From the Guidelines
Biofreeze and Voltaren gel are distinct in their mechanisms of action, with Biofreeze providing quick, temporary pain relief through a cooling sensation and Voltaren gel reducing inflammation and providing longer-lasting relief for conditions like arthritis. The primary difference between the two lies in their active ingredients and how they address pain. Biofreeze contains menthol, which acts as a counterirritant, creating a cooling sensation that blocks pain signals [no direct evidence from provided studies]. On the other hand, Voltaren gel contains diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation by blocking prostaglandin production, as seen in studies recommending topical NSAIDs for the management of hand osteoarthritis 1.
Key points to consider:
- Biofreeze is available over-the-counter and can be applied frequently for quick relief but does not address underlying inflammation.
- Voltaren gel, also available over-the-counter, is specifically indicated for inflammatory conditions like arthritis and provides longer-lasting relief by reducing inflammation, as supported by the recommendation for topical NSAIDs in the management of osteoarthritis 1.
- The choice between Biofreeze and Voltaren gel should be based on the nature of the pain and the presence of inflammation, with Voltaren being more suitable for conditions characterized by inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, due to its mechanism of action and the evidence supporting the use of topical NSAIDs in such conditions 1.
Given the evidence from the 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis 1, Voltaren gel is recommended for patients with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the supportive evidence for its use in reducing pain and improving function in such conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Difference between Biofreeze and Voltaren Gel
- Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that contains menthol as its active ingredient, while Voltaren Gel contains diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 2, 3, 4.
- The primary mechanism of action of Biofreeze is to cool the skin and reduce pain, whereas Voltaren Gel works by reducing inflammation and pain in the affected area 3, 5.
- Studies have shown that topical diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren Gel, is effective in reducing pain and inflammation in acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, with a relatively low incidence of adverse events 2, 4, 6.
- In contrast, Biofreeze has not been extensively studied in clinical trials, but its active ingredient, menthol, has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties 5.
- A study comparing the efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac/menthol gel with placebo, diclofenac, and menthol gels found no significant differences in pain relief between the groups, but a higher incidence of skin and application-site events with the diclofenac/menthol gel 5.
Key Differences
- Active ingredient: Biofreeze (menthol) vs. Voltaren Gel (diclofenac)
- Mechanism of action: Cooling and analgesic (Biofreeze) vs. anti-inflammatory and analgesic (Voltaren Gel)
- Efficacy: Voltaren Gel has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, while Biofreeze has limited clinical trial data 2, 3, 4, 6.
- Safety: Both products have a relatively low incidence of adverse events, but Voltaren Gel may have a higher risk of skin and application-site events 5.