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Compare Duexis vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen / famotidine and diclofenac (Voltaren and Pennsaid, Flector, Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, they differ in several ways. Ibuprofen / famotidine is a combination medication that includes famotidine, a histamine H2 antagonist, to help protect against stomach ulcers, while diclofenac is a standalone NSAID. Ibuprofen / famotidine is taken as a single tablet three times a day, whereas diclofenac comes in various forms, such as oral tablets, capsules, and powders, as well as patches and eye drops, with dosing that varies based on the condition being treated. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Ibuprofen / famotidine used to be available as brand-name Duexis, but this product was discontinued. Common side effects of ibuprofen / famotidine include nausea and high blood pressure, while diclofenac can cause headaches and dizziness. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. You should avoid taking either medication with other NSAIDs to avoid increased risk of side effects.

Duexis (ibuprofen / famotidine)
Diclofenac
Duexis (ibuprofen / famotidine)
Diclofenac
Summary of Duexis vs. Voltaren
Summary for NSAID / Histamine H2 antagonist
Prescription only
Duexis is a prescription medication that contains ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) and famotidine (a H2 blocker). It's taken by adults to treat osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while also helps protect against stomach ulcer. This medication is taken by mouth three times per day. Side effects include headache, nausea, and high blood pressure. Brand name Duexis has been discontinued; this medication is only available as a generic.
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.
Indications of Duexis vs. Voltaren
Indications for

•Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, while lowering the risk of stomach ulcers

Indications for

•Mild to moderate pain

•Osteoarthritis

•Rheumatoid arthritis

•Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)

•Migraine attacks

•Menstrual cramps
Pros and Cons of Duexis vs. Voltaren
Pros and Const for NSAID / Histamine H2 antagonist
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Famotidine helps protect against stomach ulcers

•Can be stored at room temperature

Cons

•Taken 3 times a day

•Can't be crushed and doesn't come as a liquid; not a good choice for people who can't swallow tablets

•Not safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or kidney problems

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
Common Side Effects of Duexis vs. Voltaren
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (6%)

•Upset stomach or indigestion (5%)

•Diarrhea (5%)

•Constipation (4%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)

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
Warnings of Duexis vs. Voltaren
Common Side Effects for

•Stomach bleeding and ulcers

•Heart attack and stroke

•High blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling

•Kidney damage and high potassium levels

•Liver problems

•Severe allergic reactions

•Harm to unborn babies

•Accidentally taking too much medication

•Changes in vision

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
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Compare Duexis vs. Voltaren

Key takeaways

Summary of Duexis vs. Voltaren

Indications of Duexis vs. Voltaren

Pros and Cons of Duexis vs. Voltaren

Common Side Effects of Duexis vs. Voltaren

Warnings of Duexis vs. Voltaren

Prices with our coupons for Duexis vs. Voltaren

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