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Compare Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

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

Key takeaways

Voltaren gel (diclofenac) and Naprosyn (naproxen) are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation, but they differ in their forms and specific uses. Voltaren gel is a topical medication applied directly to the skin, primarily for osteoarthritis pain in smaller joints like the hands, wrists, and knees. In contrast, Naprosyn is an oral medication taken by mouth and is used for a broader range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and menstrual cramps. While Voltaren gel is available over-the-counter in a 1% gel form, Naprosyn requires a prescription. Voltaren gel can cause skin irritation and has a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs, but it still carries risks like heart attack and stroke. Naprosyn, on the other hand, can cause stomach bleeding, heart issues, and kidney problems, and it should be taken with food to minimize stomach-related side effects. Both medications should be used cautiously, especially if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems.

  • Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel)
    Naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • Diclofenac sodium topical gel (Voltaren gel)
    Naproxen (Naprosyn)

  • Summary of Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    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 NSAID
    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 of Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    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
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
    •Tendonitis and bursitis
    •Gout attacks
    •Pain
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    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 NSAID
    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 of Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    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

    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 of Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    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
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Voltaren gel vs. Naprosyn

    Learn more about Diclofenac sodium topical gel
    Learn more about Naproxen

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