Shortage of 1% diclofenac gel

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of diclofenac in the form of a 1% gel. The US-approved version is made by only one company, Endo, with the brand name Voltaren. No reason for the shortage is given. This gel is applied to joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet to relieve the pain due to loss of joint cartilage and the underlying bone most common from middle age onward, aka osteoarthritis. There are various reasons to avoid taking diclofenac by mouth. If your doctor agrees, a compounding pharmacy can make the gel from the diclofenac contained in capsules.