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Compare Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Diclofenac (Cambia) and Lidoderm (lidocaine 5% patch) are both medications used to relieve pain, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Diclofenac is an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Lidoderm, on the other hand, is a topical patch that's approved for nerve pain caused by shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. Diclofenac is available in various oral forms, such as tablets and capsules, and is taken multiple times a day, while Lidoderm is applied to the skin once a day for up to 12 hours. Common side effects of diclofenac include headaches, dizziness, and stomach issues, while Lidoderm may cause skin irritation and redness. Diclofenac has serious risks like heart attack and stomach bleeding, especially with long-term use, whereas Lidoderm's main concern is absorbing too much medication if used improperly.

  • Diclofenac
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
  • Diclofenac
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)

  • Summary of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Diclofenac 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.

    Summary for Local anesthetic
    Prescription only

    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) is a prescription medication used to relieve nerve pain caused by a shingles infection, also called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It's a local anesthetic that works by numbing your nerves to help reduce pain. You apply the patch directly to the painful area of your skin once a day, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Common side effects include temporary skin irritation, redness, and a mild burning sensation where the patch is applied.

  • Indications of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Indications for
    •Mild to moderate pain
    •Osteoarthritis
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
    •Migraine attacks
    •Menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)

  • Pros and Cons of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •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 problems
    Pros and Const for Local anesthetic
    Pros
    •Works directly on the skin
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
    •Can cut patches to fit the area of pain
    Cons
    •Commonly causes skin irritation
    •Must avoid contact with water wearing the patch
    •Might interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for

    Up 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 stop
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blisters
    •Bruising
    •Burning sensation
    •Changes in skin color
    •Rash or redness
    •Swelling
    •Peeling or flaking skin
    •Itching
    •Small bumps or spots
    •Tiny red or purple dots under the skin
    •Tingling or numbness in the area

  • Warnings of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Common 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 babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
    •Absorbing too much medication
    •Accidental poisoning in children or pets

  • Prices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Lidoderm

    Learn more about Diclofenac
    Learn more about Lidocaine 5% patch

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