Compare Voltaren vs. Lidoderm
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- DiclofenacLidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
- DiclofenacLidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
Summary of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm
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.
Summary for Local anestheticPrescription onlyLidocaine 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 crampsIndications for•Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)Pros and Cons of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm
Pros 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 problemsPros and Const for Local anestheticPros•Works directly on the skin•Generally well-tolerated with few side effects•Can cut patches to fit the area of painCons•Commonly causes skin irritation•Must avoid contact with water wearing the patch•Might interact with many medicationsCommon Side Effects of Voltaren vs. Lidoderm
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 stopCommon 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 areaWarnings 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 babiesCommon Side Effects for•Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)•Absorbing too much medication•Accidental poisoning in children or petsPrices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Lidoderm
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.