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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)

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Orphengesic Forte

 

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Summary for Lioresal

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.

Indications for Lioresal

  • 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

Pros and Cons for Lioresal

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.

Common Side Effects for Lioresal

  • 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%)

Warnings for Lioresal

  • Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly
  • Intrathecal baclofen overdose
  • Worsening of other health conditions
  • Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
  • Ovarian cysts

Summary for Orphengesic Forte

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 for Orphengesic Forte

  • Mild-to-moderate muscle, bone, joint, or tendon pain

Pros and Cons for Orphengesic Forte

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 for Orphengesic Forte

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Racing heart
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Headache

Warnings for Orphengesic Forte

  • Stomach irritation, bleeding, and ulcers
  • Harm to your unborn baby
  • Severe allergic or skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Lioresal vs. Orphengesic Forte

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Baclofen60 tablets / 10mg
$11.74$39.35
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Orphengesic Forte60 tablets / 50mg/770mg/60mg
$2,046.25-
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