Compare Voltaren vs. naproxen

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

●●●●●
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.

●●●●●
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Delayed-release pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Suspension
Price
Lowest price
$356.24
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$15.00
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
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)