Vioxx-Like Risk Linked to Diclofenac

Lee Coleman

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A report released by the Journal of the American Medical Assn says that Diclofenac, also known as Cataflam or Voltaren, increased patient's chance of heart attack by 40% according to an analysis of 23 clinical studies, the same risk observed in patients who took low doses of Vioxx. The FDA is calling for further review.

Diclofenac, which has been sold for more than 30 years, is available only by prescription in the U.S. and is not widely used here. But it is sold over the counter elsewhere and ranks among the most popular pain relievers in the world.