Two medicines, side by side
Diclofenac vs ibuprofen
Diclofenac and ibuprofen are both labeled for pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of diclofenac since 1988 and of ibuprofen since 1974. Pharmacies paid $0.0619 per diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet and $0.0573 per ibuprofen 800 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the diclofenac FDA label on DailyMed (effective February 11, 2025); the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026).
Highlights of the diclofenac record
Diclofenac (Voltaren) · label of February 11, 2025
Used for
From the label: indications• for the temporary relief of arthritis pain ONLY in the following areas: o hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) o foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas) • this product may take up to 7 days to work for arthritis pain; it is not for immediate relief. If no pain relief in 7 days, stop use.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 28, 1988
- Generic labelers
- 149 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0619 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 6
Highlights of the ibuprofen record
Ibuprofen (Advil) · label of January 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications■ temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: ■ headache ■ muscular aches ■ minor pain of arthritis ■ toothache ■ backache ■ the common cold ■ menstrual cramps ■ temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 19, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 245 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0573 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 40
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Diclofenac label of February 11, 2025, Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do diclofenac and ibuprofen differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: diclofenac since 1995; ibuprofen since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Diclofenac | Ibuprofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Migraine | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 28, 1988 | September 19, 1974 |
| First generic approved | June 29, 1995 | February 8, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 149 labelers | 245 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0619 per tablet (Diclofenac sod DR 75 mg tablet) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -25% | -2% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 6 | 40 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 158,675 | 270,516 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Diclofenac label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of diclofenac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Ibuprofen label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential for increased adverse effects.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to diclofenac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions