Aleve Arthritis Gel Vs. Voltaren Gel: What Is The Difference?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist compares Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel To Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel.
Can you tell me the difference between Voltaren Gel and Aleve Arthritis gel? I have constant knee pain my doctor diagnosed as osteoarthritis. I am looking for the best treatment I can get over the counter.
Sep 03, 2021- Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contain the same active ingredient, diclofenac 1%, so they provide equivalent pain relief.
- Both products have identical inactive ingredients and similar pricing, with the main difference being that Voltaren offers a larger 150-gram size option and an easier twist-off cap.
- These are over-the-counter versions of a medication that was previously available by prescription only.
Hello and thank you for the question!
Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel are very similar products.
In fact, Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel contain the exact same active ingredient, at the same strength, diclofenac 1%.
Over-The-Counter Diclofenac
Both Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel are marketed as having prescription-strength diclofenac due to the fact that prior to the launch of the first OTC (over-the-counter) diclofenac product in 2020 (with the launch of Voltaren Gel), it was available via prescription only.
After the FDA approved the prescription to over-the-counter switch on February 4th, 2020, several products that contain diclofenac 1% gel have since become available. These products include:
- Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel
- Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel
- Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel
- Dr. Scholl's Arthritis Pain Relief Gel Extra Strength
They all contain 'prescription strength' diclofenac (1%).
Comparing The Aleve & Voltaren Gel
Overall, there really is very little difference between Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel. They both:
- Contain the same active ingredient, diclofenac 1%.
- Contain the same inactive ingredients (see chart below)
- Come in a 50-gram and 100-gram pack size
- Have a similar cost (see chart below)
- Include a 'dosage card' which allows you to easily measure a precise dosage
The only real difference between the two product offerings is that Voltaren Gel is available in a larger size (150 grams) and is available with an easy twist-off cap, as shown below.
You can't go wrong with either product if you're looking for something that contains diclofenac 1% over-the-counter.
| Product | Active Ingredient(s) | Inactive Ingredients | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel 50 grams | Diclofenac 1% gel | Carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution |
~$10.00 |
| Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel 100 grams | Diclofenac 1% gel | Carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution | ~$17.00 |
| Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel 50 grams | Diclofenac 1% gel | Carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution. | ~$10.00 |
| Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel 100 grams | Diclofenac 1% gel | Carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution. | ~$18.00 |
| Voltaren Arthritis Pain Relief Gel 150 grams | Diclofenac 1% gel | Carbomer homopolymer Type C, cocoyl caprylocaprate, fragrance, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution. |
Final Words
As Aleve Arthritis Pain Gel and Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel are so similar, choice of one product or the other really comes down to cost and availability. You'll get the same pain relief from both.
We appreciate you reaching out to us!
Feel free to contact us again with any further questions.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- A class of medications that reduce pain and inflammation without being steroids.
- Topical
- Applied directly to the skin surface rather than taken by mouth or injection.
- Osteoarthritis
- A type of arthritis caused by wear and tear on joints over time.
- Active ingredient
- The substance in a medication that actually produces the therapeutic effect.
- Inactive ingredients
- Substances added to a medication that do not provide the therapeutic effect but help with delivery and texture.
- FDA
- The Food and Drug Administration, the government agency that approves medications for safety and effectiveness.
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
- Medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor.
- Diclofenac
- An anti-inflammatory medication used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in joints.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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