Compare Voltaren vs. naproxen

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

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Cambia (diclofenac)

Prescription only

Aleve (naproxen)

Prescription or OTC
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Cambia (diclofenac) works well for pain and is available in many different forms. If you have a history of heart problems or stomach bleeds, it may not be the best choice.

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4.2/ 5 average rating with 37 reviewsforVoltaren
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
Upsides
  • Works well to relieve muscle ache and pain caused by inflammation.
  • Minimal risk for addiction unlike narcotics.
  • Available in gel or powder packets if you have difficulty taking the pill.
  • Most forms are available as generic.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Not for chronic, daily use because of increased side-effects.
  • May need to be taken two or three-times daily for maximum pain relief.
  • Can cause serious stomach problems like inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding.
  • Can raise your risk of having blood clots, heart attack, or stroke.
  • Can lower kidney function or cause permanent kidney damage.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$702.45
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Lowest price
$7.64
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Reviews
37 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cambia (diclofenac)?

Leave a review
978 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
5%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Aleve (naproxen)?

Leave a review
Side effects
13possible side effects
  • Nausea
    24%
  • Constipation
    13%
  • Headache
    10%
  • Infusion site pain
    10%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Gas
    8%
  • Vomiting
    6%
  • Trouble sleeping
    6%
  • Itching
    5%
  • Low blood pressure
    5%
  • Fever
    4%
  • Low red blood counts
    4%
  • Infusion site leakage
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Aleve (naproxen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking Cambia (diclofenac) 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 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
Learn more about Cambia (diclofenac)
Learn more about Aleve (naproxen)