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Voltaren vs. Aspirin

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

Key takeaways

Diclofenac (Voltaren) and aspirin are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory durgs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Diclofenac is a prescription medication available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and powder. It’s used for conditions like arthritis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Aspirin, on the other hand, is available over-the-counter and is commonly used for fever and minor aches. It’s also used for heart protection at low doses (81 mg). Diclofenac isn’t recommended for use in children, but aspirin can be used in children 12 years and older. Diclofenac has a higher risk of serious side effects like heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use. Aspirin however, can be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in certain adults. Both medications can cause stomach issues, including stomach bleeds.

Diclofenac

 

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Aspirin

 

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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

Summary for Aspirin

Over-the-counter

Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

Indications for Aspirin

  • Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
  • Fever
  • Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only

Pros and Cons for Aspirin

Pros

  • Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
  • Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
  • Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form

Cons

  • Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
  • Might worsen asthma symptoms
  • Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
  • Can't be used in children 12 years or younger

Common Side Effects for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)

Warnings for Aspirin

  • Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
  • Kidney problems
  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Harm to an unborn baby
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Different aspirin strengths available

Prices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Aspirin

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Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$14.38$20.85
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Aspirin30 tablets / 81mg
$7.74-
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