Long-term studies of isoxicam in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Three multicenter studies evaluating the long-term efficacy of isoxicam (Maxicam) were conducted in 745 patients with active classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis. Initially, all patients in the one-year open-label phase received isoxicam, 200 to 400 mg per day. Dosage was then reduced to 200 mg a day for all patients. Objective and subjective parameters for efficacy included the number of tender joints, number of swollen joints, grip strength, duration of morning stiffness, time to walk 50 feet, overall assessment of the patient's condition, and global assessment of change in the patient's condition since the beginning of isoxicam therapy. All parameters of efficacy showed improvement. Patients who had received aspirin or placebo in the double-blind phase experienced marked and progressive improvement while receiving open-label isoxicam. Those who had received isoxicam continued to improve. The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rates showed significant decreases (p less than 0.0005) after one year of isoxicam therapy in all three studies. The results of these studies confirm that isoxicam is clinically effective in the long-term treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.