Compare Voltaren vs. Prolensa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Diclofenac (Voltaren) and bromfenac (Prolensa) are both NSAIDs, but they are used for different purposes and administered in different ways. Diclofenac is available in various oral forms, such as tablets and capsules, and is used to treat pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Bromfenac, on the other hand, is an eye drop used to reduce eye inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. Diclofenac has a broader range of uses and comes in multiple formulations, while bromfenac is specifically for eye-related issues. Diclofenac can cause serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeds, especially with long-term use, whereas bromfenac's main risks include slowed healing and increased bleeding in the eye. Additionally, diclofenac is available only in generic forms, while bromfenac is available in both brand and generic versions.
- DiclofenacBromfenac
- DiclofenacBromfenac
Summary of Voltaren vs. Prolensa
Summary for NSAIDPrescription onlyDiclofenac 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 NSAIDPrescription onlyBromfenac, also known by its brand names Prolensa and BromSite, is an eye drop medication. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves eye pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. This medication is approved for adults only. The dosage is typically 1 drop into the affected eye once or twice per day, depending on the strength of the eye drop you have. Side effects are typically related to the eye and can include eye pain and blurry vision.
Indications of Voltaren vs. Prolensa
Indications for•Mild to moderate pain•Osteoarthritis•Rheumatoid arthritis•Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)•Migraine attacks•Menstrual crampsIndications for•Eye pain and eye inflammation after cataract surgery in adultsPros and Cons of Voltaren vs. Prolensa
Pros and Const for NSAIDPros•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 problemsPros and Const for NSAIDCommon Side Effects of Voltaren vs. Prolensa
Common Side Effects forUp 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 stopCommon Side Effects for•Blurry vision (up to 8%)•Sensitivity to light (up to 8%)•Eye pain (up to 8%)•Feeling like there's something in your eye (up to 8%)•Inflammation in the front part (anterior chamber) of the eye (up to 8%)Warnings of Voltaren vs. Prolensa
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 babiesCommon Side Effects for•Allergic reaction•Slower healing•Bleeding in the eye•Problems in the cornea•Don't wear contact lenses when placing bromfenac drops into the eyePrices with our coupons for Voltaren vs. Prolensa
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