Ketoprofen vs. Ibuprofen for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ketoprofen

Ibuprofen

Summary for Ketoprofen

Prescription only

Ketoprofen is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for adults. It comes as immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) capsules. This medication treats pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The IR capsules can also help treat general mild-to-moderate pain and pain from menstrual cramps. While the IR capsules are taken by mouth up to four times per day, the ER capsule is taken once every day. The dosage depends on the pain condition you have. The most common ketoprofen side effects are indigestion, stomach pain, and nausea.

Indications for Ketoprofen

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Mild-to-moderate pain - immediate-release capsules only
Menstrual cramps - immediate-release capsules only

Pros and Cons for Ketoprofen

Pros

Available as both immediate-release and extended-release capsules
Taken by mouth with or without food

Cons

Can cause stomach upset
Has a good number of safety risks, such as kidney, heart, and bleeding problems

Common Side Effects for Ketoprofen

Indigestion (11%)
Nausea (up to 9%)
Stomach pain (up to 9%)
Diarrhea (up to 9%)
Constipation (up to 9%)
Passing gas (up to 9%)
Headache (up to 9%)

Warnings for Ketoprofen

Risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
Risk for heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure, swelling, and risk for heart failure
Kidney damage
Liver problems
Risk for general bleeding
Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
Not safe to take while pregnant

Summary for Ibuprofen

Prescription or over-the-counter

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

Indications for Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
Fever

Prescription ibuprofen:

Mild-to-moderate pain
Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
Pain from menstrual cramps

Pros and Cons for Ibuprofen

Pros

Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children

Cons

Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects

Common Side Effects for Ibuprofen

The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

Nausea
Stomach pain
Heartburn
Dizziness
Rash

Warnings for Ibuprofen

Stomach bleeding and ulcers
Heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure and heart failure
Kidney damage
Liver problems
Severe allergic reactions
Harm to unborn babies
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only

Prices with our coupons for Ketoprofen vs. Ibuprofen

Ketoprofen30 capsules / 50mg

$20.92$362.90

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Ibuprofen30 tablets / 800mg

$8.92$16.22

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Ketoprofen vs. Ibuprofen

Ketoprofen

Ibuprofen

Summary for Ketoprofen

Indications for Ketoprofen

Pros and Cons for Ketoprofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ketoprofen

Warnings for Ketoprofen

Summary for Ibuprofen

Indications for Ibuprofen

Pros and Cons for Ibuprofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ibuprofen

Warnings for Ibuprofen

Prices with our coupons for Ketoprofen vs. Ibuprofen

Browse medications by letter

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Ketoprofen

Ibuprofen

Summary for Ketoprofen

Indications for Ketoprofen

Pros and Cons for Ketoprofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ketoprofen

Warnings for Ketoprofen

Summary for Ibuprofen

Indications for Ibuprofen

Pros and Cons for Ibuprofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Ibuprofen

Warnings for Ibuprofen