The brand-name Cataflam (originally manufactured by Novartis) has been discontinued in the United States. However, the generic equivalent — diclofenac potassium 50 mg — remains widely available from multiple manufacturers including Teva and Mylan/Viatris. Generic diclofenac potassium is bioequivalent to the original brand and provides the same clinical benefits.
FDA-approved uses include mild to moderate pain, primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is one of the more fast-acting oral NSAIDs, with onset typically within 30–60 minutes due to the immediate-release potassium salt formulation.
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Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) relieves pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes — specifically COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes normally convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which sensitize pain receptors, promote inflammation, cause fever, and trigger uterine contractions during menstruation.
Diclofenac shows preferential COX-2 inhibition compared to some other NSAIDs, meaning it more strongly suppresses inflammatory prostaglandins while somewhat preserving the stomach-protective prostaglandins produced by COX-1. The plasma half-life is short (1.2–2 hours), but the drug concentrates in synovial (joint) fluid for over 11 hours — which is why joint pain relief can last 6–8 hours per dose.
The potassium salt formulation in Cataflam dissolves quickly in stomach acid, producing faster absorption than enteric-coated diclofenac sodium (Voltaren). Onset of pain relief typically occurs within 30–60 minutes, making it well-suited for acute pain and dysmenorrhea.
50 mg — tablet
Immediate-release tablet; standard dose for pain, dysmenorrhea, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
100 mg — tablet
Two 50 mg tablets; initial loading dose may be used for dysmenorrhea and some pain indications
Cataflam's availability is unique: the brand itself has been discontinued, but the generic (diclofenac potassium 50 mg) is available without a national shortage. The challenge is that not all pharmacies stock the generic consistently, and some pharmacists may flag "Cataflam" as unavailable without checking for the generic equivalent.
A past shortage occurred in 2019–2020 when Sandoz discontinued their product and Teva had supply disruptions. That shortage resolved by August 2020, and as of 2026 multiple manufacturers supply the market. The findability score of 82 reflects that the drug is generally available but requires some effort to locate — particularly because patients may need to search under the generic name.
To find diclofenac potassium at a pharmacy near you, use medfinder — we call pharmacies on your behalf and text you the results, so you don't have to spend hours on hold.
Because Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without DEA special scheduling authorization. There are no federal quantity or refill limits.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) and internal medicine / family medicine doctors
Rheumatologists (frequently prescribe for arthritis)
Gynecologists / OB-GYNs (for primary dysmenorrhea)
Orthopedic surgeons (acute musculoskeletal pain)
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in all 50 states
Telehealth availability is excellent — because diclofenac potassium is non-controlled, it can be prescribed via telehealth from any U.S. state. Platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, Doctor on Demand, and condition-specific services (Wisp, Nurx for dysmenorrhea) can all prescribe it after a virtual evaluation.
No. Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It does not contain any narcotics or habit-forming compounds, and it will not appear on standard drug tests that screen for opioids, THC, or amphetamines.
Because it is non-controlled, Cataflam can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber — including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers — without special DEA authorization. There are no federal restrictions on the number of refills or quantity per prescription. Patients can fill it at any licensed pharmacy and request mail-order supplies.
The most frequently reported side effects of diclofenac potassium are gastrointestinal and generally mild:
Nausea and stomach upset
Stomach pain or cramping
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache and dizziness
Increased blood pressure
Mild fluid retention
Heart attack or stroke: Chest pain, sudden numbness, trouble speaking (FDA boxed warning)
GI bleeding: Black tarry stools, vomiting blood (FDA boxed warning)
Liver toxicity: Jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue
Kidney damage: Decreased urination, swelling, high potassium symptoms
Severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN/DRESS): Stop the drug immediately if any rash develops
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Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
OTC NSAID; widely available without prescription; fast onset; requires more frequent dosing (q4-6h); good for acute pain and dysmenorrhea
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
OTC/Rx NSAID; longer duration (8-12 hours); twice-daily dosing; good option when sustained coverage is needed
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Prescription NSAID; once-daily dosing; preferential COX-2 inhibition; widely stocked on $4 generic programs; best for chronic arthritis
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
COX-2 selective NSAID; lowest GI side effect risk; preferred for GI-sensitive patients; requires prescription; prior auth may apply
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Warfarin (Coumadin)
majorSignificantly increases bleeding risk. NSAIDs affect platelet function and GI integrity. Monitor INR closely if combination is necessary.
Other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)
majorAdditive toxicity with no additional pain benefit. Increases GI bleeding, kidney, and cardiovascular risk significantly. Do not combine.
Ketorolac (Toradol)
majorCombination is contraindicated. Both drugs increase toxicity of each other through pharmacodynamic synergism.
Methotrexate
majorDiclofenac reduces renal elimination of methotrexate, increasing blood levels and toxicity risk. Monitor methotrexate levels if combination is used.
Lithium
moderateNSAIDs reduce lithium elimination by kidneys, causing lithium levels to rise. High lithium can cause confusion, tremor, and seizures. Monitor lithium levels.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs (lisinopril, losartan)
moderateReduces antihypertensive effect and increases risk of acute kidney injury. Monitor blood pressure and kidney function.
Diuretics (furosemide, HCTZ)
moderateReduces diuretic effectiveness and increases kidney toxicity risk. Especially important in heart failure patients.
SSRIs and SNRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine)
moderateIncreases GI bleeding risk. SSRIs reduce platelet function; combining with NSAIDs compounds this effect. Consider adding PPI for stomach protection.
Corticosteroids (prednisone)
moderateBoth drugs irritate stomach lining; combining significantly increases GI bleeding risk. May require PPI or misoprostol for protection.
Cyclosporine
moderateIncreases risk of kidney damage when combined. Both drugs independently stress kidneys; combined risk is amplified.
Cataflam remains a clinically valuable NSAID, particularly for patients who need fast-onset pain relief from an oral prescription NSAID. Its fast absorption (30–60 min onset) and FDA-approved indication for primary dysmenorrhea make it a distinct option within the NSAID class. While the brand name is gone, the generic equivalent (diclofenac potassium 50 mg) provides identical clinical benefits at a much lower cost — often under $20 with discount coupons.
The main challenge for patients is locating it — not every pharmacy stocks it, and pharmacy systems may flag the discontinued brand name as unavailable. The workaround is simple: always ask for 'diclofenac potassium 50 mg' specifically. For patients who can't locate it locally, calling multiple pharmacies is time-consuming — which is where a pharmacy-finding service becomes essential.
If you're having trouble finding Cataflam (diclofenac potassium), medfinder can call pharmacies near you to check stock and text you the results — saving you hours of hold time. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and discuss any concerns about side effects or interactions with your prescriber.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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