Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves pain, fever, and swelling.
Advil (ibuprofen) works well for treating fever, inflammation, and a variety of mild to moderate pain conditions, but it doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 892 reviewsforibuprofen
Treats arthritis pain and swelling.
Zorvolex (Diclofenac) is an okay medication used to treat pain and swelling caused by arthritis. However, because of the risk of heart attack, you should limit the amount you take.
Upsides
- Advil (ibuprofen) is effective for treating fever, pain, and inflammation.
- Good for relieving pain due to common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and sports-related injuries.
- Advil (ibuprofen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
- Advil (ibuprofen) causes less stomach problems than its alternatives.
- It comes in different flavored liquid forms that makes it easy for children to take.
- Clinical studies show that Zorvolex (Diclofenac) is better at relieving arthritis pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Can be used as needed to treat pain and swelling.
- Available as a generic.
Downsides
- Advil (ibuprofen) doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs, so you need to take it a few times a day to get relief of your symptoms.
- It needs to be taken with food or millk to avoid getting an upset stomach.
- Advil (ibuprofen) is not as safe as other alternatives 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, Advil (ibuprofen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, a heart attack, or stroke.
- You should avoid alcohol while on Zorvolex (Diclofenac) since it can increase your risk of stomach issues.
- If you're taking it on a regular basis, you'll need to get labs done to make sure your liver and kidneys aren't being affected.
Used for
- Headache
- Toothache
- Back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle and joint pain
- Arthritis
- Fever
- Migraine headache
- Migraine prevention
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Suspension
- Pill
Price
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Reviews
Side effects
The Advil (ibuprofen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
28possible side effects
Upper respiratory tract infection
8%
Headache
8%
Nausea
7%
Urinary tract infection
7%
Diarrhea
6%
Nasopharyngitis
6%
Constipation
5%
Sinusitis
5%
Osteoarthritis
5%
Cough
4%
Alanine aminotransferase increased
4%
Abdominal pain upper
3%
Vomiting
3%
Back pain
3%
Dyspepsia
3%
Procedural pain
3%
Bronchitis
3%
Hypertension
3%
Influenza
3%
Arthralgia
3%
Contusion
3%
Blood creatinine increased
2%
Flatulence
2%
Abdominal discomfort
2%
Aspartate aminotransferase increased
2%
Dizziness
2%
Fall
2%
Abdominal pain
2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
Heart attack and stroke
- History of heart problems
- Taking Advil (ibuprofen) 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 or stroke
- History of heart problems
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
Stomach bleeding
- History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
- Age 65 years or older
Bruising or bleeding
- Bleeding disorder
- Taking other blood-thinning medications
Serious allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
- Aspirin allergy
- NSAID allergy
Lowers kidney function
- Kidney problems
- Heart failure
- Liver disease
- Taking diuretics
- Taking ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Age 65 or older
Increased blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Taking water pills (diuretics)
See more detailed risks and warnings