Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSimilaritiesDifferencesEffectivenessSafety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Similarities
Differences
Effectiveness
Safety
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. About 23% of adults in the United States have some form ofarthritis.
Indocin and ibuprofen are two common NSAIDs that can be used to treat arthritis. Indocin is a brand name of the prescription NSAID indomethacin.Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is sold over the counter (OTC) under many brand names, including Advil and Motrin.It can also be prescribed, usually at a higher dose or in combination with other medications.
Although both Indocin and ibuprofen are used to treat arthritis, there are some differences and precautions to be aware of. Here’s what you should know about using these NSAIDs to treat arthritis.
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How Indocin and Ibuprofen Are Similar
Indocin and ibuprofen are both used to treat arthritis. They reduce inflammation and swelling and also help control pain.
Since Indocin and ibuprofen are both NSAIDs, they share many of the same side effects, including an increased risk for stroke and internal bleeding.
How Indocin and Ibuprofen Are Different
Another major difference is in how often the medications have to be taken. Indocin is a long-acting medication that only needs to be taken once or twice per day.Many people like the convenience of only needing to remember one pill.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, has to be taken three to four times per day, and your dose might involve multiple pills. However, some people like using an OTC medication to manage occasional flare-ups, without committing to taking a prescription medication daily.
Indocin may also have more potential side effects, including headaches, as it is more potent than ibuprofen.
Lifestyle Modifications When Taking NSAIDsEach medication also has some lifestyle effects that you should discuss with your practitioner. For example, you shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re taking Indocin. In addition, people who are older than 75 should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Indocin.
Lifestyle Modifications When Taking NSAIDs
Each medication also has some lifestyle effects that you should discuss with your practitioner. For example, you shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re taking Indocin. In addition, people who are older than 75 should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Indocin.
Which Is Better for Arthritis Pain?
Indocin and ibuprofen provide similar pain relief when used in arthritis patients.A study that compared the drugs found that they were similarly effective, but patients preferred Indocin, although the study authors did not say why. However, patients on Indocin had a slightly higher risk of stomach bleeding, a possible side effect of both medications.
When you’re considering whether to use Indocin or ibuprofen, it’s best to consider your lifestyle and talk with your healthcare provider about which medication would be best for you. Think about whether you’d like to take just one medication a day, or whether you’d rather not have to be on prescriptions.
Difference in CostDepending on whether you are insured or not, the cost of the medication may also factor into your decision. For the uninsured, or if your insurance charges you a co-pay for prescription drugs, ibuprofen may be the cheaper treatment option, since it is an OTC medication. Without insurance, generic indomethacin is roughly four times more expensive than ibuprofen per dose.
Difference in Cost
Depending on whether you are insured or not, the cost of the medication may also factor into your decision. For the uninsured, or if your insurance charges you a co-pay for prescription drugs, ibuprofen may be the cheaper treatment option, since it is an OTC medication. Without insurance, generic indomethacin is roughly four times more expensive than ibuprofen per dose.
Is It Safe to Take Indocin and Ibuprofen?
NSAID Warnings
Before you start taking Indocin or ibuprofen to treat your arthritis, you should familiarize yourself with the risks of taking NSAIDs. This class of medications is widely used, but it also has some potentially very serious side effects.
People in the following categories should speak with their healthcare provider before using NSAIDs.
Although people with a history of stomach bleeding are more likely to experience gastrointestinal bleeding while on NSAIDs, bleeding can happen to anyone. If you are on NSAIDs, you should be familiar with the signs of gastrointestinal bleeding.These include:
If you experience these symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately.
A Word From Verywell
Arthritis can significantly impact your life, making it difficult to work, exercise, or enjoy your downtime. Lifestyle changes like staying active can help keep arthritis symptoms at bay, but if you are experiencing moderate arthritis pain, NSAID medications—including Indocin and ibuprofen—can both provide relief.
Both medications are similarly effective and are generally well tolerated. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether Indocin or ibuprofen is right for you.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Arthritis basics.Smith SR, Deshpande BR, Collins JE, Katz JN, Losina E.Comparative pain reduction of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic analytic review.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2016;24(6):962-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.135MedlinePlus.Indocin.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Sinusus K.Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Family Physicians. 2012;85(1):49-56.McArthur AW, Ferry DG, Palmer DG.A comparative study of indomethacin and ibuprofen.Medical Journal of Australia. 1979;1(1):25-27.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Indocin.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Arthritis basics.Smith SR, Deshpande BR, Collins JE, Katz JN, Losina E.Comparative pain reduction of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic analytic review.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2016;24(6):962-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.135MedlinePlus.Indocin.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Sinusus K.Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Family Physicians. 2012;85(1):49-56.McArthur AW, Ferry DG, Palmer DG.A comparative study of indomethacin and ibuprofen.Medical Journal of Australia. 1979;1(1):25-27.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Indocin.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Arthritis basics.Smith SR, Deshpande BR, Collins JE, Katz JN, Losina E.Comparative pain reduction of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic analytic review.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2016;24(6):962-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.135MedlinePlus.Indocin.MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.Sinusus K.Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Family Physicians. 2012;85(1):49-56.McArthur AW, Ferry DG, Palmer DG.A comparative study of indomethacin and ibuprofen.Medical Journal of Australia. 1979;1(1):25-27.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Indocin.
Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention.Arthritis basics.
Smith SR, Deshpande BR, Collins JE, Katz JN, Losina E.Comparative pain reduction of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic analytic review.Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2016;24(6):962-972. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2016.01.135
MedlinePlus.Indocin.
MedlinePlus.Ibuprofen.
Sinusus K.Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Family Physicians. 2012;85(1):49-56.
McArthur AW, Ferry DG, Palmer DG.A comparative study of indomethacin and ibuprofen.Medical Journal of Australia. 1979;1(1):25-27.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Indocin.
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