Is sustained-release ibuprofen as effective as piroxicam? A comparison in patients with osteoarthritis

One hundred and thirty-one patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip entered a comparative trial of sustained release (SR) ibuprofen ('Fenbid') and piroxicam ('Feldene'). Paracetamol was provided as 'escape' medication. During the 3 week treatment period the patients assessed pain and stiffness in either the knee or hip as well as general joint pain and stiffness and duration of morning stiffness, overall wellbeing, sleep disturbance and paracetamol consumption. Physicians assessed response to joint manipulation and the function of the joint subjectively. The results were statistically compared with those from a run-in period during which only paracetamol was given. Over the trial period significant improvement was noted in all of the parameters with both treatments. SR ibuprofen was significantly better than piroxicam at reducing morning stiffness. In addition fewer patients taking ibuprofen experienced upper gastrointestinal symptoms, 4% compared to 20% taking piroxicam.