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Lodine vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Etodolac

 

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Diclofenac

 

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Summary for Lodine

Prescription only

Etodolac, also known by its brand name Lodine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The immediate-release pills are taken throughout the day; they're approved for adults with sudden, short-term pain; rheumatoid arthritis; or osteoarthritis. There's also an extended-release tablet for people ages 6 years and older that's taken once per day for the same types of arthritis. Side effects can include stomach pain, dizziness, and rash. Etodolac is currently available by prescription as generic only; the brand name has been discontinued.

Indications for Lodine

Pros and Cons for Lodine

Pros

  • Works well to treat pain and inflammation
  • Extended-release tablets can be used for children as young as 6 years old
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Only available as pills that can't be split, open, or crushed
  • Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
  • Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

Common Side Effects for Lodine

The following side effects were reported in 1% to 10% of people who took etodolac:

Warnings for Lodine

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Not safe to take while pregnant
  • Risk for bleeding

Summary for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
  • Migraine attacks
  • Menstrual cramps

Pros and Cons for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Lodine vs. Voltaren

Price Card Drug Icon
Etodolac60 tablets / 400mg
$25.84$78.73
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Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$14.38$20.96
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