Voltaren vs. Prolensa for Eye Inflammation: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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.

Diclofenac

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Bromfenac

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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 Prolensa

Prescription only

Bromfenac, 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 for Prolensa

Eye pain and eye inflammation after cataract surgery in adults

Pros and Cons for Prolensa

Pros

Can start to feel pain relief after a day
Used once or twice per day, depending on eye drop strength

Cons

Can slow down healing and raise the risk for bleeding in the eye
Some strengths contain sulfites, so might not be good option for people who are allergic to sulfite