Compare Celebrex vs. Diclofenac

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

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Celebrex (celecoxib)

Prescription only

Zorvolex (Diclofenac)

Prescription only
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Celebrex (celecoxib) works well for treating pain, but is not a good option if you have heart problems.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 550 reviewsforCelebrex
Treats arthritis pain and swelling.

Zorvolex (Diclofenac) is an okay medication used to treat pain and swelling caused by arthritis. However, because of the risk of heart attack, you should limit the amount you take.

Upsides
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) effectively relieves pain and inflammation for many types of pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) causes less stomach problems compared to other NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) is available as a cheaper, generic form.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) has the lowest risk of heart attack compared to other NSAIDs.
  • Clinical studies show that Zorvolex (Diclofenac) is better at relieving arthritis pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Can be used as needed to treat pain and swelling.
  • Available as a generic.
Downsides
  • The longer you take Celebrex (celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) can affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
  • Celebrex (celecoxib) shouldn't be used if you have an allergy to sulfa medications.
  • You should avoid alcohol while on Zorvolex (Diclofenac) since it can increase your risk of stomach issues.
  • If you're taking it on a regular basis, you'll need to get labs done to make sure your liver and kidneys aren't being affected.
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Used for
  • Osteoarthritis pain
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$9.50
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Lowest price
$702.45
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Reviews
550 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
16possible side effects
  • Headache
    16%
  • Indigestion
    9%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Sinus infection
    5%
  • Stomach pain
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Injury
    3%
  • Gas
    2%
  • Swelling in the limbs
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    2%
  • Sore throat
    2%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%
  • Rash
    2%
See more detailed side effects
28possible side effects
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
    8%
  • Headache
    8%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Urinary tract infection
    7%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Nasopharyngitis
    6%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Sinusitis
    5%
  • Osteoarthritis
    5%
  • Cough
    4%
  • Alanine aminotransferase increased
    4%
  • Abdominal pain upper
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Dyspepsia
    3%
  • Procedural pain
    3%
  • Bronchitis
    3%
  • Hypertension
    3%
  • Influenza
    3%
  • Arthralgia
    3%
  • Contusion
    3%
  • Blood creatinine increased
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Abdominal discomfort
    2%
  • Aspartate aminotransferase increased
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Fall
    2%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • Long-term use
    • History of heart disease
    • History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
  • Stomach bleeding
    • Age 65 or older
    • History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease
    • Longer duration of treatment
    • Use of oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    • Smoking
    • Alcohol use
  • Increased blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart failure risk
    • Heart failure
  • Allergic reaction
    • History of sulfa allergy
  • Lowered kidney function
    • History of kidney problems
    • Dehydration
    • Heart failure
    • Liver problems
    • Taking diuretic medications
    • ACE inhibitors
    • Angiotensin II receptor blockers
    • Age 65 or older
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack or stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Diabetes
    • Being overweight or obese
    • Smoking
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Bruising or bleeding
    • Bleeding disorder
    • Taking other blood-thinning medications
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Asthma
    • Rhinitis
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Lowers kidney function
    • Kidney problems
    • Heart failure
    • Liver disease
    • Taking diuretics
    • Taking ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
    • Age 65 or older
  • Increased blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
    • Taking water pills (diuretics)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Celebrex (celecoxib)
Learn more about Zorvolex (Diclofenac)