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Compare Voltaren vs. Feldene

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

Key takeaways

Diclofenac (Voltaren) and piroxicam (Feldene) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (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 such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Piroxicam, on the other hand, is typically taken as a capsule once daily and is mainly used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Diclofenac can be taken multiple times a day depending on the formulation, while piroxicam is usually taken once daily. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, and have additional warnings for liver damage and severe asthma attacks. Both medicatios are available as lower-cost generics. Lastly, diclofenac is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old, while piroxicam hasn't been studied in children at all.

  • Diclofenac
    Piroxicam (Feldene)
  • Diclofenac
    Piroxicam (Feldene)

  • Summary of Voltaren vs. Feldene

    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.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Piroxicam (Feldene) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works well to relieve symptoms of arthritis, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash.

  • Indications of Voltaren vs. Feldene

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

  • Pros and Cons of Voltaren vs. Feldene

    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
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Can be taken once daily
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not available as a liquid
    •Can take 2 to 3 months to get the full effects
    •Can cause serious complications, including stomach bleeding and kidney problems, if taken for a long period of time.

  • Common Side Effects of Voltaren vs. Feldene

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Passing gas
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Swelling or fluid buildup
    •Rash
    •Ringing in the ears

    Please note: The side effects below were reported by up to 10% of people who took piroxicam (Feldene) in clinical trials.

  • Warnings of Voltaren vs. Feldene

    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
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females

  • Prices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Feldene

    Learn more about Diclofenac
    Learn more about Piroxicam

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