News Releases

September 13, 2018
Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Taiho Pharmaceutical to Launch Zenol Diclodirect

Penetrates Directly into Painful Shoulders and Lower Back To Go on Sale Nationwide on September 13, 2018

Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced today the launch of Zenol Diclodirect (second-class OTC drug), containing diclofenac sodium, as a new addition to its Zenol series of topical analgesic anti-inflammatory products throughout Japan today

  • Details will be available soon at the Zenol Diclodirect multilingual brand site.

Zenol Diclodirect is the first product in the Zenol series to contain diclofenac sodium (1.0%) as an active ingredient. Diclofenac sodium shows an analgesic effect by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are one of the substances that cause pain. Diclofenac-containing drug products have been growing in the market for topical analgesic anti-inflammatory medications in recent years (source: INTAGE SDI topical analgesic anti-inflammatory drug sales volume for 2013 – 2017).

Zenol Diclodirect provides relief by penetrating directly into painful shoulders and lower back. It is recommended for people with stiff shoulders and lower back pain caused by daily work and exercise.

Moreover, as the product is a hard gel in stick form, it is easily applied not only to the shoulders and lower back but also to affected areas that bend such as the neck and joints. It is convenient on the go, as it can be carried around without concern for liquid or ointment leakage.

Taiho Pharmaceutical will continue striving to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles.

Features of Zenol Diclodirect

  • Penetrates directly into painful shoulders and lower back
  • Convenient on the go, as it can be carried around without concern for liquid or ointment leakage
  • Easy to apply to affected areas that bend, such as the neck and joints
  • Easily applied to the affected area without staining hands
  • Wide applicator for applying easily to large areas such as the lower back

Product Overview

Brand name Zenol Diclodirect
Risk categories Second-class OTC drug
Suggested retail price 1,600 yen (excl. tax) per bottle
Ingredients Per 100 g
Diclofenac sodium 1.0 g
I-Menthol 3.0 g
Indications Joint pain, shoulder pain associated with stiff shoulder, tenosynovitis (hand and wrist pain), elbow pain (e.g., tennis elbow), muscle pain, lower back pain, bruises, and sprains.
Dosage and administration Apply an appropriate amount to the affected area three to four times daily.
However, do not cover the treated area with a wrap film or other poorly-ventilated materials. Do not use this product with other topical agent containing diclofenac sodium.
Content 42g
Launch date Nationwide on Thursday, September 13, 2018

Information in this news release was current as of the original release date.

Taiho Pharmaceutical's press releases may contain information about prescription drugs including products currently under development, however information contained in the press releases are not intended to constitute promotion, advertisement, or medical advice.