A comparative short-term trial with Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) and naproxen in soft-tissue rheumatism

In a double-blind study, diclofenac sodium (Voltaren)--administered for 14 days in a dosage of 25 mg t.i.d.--was compared with naproxen (250 mg b.i.d. for 14 days) in the treatment of 120 patients with soft-tissue rheumatism. Assessment of the efficacy of the two treatments was based upon changes, recorded once a week, in the following parameters: pain at rest and on movement, swelling, local tenderness, functional impairment, limitation of movement, and sleep disturbances. The incidence of unwanted effects was also recorded, and the effects themselves were classified according to the probability of their being causally related to the trial preparations. Both drugs appeared to be effective in relieving symptoms associated with soft-tissue rheumatism. In most indications the therapeutic efficacy of the two preparations was similar. In patients suffering from diseases affecting the shoulder region, however, diclofenac sodium was significantly more effective. Unwanted effects rarely occurred with either drug.