The impact of policy changes on the sales of the environmentally harmful drug diclofenac in Sweden.

OBJECTIVES

In Sweden, oral formulations of diclofenac became prescription-only in 2020, and over the counter (OTC) topical forms were placed behind the counter in 2023. This study investigated the effect of these policy changes on diclofenac dispensed or sold.

METHODS

Aggregated data on diclofenac dispensed against prescription or sold OTC from January 2019 to February 2024 were analysed descriptively.

KEY FINDINGS: The volume fell substantially after oral formulations became prescription-only. Placement of topical formulations behind the counter had a more modest effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Policy changes have had a significant effect on the volume of diclofenac dispensed or sold in Sweden, especially the prescription requirement.