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Compare Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Meloxicam (Anjeso) and diclofenac (Cambia, Lofena, Zipsor, Zorvolex) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation. They are similar in that they both treat conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam is typically taken once a day, whereas diclofenac often requires multiple doses per day, except for its extended-release form. Both medications can cause nause, diarrhea, and stomach pain. They can also increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, especially when taken with other NSAIDs or certain other medications. It's important to talk to your healthcare team about your specific needs and any other medications you are taking before starting either of these medications.

  • Meloxicam
    Diclofenac
  • Meloxicam
    Diclofenac

  • Summary of Meloxicam vs. Voltaren

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Meloxicam is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It's used for different types of arthritis pain. It comes as capsules, tablets and a liquid. All forms are for adults, but some are also for children of certain age and weight. Meloxicam is taken by mouth once a day. The dosage depends on your arthritis type, the form of meloxicam you're using, and age and weight for children. Common side effects include diarrhea, joint pain, and stomach upset. Like all NSAIDs, it can raise the risk of stomach bleeds. Meloxicam is a generic medication; its brand name Mobic is no longer available.

    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
    •Osteoarthritis (OA) - capsules, tablets, and oral liquid
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - tablets and oral liquid
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) - tablets and oral liquid
    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
    •Might cause less stomach upset and other stomach problems than some other NSAIDs
    •Also available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might not be the best option for older adults or people with kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Can't switch easily between capsules, tablets, and liquid (can't 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
    •Headache
    •Diarrhea
    •Indigestion
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Joint pain
    •Flu-like symptoms
    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
    •Risk of stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
    •Risk of heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of general bleeding and anemia
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Worsening asthma in certain people
    •Harm to an unborn baby
    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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