Caverject vs Voltaren: side-by-side comparison
Caverject (Erectile Dysfunction (ED)) and Voltaren (Pain Relief Medications) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Caverject | Voltaren |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Alprostadil | Diclofenac |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Novartis |
| Class | Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Pain Relief Medications |
| Strengths | 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg | 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg |
| Forms | injection | tablet, delayed-release tablet, topical gel, suppository |
What's the same
Caverject and Voltaren are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Caverject belongs to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) while Voltaren belongs to Pain Relief Medications. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Caverject: Alprostadil binds prostaglandin E receptors on smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, triggering cAMP-mediated relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle independent of the nitric oxide pathway used by PDE5 inhibitors. Voltaren: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
When Caverject is preferred
Caverject is approved for erectile dysfunction of vasculogenic, neurogenic, psychogenic or mixed aetiology in adult men.
When Voltaren is preferred
Voltaren is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caverject or Voltaren better? ▾
Caverject and Voltaren are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Caverject to Voltaren? ▾
Switching between Caverject and Voltaren is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Caverject and Voltaren have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Caverject comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.