comparison of controlled release ketoprofen and piroxicam in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

The efficacy and tolerance of controlled release ketoprofen 200 mg, and piroxicam 20 mg were compared in a placebo controlled, randomized, double blind cross-over clinical trial in 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. All patients received both drugs for two weeks and placebo for two weeks sandwiched between them. Placebo was also given for the first week of the trial to serve as a washout period. Two patients did not complete the study because of ineffectiveness of treatment. Both drugs were found to be effective, though ketoprofen demonstrated significant differences in its favour, as judged by the degree of pain at rest and on passive and active movements, joint tenderness, 15 meters walking time, the number of paracetamol tablets consumed as "rescue" analgesic and patient's and investigator's preference. Controlled release ketoprofen seems to be an effective and well tolerated anti-inflammatory analgesic in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis