Diclofenac Sodium (Voltaren) And Naproxen in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Double-Blind Study

In a double-blind, between-patient trial the efficacy and tolerability of two new non-steroid anti-inflammatory analgesics-diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) 50 mg b.i.d. and naproxen 250 mg b.i.d.-were compared in hospitalised patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Both drugs had a clearly positive effect on the duration of morning stiffness, bilateral grip strength, pain at rest, and pain on movement. No statistically significant difference between the two drugs was found with respect to clinical efficacy. Three patients treated with diclofenac sodium reported unwanted effects, as compared with seven patients receiving naproxen. These unwated effects led to premature discontinuation of the treatment in one patient on naproxen. Thus, although both drugs were well tolerated, it appeared that diclofenac sodium caused somewhat fewer unwanted effects.