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Compare Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

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

Key takeaways

Gablofen (baclofen) and Orphengesic Forte (orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine) are both used to manage muscle-related conditions but differ significantly in their composition and administration. Gablofen is a muscle relaxant given through an intrathecal injection, typically via an implantable pump, to treat severe spasticity in individuals who cannot tolerate or do not respond to oral baclofen. In contrast, Orphengesic Forte is an oral medication combining a muscle relaxant (orphenadrine), an NSAID (aspirin), and caffeine, used for mild-to-moderate muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain. Gablofen requires a surgical procedure for pump implantation and regular refills by a healthcare professional, while Orphengesic Forte is taken multiple times a day by mouth. Gablofen's side effects include muscle weakness and dizziness, whereas Orphengesic Forte can cause stomach bleeding, ulcers, and drowsiness. Additionally, Orphengesic Forte is not recommended for use in children, while Gablofen can be used in children as young as 4 years old.

  • Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)
    Orphengesic forte
  • Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)
    Orphengesic forte

  • Summary of Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is a muscle relaxant. It's given to adults and children ages 4 years and older to treat severe spasticity caused by certain conditions, like spinal cord injuries, that can't be treated with oral baclofen. Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is typically given as a continuous infusion through an implantable pump. But before you can undergo the procedure to receive the pump, your healthcare team will inject test doses of intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) to see if it works for you. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.

    Summary for Muscle relaxant / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
    Prescription only

    Orphengesic Forte is a combination medication that contains orphenadrine, aspirin, and caffeine. It can be used for muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain relief. It has some serious risks, like stomach bleeding and ulcers, because of the aspirin in the medication.

  • Indications of Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Indications for
    •Severe spasticity in people who are either having too many side effects from oral baclofen or who aren't getting enough symptom relief from it
    Indications for
    •Mild-to-moderate muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain

  • Pros and Cons of Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •A possible option for those who can't take oral baclofen
    •Less side effects compared to oral baclofen
    •Infused through a pump, so don't need to remember to take medication by mouth daily
    •Might be an option for children as young as 4 years old
    Cons
    •The intrathecal pump must be placed by a surgeon while under anesthesia
    •Pump must be replaced after the battery runs out (5 to 7 years)
    •Refills must be given by a qualified healthcare professional
    •Some people might need the dose raised after long-term use because of tolerance.
    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
    Pros
    •Combines three medications into a single tablet for convenience
    •Works well to relieve pain
    •Isn't an opioid
    •Not a controlled medication (meaning there is a low potential for abuse)
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Safety of continuous long-term use isn't known
    •Can't be used in children under 12 years old
    •Need to limit caffeine while taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Common Side Effects for
    •Muscle weakness (up to 35%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 21%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (up to 11%)
    •Convulsions (up to 10%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in arms and legs (up to 7%)
    •Stiff muscles (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Fainting
    •Racing heart
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly
    •Intrathecal baclofen overdose
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    •Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
    •Ovarian cysts
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers
    •Harm to your unborn baby
    •Severe allergic or skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

    Learn more about Intrathecal baclofen
    Learn more about Orphengesic forte

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