Skip to main content

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

 

Get free coupons

Piroxicam

(Feldene)

Get free coupons

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 Feldene

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 for Feldene

Pros and Cons for Feldene

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 for Feldene

  • 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 for Feldene

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$14.38$20.85
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Piroxicam30 capsules / 10mg
$17.39$41.57
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis drugs

Arthrotec vs. VoltarenDuexis vs. VoltarenIbuprofen vs. VoltarenMeloxicam vs. VoltarenVoltaren vs. Aspirin
Voltaren vs. FeldeneVoltaren vs. IndocinVoltaren vs. NevanacVoltaren vs. ProlensaVoltaren vs. UltramArthrotec vs. IbuprofenDuexis vs. IbuprofenDuexis vs. MobicDuexis vs. NaprosynDuexis vs. VimovoIbuprofen vs. IndocinIndocin vs. AllopurinolIndocin vs. CelebrexIndocin vs. ColcrysIndocin vs. FeldeneIndocin vs. MeloxicamIndocin vs. MobicIndocin vs. PrednisoneIndocin vs. TylenolLyrica vs. UltramMeloxicam vs. IndocinMobic vs. UltramNaproxen vs. IndocinNevanac vs. ProlensaUltram vs. Vicodin

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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