Voltaren Emulgel becomes non-prescription in Canada
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
Novartis's Voltaren Emulgel (diclofenac diethylamine 1.16%) has become the first topical pain reliever containing diclofenac to be available without prescription in Canada. It will be available without prescription throughout Canada, although in Quebec, it will remain behind the counter; in British Columbia, it remains on prescription pending a standard review for OTC status. Research has found that 57% of Canadians experience pain every week, with two thirds of this in the back, neck, shoulder or joints, Novartis says.