What Is Equivalent to Solaraze Gel? Understanding Alternatives for Actinic Keratosis

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

The brand-name medication Solaraze, a 3% diclofenac gel for treating actinic keratosis (AK), has been discontinued and is now only available as its generic counterpart, diclofenac sodium 3% gel. If you are looking for what is equivalent to Solaraze gel, the primary answer is the generic version, but other effective alternatives for AK exist.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the direct equivalent to the discontinued brand-name Solaraze, generic diclofenac sodium 3% gel, for treating actinic keratosis. It also explores other viable prescription alternatives like fluorouracil, imiquimod, and tirbanibulin, detailing their mechanisms, efficacy, and side effect profiles. The content explains the key distinctions between these topical medications and other treatment methods.

Key Points

Direct Equivalent: The generic form, diclofenac sodium 3% gel, is the direct equivalent of the discontinued brand-name Solaraze for actinic keratosis treatment.
Not Interchangeable: Over-the-counter diclofenac (e.g., Voltaren 1%) is not equivalent to prescription-strength 3% diclofenac for actinic keratosis due to different concentrations and formulations.
Fluorouracil (Efudex): A highly effective topical chemotherapy alternative, fluorouracil works differently and causes more intense local inflammatory reactions than diclofenac.
Immune Modifiers: Topical imiquimod (Aldara) is an alternative that stimulates the immune system to fight abnormal cells and typically involves a less frequent application schedule.
Short-Course Treatment: Tirbanibulin (Klisyri) is another topical alternative known for its very short, 5-day treatment course for AK on the face and scalp.
Procedural Options: Beyond topical gels, treatments like cryosurgery (freezing) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are also effective options for targeted lesions.
Consult a Dermatologist: Due to the variety of treatments and their different mechanisms, side effects, and suitability, consulting a dermatologist is critical for finding the best option.

What is Solaraze and Its Direct Equivalent?

Solaraze was a brand name for a prescription-strength topical gel containing 3% diclofenac sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its specific formulation was designed to treat actinic keratosis (AK), precancerous scaly skin lesions resulting from chronic sun exposure. The brand-name product has since been discontinued, meaning it is no longer manufactured or sold.

For patients seeking a direct equivalent, the solution is the generic version: diclofenac sodium 3% gel. This generic product contains the exact same active ingredient and is used for the same purpose, following the same application schedule of twice daily for 60 to 90 days.

It is crucial to understand that not all diclofenac gels are interchangeable. A common mistake is confusing the prescription 3% gel for AK with the over-the-counter (OTC) 1% diclofenac gel (Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel) used for joint pain. The OTC 1% gel has a lower concentration and is formulated differently, making it unsuitable and unapproved for treating actinic keratosis. Furthermore, studies show that Voltaren gel's hyaluronic acid vehicle is designed for deeper penetration for arthritis pain, whereas the 3% Solaraze formulation was optimized to keep the drug within the epidermis for AK treatment.

Topical Alternatives for Actinic Keratosis

If generic diclofenac is not the right choice due to side effects, efficacy concerns, or other reasons, several other topical prescription medications are effective alternatives for treating AK:

Fluorouracil (Efudex, Carac): An antimetabolite, this topical chemotherapy works by interfering with the DNA of abnormal skin cells, causing them to die. It is a highly effective treatment but can cause a significant inflammatory reaction, including intense redness, burning, and crusting. It is typically applied twice daily for 2 to 6 weeks.
Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara): This is an immune response modifier cream that stimulates the body's own immune system to attack the abnormal cells. It is applied less frequently than diclofenac or fluorouracil—typically a few times a week for several weeks. Side effects can include flu-like symptoms and local skin reactions, though generally less severe than fluorouracil.
Tirbanibulin (Klisyri): A newer topical treatment, tirbanibulin is applied once daily for just five days to treat AK on the face and scalp. This short treatment course can be a significant advantage, though local skin reactions like redness and scaling are common.

Procedural and Non-Topical Treatment Options

For individuals with isolated or stubborn lesions, or those who prefer non-topical methods, procedural treatments can be highly effective:

Cryosurgery: This is a very common in-office procedure where a dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the affected skin lesions. It is effective for treating individual lesions with high cure rates but can cause temporary redness, blistering, or changes in pigmentation.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): In this treatment, a photosensitizing topical agent is applied to the skin, followed by exposure to a special light source. This activates the medication to destroy the AK lesions. The procedure is performed in a dermatologist's office.
Laser Therapy: Various lasers can be used to treat AK by removing the affected skin layer. This is an effective option, especially for treating multiple lesions over a large area.

Comparison Table of Topical Actinic Keratosis Treatments


Feature	Generic Diclofenac 3% Gel	Fluorouracil (e.g., Efudex)	Imiquimod (e.g., Aldara)	Tirbanibulin (Klisyri)
Mechanism of Action	Reduces inflammation and blocks proteins involved in abnormal cell growth.	Interferes with DNA synthesis to kill rapidly growing cells.	Stimulates the body's immune system to attack abnormal cells.	Inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
Primary Use	Actinic keratosis (AK) only.	AK and some types of basal cell carcinoma.	AK and superficial basal cell carcinoma.	AK on the face and bald scalp.
Treatment Duration	60 to 90 days.	2 to 6 weeks.	Several times a week for 16 weeks.	Once daily for 5 consecutive days.
Common Side Effects	Itching, rash, dry skin, burning.	Significant redness, burning, crusting, irritation, erosion.	Local redness, flu-like symptoms.	Local skin reactions like redness, scaling, and crusting.
Photosensitivity Risk	Increases skin sensitivity to sunlight.	Requires sun avoidance during treatment.	Requires sun avoidance during treatment.	Requires sun avoidance during treatment.

Considerations for Choosing an Alternative

When deciding on an alternative to Solaraze, several factors should be considered, ideally in consultation with a dermatologist. For instance, diclofenac is known for a less inflammatory side effect profile compared to fluorouracil, making it a more tolerable option for many patients. However, it also requires a longer treatment course. Fluorouracil is highly effective but associated with more intense local reactions.

For patients seeking a very short treatment duration, tirbanibulin is an option, but its use is limited to certain body areas. Imiquimod works differently by modulating the immune system and has a different application schedule. The location, number, and severity of AK lesions will also influence the choice of treatment. For numerous or widespread lesions, field therapy with a topical agent might be preferred, while isolated lesions could be best treated with cryosurgery.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Ultimately, the choice of treatment should be made by a healthcare provider, typically a dermatologist, who can assess the patient's specific condition, medical history, tolerance for side effects, and desired treatment outcome. They can also help weigh the pros and cons of different options, ensuring the most appropriate and effective course of action is taken. Patients should never self-treat AK or use OTC medications for this condition without a doctor's supervision.

For more detailed information on prescription diclofenac, visit the official MedlinePlus monograph: Diclofenac Topical (actinic keratosis).

Conclusion

While the brand-name Solaraze is no longer on the market, the active ingredient, diclofenac sodium 3% gel, is still available in its generic form and serves as the direct equivalent for treating actinic keratosis. Beyond the generic, a range of alternative topical medications like fluorouracil, imiquimod, and tirbanibulin, as well as procedural options such as cryosurgery and photodynamic therapy, provide effective treatments for AK. A thorough discussion with a dermatologist is essential to determine the most suitable treatment path based on individual needs and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the brand-name Solaraze has been discontinued. However, the active ingredient, diclofenac sodium 3% gel, is still available as a generic prescription medication.

No, you should not use over-the-counter Voltaren gel. It contains a different concentration (1%) of diclofenac and is only approved for treating arthritis pain. Only the prescription-strength 3% diclofenac sodium gel is approved and effective for treating actinic keratosis.

While both treat AK, they have different mechanisms. Diclofenac is an NSAID with a less severe side effect profile but requires a longer treatment course (60-90 days). Fluorouracil is a topical chemotherapy that is highly effective but causes a more intense inflammatory reaction, with a shorter treatment duration (2-6 weeks).

Common side effects include mild-to-moderate itching, rash, dry skin, redness, or burning at the application site. While these are generally milder than those associated with fluorouracil, diclofenac increases skin sensitivity to the sun.

The typical treatment course involves applying the gel twice daily for 60 to 90 days. Your skin may continue to improve for up to 30 days after stopping the medication.

Imiquimod is a viable alternative, especially if you have numerous lesions or prefer a different mechanism of action. It's an immune response modifier applied less frequently over a longer period. Side effects can include flu-like symptoms and local reactions, but are generally less aggressive than with fluorouracil.

Yes, procedural treatments are available. Common options include cryosurgery, which involves freezing lesions with liquid nitrogen, and photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a photosensitizing agent and light to destroy abnormal cells.