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Compare Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

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

Key takeaways

Voltaren gel (diclofenac) and Celebrex (celecoxib) are both NSAIDs used to relieve pain, but they have some key differences. Voltaren gel is a topical medication applied directly to the skin, primarily used for osteoarthritis pain in smaller joints like the hands and knees. In contrast, Celebrex is an oral medication used for a broader range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Voltaren gel can be purchased over-the-counter in its 1% form, while Celebrex requires a prescription. Celebrex is a COX-2 selective NSAID, which means it generally has a lower risk of causing stomach issues compared to other oral NSAIDs. However, both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack and stroke. Voltaren gel is less likely to cause systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs, but it can cause skin irritation.

  • Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)
  • Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)

  • Summary of Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

    Summary for NSAID

    Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel) and diclofenac sodium topical solution (Pennsaid) can help ease arthritis pain from osteoarthritis. They're applied to the skin of the affected joints, typically 2-4 times daily, depending on which topical product you use. Some common side effects of topical diclofenac include dry skin, redness, and itching. Because diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), these topical products can also raise the risk for NSAID-related side effects, such as blood clots and high blood pressure. While the diclofenac sodium topical solutions are only available by prescription, you can get diclofenac sodium 1% topical gel over-the-counter or by prescription.

    Summary for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Prescription only

    Celecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

    Indications for
    •Pain from osteoarthritis of the knees - topical solutions and 1% gel
    •Pain from osteoarthritis of small joints, such as hands and wrists - 1% gel only
    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Sudden pain
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Available as a less expensive generic medication
    •Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel) 1% gel is available over the counter without a prescription
    •Less serious side effects compared to oral diclofenac
    •Can target specific areas of osteoarthritis pain
    Cons
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Can't be used for pain in other places, such as back or hip
    •Can be inconvenient to use because you need to wait for the medication to dry before putting on clothing
    •Not recommended for use during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Pros
    •Can use for different types of arthritis
    •Fewer stomach side effects compared to some other NSAIDs
    •Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease
    •Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

    Common Side Effects for

    1% gel

    •Redness, rash, itchiness of the skin (contact dermatitis, 4%)

    1.5% and 2% solution

    •Dry skin (up to 32%)
    •Contact dermatitis (9%)
    •Acid reflux, bloating (8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Headache (16%)
    •Indigestion (9%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (8%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)
    •Belly pain (4%)

    Children

    •Headache (13%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Belly pain (4-8%)
    •Cough (7%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)

  • Warnings of Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Voltaren gel vs. Celebrex

    Learn more about Diclofenac sodium topical gel
    Learn more about Celebrex

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