Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Relafen vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Diclofenac (Voltaren) and nabumetone (Relafen) are both prescription NSAIDs used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Diclofenac is available in various formulations, including tablets, capsules, and powder, and is used for a wider range of conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Nabumetone, on the other hand, is typically used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and can be taken once a day, which can be more convenient. Both medications have a risk of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeds, especially with long-term use. Neither medication is recommended during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, and should not be combined with other NSAIDs. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them potentially more affordable options.

  • Nabumetone
    Diclofenac
  • Nabumetone
    Diclofenac

  • Summary of Relafen vs. Voltaren

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Nabumetone works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Compared to similar medications, it has lower risks for stomach-related side effects.

    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 Relafen vs. Voltaren

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

  • Pros and Cons of Relafen vs. Voltaren

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Usually taken only once a day, while other NSAIDs need to be taken a few times a day for the same effect
    •Nabumetone causes less stomach-related side effects than other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
    Cons
    •Not recommended if you have severe heart failure or if you are pregnant
    •Nabumetone can cause serious complications including heart issues, stomach bleeding, and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
    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 Relafen vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (14%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (13%)
    •Stomach pain (12%)
    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 Relafen vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Higher blood pressure
    •Heart failure
    •Kidney problems
    •Liver problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Life-threatening skin reactions
    •Harm to your unborn baby
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)
    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 Relafen vs. Voltaren

    Learn more about Nabumetone
    Learn more about Diclofenac

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Cataflam vs RelafenMeloxicam vs RelafenRelafen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineRelafen vs ArthrotecRelafen vs CelebrexRelafen vs DiclofenacRelafen vs IbuprofenRelafen vs NaprosynRelafen vs NaproxenRelafen vs NorcoArthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenAspirin vs NaproxenDuexis vs IbuprofenIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NorcoIbuprofen vs PercocetIbuprofen vs PlavixIbuprofen vs VicoprofenIbuprofen vs Voltaren
View More

Browse medications

View All

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