Compare Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol) and Voltaren (diclofenac) are both used to treat pain and swelling in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but they have some differences. Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac, which reduces pain and swelling, and misoprostol, that helps protect the stomach from ulcers caused by medications like diclofenac. This makes Arthrotec particularly useful for people at high risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers. Voltaren comes in various forms, but doesn't have the added stomach protection. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, but Arthrotec is especially dangerous for people who are pregnant due to the misoprostol component. Voltaren can be used to treat other conditons, such as migraines and menstrual cramps, while Arthrotec is only approved for arthritis treatment. Voltaren is also available as a lower-cost generic medication.
- Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)Diclofenac
- Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol)Diclofenac
Summary of Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Summary for NSAID / ProstaglandinPrescription onlyArthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is a combination medication used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in non-pregnant adults. The diclofenac in Arthrotec is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with pain and swelling, while the misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog that lowers the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers from diclofenac. Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) is taken by mouth, typically two to four times per day. Common side effects of this medication include stomach cramps (pain) and diarrhea. Avoid drinking alcohol with Arthrotec (diclofenac / misoprostol) because doing so can raise the risk of stomach bleeding.
Summary for NSAIDPrescription onlyDiclofenac is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works well to treat pain and swelling in certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Diclofenac comes in different formulations, including delayed-release tablet and powder packet for oral solution. Similar to other NSAIDs, it has warnings for serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, and stomach bleeds, especially with higher doses and longer use.
Indications of Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Indications for•Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who are at high risk for stomach and intestinal ulcersIndications for•Mild to moderate pain•Osteoarthritis•Rheumatoid arthritis•Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)•Migraine attacks•Menstrual crampsPros and Cons of Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Pros and Const for NSAID / ProstaglandinPros•Diclofenac works well to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling and misoprostol works well to lower the risk of stomach and intestinal ulcers and bleeding•Conveniently combines two medication in one pill•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Needs to be taken multiple times a day•Not safe to take at any time of pregnancy•Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problemsPros and Const for NSAIDPros•Available in many different formulations, such as tablet, capsule, and powder•Available in a long-acting form that only needs to be take once per day•Diclofenac potassium (Cambia) powder can help with migraine pain in as quickly as 15 minutes.•All brands of diclofenac are available as lower-cost generics.Cons•Typically have to take multiple times a day (except for the powder and extended-release tablet)•Not recommended for use in children (except for diclofenac potassium (Zipsor) capsules, which can be used in children age 12 years and older)•Not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially starting in the second trimester or later•Not the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problemsCommon Side Effects of Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Common Side Effects for•Stomach pain (21%)•Diarrhea (19%)•Upset stomach or indigestion (14%)•Nausea (11%)•Gas (9%)Common Side Effects forUp to 10% of people taking diclofenac experience:
•Headaches•Dizziness•Ringing in the ear•Swelling in the arms and legs•Nausea•Vomiting•Heartburn•Stomach bleeds, ulcers, and damage•Passing gas•Stomach pains•Constipation•Diarrhea•Rash•Dry and itchy skin•Anemia•Bleeding that's hard to stopWarnings of Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
Common Side Effects for•Harm to mother and unborn baby•Stomach bleeding•Heart attack and stroke•High blood pressure and heart failure•Kidney damage•Liver problems•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions•Risk for bleedingCommon Side Effects for•Heart attack and stroke•Stomach bleeding and ulcers•Liver damage•High blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs•Kidney damage and high potassium levels•Severe asthma attack•Severe allergic or skin reaction•Harm to unborn babiesPrices with our coupons for Arthrotec vs. Voltaren
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