Long-term study with Ro 12-0068 (tenoxicam) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty patients were allocated in a double-blind study comparing piroxicam 20 mg to tenoxicam 20 mg. Both drugs were administered once daily, before breakfast, for a period of 6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed weekly during the first 6 weeks and then monthly. The following parameters were evaluated: Ritchie articular index, pain on movement, pain at rest, grip strength, functional status, and morning stiffness. Laboratory examinations were performed before, on the 42nd day and on the 6th month of therapy. Efficacy was considered favourable in 10 cases treated with tenoxicam and in 12 with piroxicam and poor in five treated with the former and in three with piroxicam. Three patients of each group presented side effects of slight intensity. Considering the good results seen in the patients receiving tenoxicam, the treatment was maintained in nine cases for a further period of 6 months. Eleven other patients from the piroxicam group also received tenoxicam for a further period of 6 months. The efficacy was maintained in all 20 patients. Regarding adverse reactions, one patient complained of abdominal pain in the twelfth month of therapy and another patient had a brief episode of meteorism in the ninth month.