7 best analogues of Voltaren

Contents

Rating of the top 7 inexpensive and effective analogues of Voltaren according to KP
How to choose an analogue of Voltaren
Reviews of doctors about the analogues of Voltaren
Popular questions and answers
- When can Voltaren analogues be used?
- What happens if you stop using Voltaren and switch to an analogue?

According to WHO, more than 1,7 billion people suffer from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which are accompanied by pain, swelling and inflammation. The popular drug Voltaren can become a first aid remedy. But in some cases, the patient needs an alternative, so in the article we talk about its effective counterparts.

Voltaren is an original drug based on diclofenac. Diclofenac belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects.

The manufacturer produces Voltaren in the form of tablets, gel, injection solution, suppositories and patches. All dosage forms of Voltaren are used for the same purpose – to relieve pain and inflammation in diseases of the joints and spine, after injuries and operations. In addition, the drug helps with toothache, algomenorrhea (menstrual pain), inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and pelvic organs¹.

Like many NSAIDs, Voltaren should not be used in the following conditions:

hypersensitivity to diclofenac and other NSAIDs;
attacks of bronchial asthma, acute rhinitis and skin rashes while taking NSAIDs;
severe disorders in the liver and kidneys;
erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract;
ischemic heart disease and heart failure;
in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy
in childhood (restrictions depend on the dosage form, for example, the gel cannot be used by children under 12 years old, and prolonged-release tablets – up to 18 years old)¹.

Voltaren Emulgel is one of the most popular dosage forms of Voltaren. The gel contains 1% and 2% diclofenac sodium, available in tubes from 10 to 180 g. Helps to quickly cope with pain and inflammation in sciatica, osteochondrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bruises and sprains.

Voltaren Emulgel is applied to the affected area 2-4 times a day, the maximum duration of treatment is 14 days. When applied externally, diclofenac accumulates in the focus of inflammation and almost does not enter the bloodstream, so the gel has fewer contraindications compared to tablets and injection solution.

The Voltaren patch is often used instead of a gel. The patch is glued to the painful area for 24 hours, and then changed if necessary. Many patients find the patch to be more convenient than the gel because it is easier to apply. In addition, the patch can be used for a long time – in some cases up to 21 days. The disadvantage of the patch is that it can cause skin irritation.

Rating of the top 7 inexpensive and effective analogues of Voltaren according to KP

Together with an expert, we have selected 7 effective analogues of Voltaren. The rating has different dosage forms – tablets, ointments, suppositories, injection solutions and aerosols for external use.

The first places in the list of analogues of Voltaren are occupied by drugs with the same active substance – diclofenac sodium. In addition to them, there are Voltaren substitutes in the rating, which contain a different active ingredient, but have a similar therapeutic effect – they help reduce inflammation and pain.

1. Diclofenac-Akos

One of the most famous analogues of Voltaren is Diclofenac-Akos ointment. As the name implies, the active substance of the ointment is diclofenac. The composition also contains dimethyl sulfoxide, which improves the penetration of diclofenac into tissues and provides faster action.².

Method of application, indications and contraindications for Diclofenac-Akos ointment are the same as for Voltaren Emulgel.

As for the price, on average, you will have to pay 150–200 rubles for a tube of ointment. In addition to the ointment, the manufacturer produces a gel for external use and an injection solution with sodium diclofenac. These drugs are also considered analogues of Voltaren.

costs less and causes less side effects compared to Voltaren Emulgel.

can stain clothes, has a specific odor, has a shorter shelf life than Voltaren Emulgel.

2. Ortofen gel for external use

This analogue of Voltaren also contains diclofenac sodium, but at a higher concentration – 5%. At the same time, Ortofen gel contains 3 times less excipients that can cause an allergic skin reaction. Therefore, for people with a tendency to allergies, it is better to choose Ortofen, and not Voltaren Emulgel.

Indications, contraindications and method of application for the drug are identical to Voltaren Emulgel³.

Ortofen gel is available in tubes of 30, 50 and 100 g. The average price for a 50 g tube is 250 rubles.

high concentration of the active substance, more suitable for people with allergies.

shorter shelf life than Voltaren Emulgel.

3. Dorosan

Aerosol Dorosan is an analogue of Voltaren, since it also contains sodium diclofenac. The aerosol evenly distributes the active substance on the skin and is quickly absorbed.

Dorosan is used for bruises and sprains, inflammatory diseases of the joints and spine, helps relieve pain and swelling. The aerosol should be applied to the problem area 3-4 times a day and rubbed into the skin with massaging movements. Dorosan can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light, so during treatment you need to wear closed clothing and use sunscreen.

You can not use Dorosan in case of hypersensitivity to diclofenac and NSAIDs, under the age of 12 years, in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and during lactation. Aerosol should not be applied to damaged skin⁴.

ease of dosing, quickly absorbed.

difficult to find on sale, during application it is necessary to protect the skin from sunlight.

4. Indomethacin

In some cases, Indomethacin can be used as a substitute for Voltaren. The drug contains the active substance of the same name – indomethacin, which helps to reduce pain in diseases of the joints and improves their mobility.

Indomethacin is prescribed for pain in the spine and muscles, neuralgia, menstrual pain, as well as for inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and ENT organs.⁵.

Contraindications for Indomethacin are practically the same as for Voltaren. In addition to tablets, the drug is available in the form of suppositories and ointments, which can also be considered as substitutes for Voltaren.

Adults are advised to take 2-3 tablets daily. The price for a pack of 30 tablets is on average about 80 rubles.

effectively relieves inflammation, costs less than Voltaren, always available in pharmacies.

many contraindications and side effects.

5. Ketorol

Ketorol is one of the possible substitutes for Voltaren. The active substance ketorolac has a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. As an analgesic, Ketorol is superior to many drugs (almost equal to morphine) and is not addictive. Therefore, it is usually prescribed for moderate and severe pain of various origins, including after injuries and operations, in oncological diseases.⁶. In addition to the injection solution, Ketorol tablets and ointment are on sale.

Contraindications: erosion and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, active bleeding, severe impairment of kidney and liver function, pregnancy and lactation, age up to 16 years.

The average price for a pack of 10 ampoules is 150 rubles.

surpasses Voltaren in analgesic effect, affordable price, always on sale.

a large number of side effects.

6. Nalgesine

Nalgesin contains the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen and can be used as a substitute for Voltaren. Nalgezin helps to stop the inflammatory process and relieve pain in rheumatism, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and migraines, with injuries of the joints and spine. Also, Nalgezin is more effective than Voltaren in helping with headaches, migraines and pain associated with PMS.

Daily dose for adults and children over 15 years old – 2-3 tablets⁷.

Contraindications to the use of Nalgesin are standard for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The average price of a package with 10 tablets of Nalgezin is 200–220 rubles.

cheaper than Voltaren, effective for dysmenorrhea and migraine.

May cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.

7. Ketoprofen

This drug also belongs to the group of NSAIDs and contains ketoprofen, a substance with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Like Voltaren, Ketoprofen is used for the symptomatic treatment of pain and inflammation. The drug is prescribed for inflammatory diseases and injuries of the joints, muscles and spine. Ketoprofen also helps to reduce pain in migraine, oncological diseases and in the postoperative period.⁸.

The advantage of rectal suppositories is that the active substance enters the bloodstream “bypassing” the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, when using suppositories, side effects from the gastrointestinal tract are observed less frequently.

Contraindications for Ketoprofen and Voltaren are almost the same. These are hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, pregnancy, lactation, renal, hepatic and heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation and bleeding from the rectum, erosion and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, blood clotting disorders, age up to 15 years⁸.

The average price for a pack of 10 candles is 180 rubles.

less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, suitable for the treatment of chronic pain, affordable price.

many contraindications, not always available in the pharmacy network.

How to choose an analogue of Voltaren

As noted by pharmacist Evgenia Pogorelova, it is necessary to focus on the recommendations of the doctor, ease of use, the age of the patient and possible contraindications. Especially attentive to the choice of the drug should be pregnant and lactating women. When using external preparations with ketoprofen and dexketoprofen, it is necessary to carefully protect the skin from sunlight.

Reviews of doctors about the analogues of Voltaren

“In acute muscle pain, diclofenac drugs, that is, Voltaren and its direct analogues, turn out to be more effective,” our expert explains. – In chronic pain, on the contrary, ketoprofen is more effective. Some patients do not benefit from one drug, but another does. Therefore, doctors equally recommend both those and other means and adjust the appointment if the patient does not feel better.