If you suffer from sore, aching muscles or joints, you may have tried or considered trying prescription and over-the-counter topical pain relievers. Two popular options are Penetrex and Voltaren gel.
But how do you know which one is right for you?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Penetrex | Voltaren Gel |
| Active Ingredient | Arnica, choline, MSM, Vitamin B6, botanicals | Diclofenac sodium |
| Strength | Mild to moderate | Prescription-level |
| Uses | General muscle, joint, nerve, back pain | Osteoarthritis joint pain |
| Side Effects | Very minimal | Upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, headaches |
| Cost | $25 for 1.7oz | $30-$60 for 2.32oz |
| Availability | Online, pharmacies, retail stores | Pharmacies, retailers |
| Application | All over body | Specific joints only |
| Speed of Relief | Gradual over days to weeks | Within a week |
Overview Of Penetrex And Voltaren
Penetrex is a topical analgesic cream that contains natural ingredients like arnica, choline, and MSM. It is designed to treat inflammation and soreness caused by arthritis, back pain, tendonitis, strains, sprains, sciatica, and more. Penetrex claims to provide rapid and long-lasting pain relief by reducing inflammation and swelling.
Voltaren Gel contains the active ingredient diclofenac sodium, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It was the first prescription-strength NSAID topical gel approved as an over-the-counter drug for pain relief of osteoarthritis in joints such as the hands, knees, and feet. Voltaren works by blocking pain and inflammation causing chemicals in the body.
Key Differences Between Penetrex And Voltaren
The main differences between Penetrex and Voltaren gel include:
- Ingredients: Penetrex contains natural ingredients while Voltaren contains an NSAID drug. This makes Penetrex the safer option for most people.
- Strength: Voltaren gel is stronger and provides more powerful pain relief. Penetrex may work better for mild to moderate pain.
- Uses: Penetrex can be used on any part of the body, while Voltaren is specifically for osteoarthritis pain in joints. Penetrex may work better for muscular and nerve pain.
- Side Effects: Penetrex is unlikely to cause side effects since it contains natural ingredients. Voltaren carries a risk of stomach upset, nausea, dizziness and more.
- Cost: Penetrex is significantly cheaper than Voltaren if you don’t have insurance coverage. A 1.7oz tube of Penetrex costs around $25 while Voltaren can cost $30-$60 for a 2.32oz tube.
Below we’ll explore each of these differences in more detail to help you decide which option may be better for your particular pain symptoms.
Also Read: Comparison Between Bengay And Salonpas.
Ingredients Comparison
One of the biggest differences between Penetrex and Voltaren is the ingredients they contain.
Penetrex features a blend of natural ingredients including:
- Arnica – Reduces swelling and discoloration
- Choline – Improves cell membrane health
- MSM – Soothes joint pain and increases flexibility
- Vitamin B6 – Replenishes muscles and reduces cramping
- Botanical extracts – Provides anti-inflammatory benefits
Since these ingredients are natural, most people can use Penetrex without experiencing adverse side effects. The cream is even safe to use multiple times per day for ongoing pain relief.
Voltaren Gel contains just one active ingredient:
- Diclofenac sodium – A topical NSAID that blocks pain signals and reduces inflammation in joints
Diclofenac gives Voltaren powerful pain relieving abilities. However, like all NSAID medications, it also comes with a risk of side effects like stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and more. Voltaren gel is not recommended for long term daily use.
For most people, trying a natural option like Penetrex first makes the most sense. Voltaren may be preferable for those with severe osteoarthritis who need stronger, prescription-level pain relief.
Strength And Pain Relief Ability
When it comes to pain relief power, Voltaren gel is the clear winner. The 1% diclofenac sodium gives Voltaren prescription-level strength you can’t get with an over-the-counter product like Penetrex.
In clinical trials, Voltaren gel showed significant improvement in osteoarthritis pain compared to placebo gel. In one study, patients experienced a 51% decrease in pain after 12 weeks of Voltaren use. The effects start working within one week.
While Penetrex doesn’t contain ingredients as strong as an NSAID, it can still help relieve mild to moderate muscular and joint aches and pains. The natural botanicals like arnica provide anti-inflammatory benefits that users say helps reduce soreness and improve mobility.
So while Penetrex likely won’t work as fast or powerfully as Voltaren, it can still provide noticeable pain relief with continued use. Those with severe arthritis pain may get better results from Voltaren.
Uses For Each Product
Voltaren gel was specifically designed and FDA-approved to treat hand, wrist, elbow, knee and foot osteoarthritis pain. This makes it a great option for people with arthritis symptoms in those specific joints.
Penetrex can technically be used on any body part that is experiencing pain and soreness. Back, neck, shoulder, leg, and foot pain are some of the most common uses. Since it contains natural ingredients, it’s even safe to use on more sensitive areas like the wrists and hands.
Penetrex may work better than Voltaren for relieving muscle soreness and nerve pain, like sciatica. The ingredients help reduce muscle spasms and cramping. For numb, tingling nerve pain, Penetrex can help by improving circulation.
While Voltaren should only be used on the approved joint areas, Penetrex is more versatile. You can safely massage it onto any body part experiencing tension, inflammation or discomfort.
Also Read: Comparison Between Lotrimin Ultra For Athlete’s Foot And Jock Itch.
Side Effects And Safety Considerations
When using any topical treatment, it’s important to consider potential side effects and who should avoid using the product.
As an NSAID medication, Voltaren does come with a risk of side effects including:
- Stomach pain or upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
Voltaren also contains paraffin and other ingredients that some people’s skin may be sensitive to. Use of Voltaren gel is not recommended if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs or Voltaren in the past
- Have open wounds or broken skin
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of asthma, hives, or allergic rhinitis
Since Penetrex contains natural ingredients like arnica, vitamins, and botanical extracts, it is unlikely to cause side effects for most people. Those with specific ingredient sensitivities should check the label.
Penetrex can typically be used safely even if you have health conditions or are pregnant/nursing. However, it’s always best to check with your doctor first if you have concerns.
For the vast majority of people, Penetrex will be the safer option since it avoids side effects common with NSAID use.
Cost Comparison Of Penetrex And Voltaren
When purchased without insurance coverage, Voltaren gel is significantly more expensive than Penetrex.
A 1.7oz tube of Penetrex cream costs around $25. In comparison, a 2.32oz tube of Voltaren gel ranges from $30 to $60+ depending on the retailer.
The reason Voltaren costs so much more is that the diclofenac sodium active ingredient is still under patent protection by the pharmaceutical company that makes it.
Penetrex contains ingredients that have been used for decades to relieve pain, so no company owns exclusive rights to them. This helps keep the production costs much lower.
One tube of Penetrex also tends to last longer since you need to use less product per application. A little goes a long way. Voltaren often needs to be reapplied frequently to maintain pain relief.
If you have health insurance coverage, Voltaren will typically cost you less, around $10-15 with a copay. But if paying out of pocket, Penetrex is clearly the more budget-friendly option for most people.
Is Penetrex Or Voltaren Gel Better For You?
Determining whether Penetrex or Voltaren gel is better for your needs will depend on a few key factors:
- Type of pain (muscular Vs. arthritis)
- Severity of pain
- Your risk of side effects
- Budget and insurance coverage
Here are some general guidelines on when each product may be preferable:
Consider Penetrex if:
- You have mild to moderate muscle, back, nerve or body pain
- You want to avoid side effects
- You have budget constraints
- You need to use frequently or long-term
- You have pain in areas besides hands, wrists, elbows, feet, knees
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Consider Voltaren Gel if:
- You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
- You have severe joint pain in knees, feet, hands, etc
- You need prescription-strength fast pain relief
- You have health insurance to reduce the cost
- You cannot use other pain medications like NSAIDs
While Voltaren is stronger, Penetrex offers a more affordable option that is likely to be safer and can treat a broader range of pain symptoms. For many, trying an natural product like Penetrex first makes sense before progressing to prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For osteoarthritis joint pain, Voltaren gel is one of the most powerful and effective over-the-counter options available. The main alternatives that could potentially work better are prescription oral or injectable NSAID medications.
However, these would likely come with even more side effects. Natural supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also help relieve osteoarthritis pain with fewer risks.
For muscular, nerve, and other body pain, products like Penetrex that contain natural pain-relieving ingredients can provide similar benefits to Voltaren without side effects.
Penetrex is designed to be safe for nearly everyone to use topically. However, you should avoid it if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any of the natural ingredients in the formula. These are not common allergens but it’s always smart to check the label first.
Pregnant women may also want to consult their doctor before using, though there is likely minimal risk.
Penetrex absorption is very low since it’s applied to the skin rather than taken orally. This makes it safe even if you cannot take anti-inflammatory medications that are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Overall, Penetrex has very few restrictions on who can safely use it.
While not as powerful as prescription NSAIDs, Penetrex can help reduce inflammation that contributes to pain. Ingredients like arnica, MSM, botanical extracts, and vitamins act as natural anti-inflammatories that block pro-inflammatory enzymes and compounds in the body.
Reduced inflammation then helps relieve muscle and joint soreness and stiffness. Users report Penetrex decreasing noticeable swelling in knees, hands, back, ankles and other body parts.
Keep in mind results take consistency and time. Penetrex may reduce inflammation to some degree within 1-2 weeks, but the anti-inflammatory benefits build over months of use.
Voltaren has not been taken off the market altogether. However, in 2005 the prescription oral capsule form of Voltaren was pulled in the U.S. and Canada over concerns about potential heart risks.
Topical diclofenac formulas like the gel are not associated with the same risks because the medication absorbs through the skin rather than being processed through the liver. Patients are also limiting dosage to just 1-2 times a day rather than taking it continuously at higher doses.
Voltaren gel is now available as an over-the-counter option after initially being prescription-only. While the oral medication had safety issues, regulators have not raised concerns over the topical Voltaren gel which provides localized joint pain relief.
Also Read: Comparison Between Aveeno Eczema Balm And Cream.
The Bottom Line
For mild to moderate body pain, sore muscles and nerves, Penetrex provides an inexpensive natural formula that competes with prescription options like Voltaren gel. While Voltaren offers stronger medicine-grade relief, Penetrex avoidance of side effects makes it the smarter first choice for most people.
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure whether a natural product like Penetrex or prescription anti-inflammatory like Voltaren is right for your pain symptoms. But for affordable, safe relief that works for a variety of muscle and joint issues, Penetrex is an excellent topical cream to try.