Skip to main content

Compare
Naproxen vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and diclofenac are medications that treat pain and inflammation. They’re both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen is only available orally, while diclofenac is available in several oral and topical (applied to the skin) forms, such as a gel and patch. Naproxen 220 mg tablets are available over the counter (OTC), but higher-dose tablets and other dosage forms are available by prescription only. Diclofenac is prescription only except for an OTC topical gel called Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel. Your naproxen dose depends on what you’re treating and what form you’re using. The same goes for your diclofenac dose. Common naproxen and diclofenac side effects include nausea, heartburn, and swelling. More serious risks include stomach ulcers or bleeding, as well as kidney damage. NSAIDs like these can also raise your risk of a heart attack. Topical diclofenac, however, doesn’t usually have the same risks as oral NSAIDs.

Naproxen

(Naprosyn)

Get free coupons

Diclofenac

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Naproxen

Prescription only

Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.

Indications for Naproxen

Pros and Cons for Naproxen

Pros

  • Works well for treating pain and inflammation
  • Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills

Cons

  • Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
  • Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
  • Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

Common Side Effects for Naproxen

The following side effects were reported in 3-9% of people in clinical studies:

  • Heartburn
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Itchy skin
  • Bruising
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Swelling
  • Shortness of breath

Warnings for Naproxen

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • High blood pressure and heart failure
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females

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 Naproxen vs. Voltaren

Price Card Drug Icon
Naproxen30 tablets / 500mg
$11.42$18.10
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$14.38$20.85
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Aspirin vs. NaproxenCelebrex vs. NaproxenFeldene vs. NaproxenIbuprofen vs. NaproxenMeloxicam vs. Naproxen
Motrin vs. NaproxenNaproxen vs. Acetaminophen-with-codeineNaproxen vs. ArthrotecNaproxen vs. ClaritinNaproxen vs. DiclofenacNaproxen vs. IndocinNaproxen vs. TylenolRelafen vs. NaproxenVimovo vs. NaproxenBaclofen vs. MeloxicamCyclobenzaprine vs. MeloxicamDaypro vs. MeloxicamEtodolac vs. MeloxicamIbuprofen vs. MeloxicamIndocin vs. MeloxicamMeloxicam vs. Acetaminophen-with-codeineMeloxicam vs. AleveMeloxicam vs. AspirinMeloxicam vs. CelebrexMeloxicam vs. DiclofenacMeloxicam vs. GabapentinMeloxicam vs. IndocinMeloxicam vs. MethocarbamolMeloxicam vs. OxycodoneMeloxicam vs. Percocet

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.