Voltaren (Diclofenac) vs. Advil (Ibuprofen)

Voltaren (diclofenac) and Advil (ibuprofen) are two medications that take on inflammation, fever, and pain. Both are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used to manage osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-operative pain, fever, and menstrual cramps.

Though they have very similar effects on the body, key differences exist. For example, in its pill or tablet form, you need a prescription for Voltaren, and only a topical form is available without one. On the other hand, Advil and Motrin come in both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) forms.

Being of the same class of medications, Voltaren and Advil may also interact, hindering efficacy and increasing risks of side effects if taken together.

This article explains how these drugs work, as well as their similarities and differences.

How Voltaren and Advil Are Similar

What diclofenac and ibuprofen have in common is the way they act on the body. Basically, they inhibit the activity of a specific enzyme, cyclooxygenase (COX), which regulates pain and inflammatory responses.

In sites of infection, injury, or damage to tissues, this enzyme stimulates substances called prostaglandins. These are associated with pain sensation, and they help regulate blood flow and aid in blood clotting. By limiting the effect of COX, Advil and Voltaren relieve pain (analgesia) and reduce swelling.

Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen Differences

The differences between diclofenac and ibuprofen primarily have to do with the strength of the dosage. Diclofenac is the more potent of the two, so a smaller amount is needed compared to ibuprofen to produce similar results. Diclofenac is one of the strongest anti-inflammatory drugs.

As such, aside from its topical form (a cream spread on affected areas), Voltaren is only available in the U.S. with a prescription.

Voltaren pills or tablets, coming in 25, 50, and 75 milligram (mg) forms typically are used for mild or moderate pain related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

In contrast, Advil takes on a wider set of conditions. Its over-the-counter form, with a strength of 200 mg, provides temporary relief from mild pain associated with:

• Headache
• Fever
• Backache
• Mild arthritis pain
• Toothache
• Muscle aches
• Menstrual cramps

Prescribed forms of ibuprofen, usually sold under the name Motrin, come in 400, 600, and 800 mg doses. These are primarily prescribed in cases of moderate pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other conditions.

Differences in Side Effects

Other distinctions between these two drugs have to do with differences in the rate and severity of side-effects.

Researchers have found that:

• Advil is more likely than Voltaren to produce upper gastrointestinal issues as well as withdrawal symptoms in arthritis patients.
• There is an increased risk of liver damage with the use of Voltaren as compared to other NSAIDs.
• Voltaren may be a better drug in the management of pain following dental surgery. 

NSAID Warnings

In light of both the widespread availability of NSAID drugs and their many applications, the FDA has issued some warnings about their use:

• Risk of heart attack and stroke is elevated in those with a history of heart problems as well as long-term users of NSAIDs.
• Suspend use surrounding coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, as this can increase complications.
• Ulcers and bleeding can occur, especially among smokers, older people, those taking corticosteroids or anticoagulant drugs, and when accompanying alcohol use.
• People who are pregnant and close to their due date should avoid NSAIDs.
• People who are breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare provider about whether use is safe.
• Allergic reactions also warrant discontinuing treatment; signs include swelling and breathing difficulties.

Interactions With Diclofenac vs. Ibuprofen

Drug interactions are what happens when you take two or more drugs and they react to each other. This can impact how well the drugs work and how your body reacts to the medications. This also puts you at an increased risk for side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medication, including other NSAIDs, vitamins, or supplements. Diclofenac and ibuprofen may interact with a variety of drugs.

The following chart lists drugs that may interact with diclofenac and ibuprofen.

Summary

While there may be some drawbacks and unintended effects to taking NSAIDs like diclofenac and ibuprofen, it’s important to note that these are generally very successful in managing pain and swelling. Especially for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, these drugs have proven time and again to be essential in helping alleviate symptoms.

There's a reason these have been consistently prescribed and made so widely available. That said, they should never be taken together, and you need to be careful about dosage.

If you’re taking these, be mindful of how you’re feeling, and if anything seems off, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. Used properly, diclofenac and ibuprofen may prove instrumental in alleviating the suffering caused by these conditions.