diclofenac vs ketoprofen
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of diclofenac and ketoprofen. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Voltaren, Cataflam
Orudis
Diclofenac is a gel that helps with arthritis pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, or knees. It belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs.
Ketoprofen extended-release capsules are a type of NSAID medicine. They help reduce pain and swelling.
This medicine temporarily relieves arthritis pain. It is only for pain in your hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, or knees. It may take up to 7 days to start working. If you still have pain after 7 days, stop using it.
Ketoprofen extended-release capsules treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. These conditions cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This medicine is not for treating sudden, sharp pain.
Diclofenac is an NSAID. It reduces pain and swelling by blocking substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Ketoprofen works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and swelling. It blocks the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins contribute to inflammation and pain.
- • Pain
- • Headache
- • Upset stomach
- • Nausea
- • Abdominal pain
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- Pain 12,281
- Fatigue 11,317
- Rheumatoid Arthritis 9,241
- Rash 8,747
- Arthralgia 8,640
- Headache 1,152
- Pain 1,076
- Fatigue 895
- Nausea 746
- Pyrexia 725
No specific warnings noted.
NSAIDs like ketoprofen can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may happen early in treatment and increases with longer use. You should not take this medicine if you are having heart bypass surgery (CABG). NSAIDs also increase the risk of serious stomach and intestine problems like bleeding and ulcers, which can be fatal. These can occur without warning, and older adults are at higher risk.
No pregnancy information available.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. NSAIDs may harm your unborn baby. Ketoprofen may pass into breast milk.
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How to Read This diclofenac vs ketoprofen Comparison
diclofenac is classified in the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) drug class, while ketoprofen sits within the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are split between OTC and prescription status, which affects access and supervision.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, diclofenac has 50,226 submissions while ketoprofen has 4,594. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for diclofenac or ketoprofen.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.