Compare naproxen vs. Diclofenac

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

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Aleve (naproxen)

Prescription or OTC

Zorvolex (Diclofenac)

Prescription only
Relieves pain, fever, and inflammation.

Aleve (naproxen) works well for treating mild to moderate pain or inflammation, and lasts longer than other NSAIDs.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 978 reviewsfornaproxen
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
  • Aleve (naproxen) is good for relieving pain from common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, and arthritis.
  • It lasts longer than other NSAIDS so you don't have to take it as often.
  • Aleve (naproxen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Aleve (naproxen) causes fewer stomach problems than its alternatives.
  • 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
  • Aleve (naproxen) needs to be taken with food or millk to lower the chances of upset stomach.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Aleve (naproxen) is as not safe 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, Aleve (naproxen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
  • 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
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$17.93
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Lowest price
$724.17
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Reviews
978 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Aleve (naproxen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcer
    • 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
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus
    • 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
    • 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 Aleve (naproxen)
Learn more about Zorvolex (Diclofenac)