Compare ibuprofen vs. Arthrotec

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

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Relieves pain, fever, and swelling.

Advil (ibuprofen) works well for treating fever, inflammation, and a variety of mild to moderate pain conditions, but it doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 892 reviewsforibuprofen
Treats arthritis pain and swelling.

Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) is an okay medication used to treat pain and swelling caused by arthritis. However, because of the risk of heart attack, it's recommended to limit the amount you take.

Upsides
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is effective for treating fever, pain, and inflammation.
  • Good for relieving pain due to common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and sports-related injuries.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) causes less stomach problems than its alternatives.
  • It comes in different flavored liquid forms that makes it easy for children to take.
  • Clinical studies show that Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) is better at relieving arthritis pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol).
  • Can be used as needed to treat pain and swelling.
  • Available as a generic.
Downsides
  • Advil (ibuprofen) doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs, so you need to take it a few times a day to get relief of your symptoms.
  • It needs to be taken with food or millk to avoid getting an upset stomach.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is not as safe as other alternatives for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
  • It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Advil (ibuprofen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, a heart attack, or stroke.
  • Can't be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • You should avoid alcohol while on Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol) 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
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$10.11
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Lowest price
$43.75
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Reviews
892 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
4%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Advil (ibuprofen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
6possible side effects
  • Abdominal pain
    21%
  • Diarrhea
    19%
  • Dyspepsia
    14%
  • Nausea
    11%
  • GI disorders
    9%
  • Flatulence
    9%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking Advil (ibuprofen) for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Smoking
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Asthma
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • Heart failure
    • Liver disease
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
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
    • Hemophilia
    • von Willebrand's disease
    • Low blood platelet count
    • Also taking an anticoagulant medication
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Asthma
    • Rhinitis
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Lowers kidney function
    • Kidney disease
    • 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)
  • Harm to unborn babies
    • Late pregnancy (more than 30 weeks)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Advil (ibuprofen)
Learn more about Arthrotec (Diclofenac / Misoprostol)