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Compare Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Mobic) and diclofenac are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They’re only available by prescription. They’re both FDA approved for arthritis-related pain, but diclofenac is also approved for other types of pain, such as pain from menstrual cramps or migraines. Both medications come in several prescription-only oral forms, but diclofenac is also available as an over-the-counter topical gel called Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel. Mobic is typically taken once a day while oral diclofenac is usually taken 2 to 4 times a day. NSAIDs like meloxicam and diclofenac can cause an upset stomach, headache, and swelling as common side effects. More serious risks include bleeding or ulcers. They also raise the risk of heart attack. However, topical diclofenac doesn’t usually have the same risks as oral NSAIDs. These medications also have similar drug interactions. For example, It’s best to avoid mixing either medication with alcohol.

  • Meloxicam
    Diclofenac
  • Meloxicam
    Diclofenac

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid that you take by mouth. It's also available as an injection that's given by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, meloxicam can raise the risk for stomach bleeds.

    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 Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis (capsules, tablets, and oral suspension)
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) (tablets and oral suspension)
    •Moderate-to-severe pain (Anjeso injection)
    Indications for
    •Mild to moderate pain
    •Osteoarthritis
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
    •Migraine attacks
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Causes less stomach upset than some other NSAIDs
    •Works well to treat pain caused by different types of arthritis
    Cons
    •Available only by prescription
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Different formulations (e.g., capsules, liquid) might not be able to be substituted for one another
    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 Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for

    Meloxicam capsules, tablets, and oral solution:

    •Headache (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 8%)
    •Joint pain (up to 6%)
    •Urinary tract infections (up to 6%)
    •Flu-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Upset stomach (up to 5%)
    •Swelling (up to 5%)

    Meloxicam (Anjeso) injection:

    •Constipation (8%)
    •Liver damage (3%)
    •Low red blood cells (2%)
    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 Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Harm to unborn babies
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Learn more about Meloxicam
    Learn more about Diclofenac

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