A comparison of flurbiprofen with naproxen in ankylosing spondylitis

In a four week double-blind crossover study, flurbiprofen 200mg daily was compared with naproxen 750mg daily in the management of 30 patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Both treatments were found to be very effective in alleviating pain and stiffness. No significant difference in efficacy was discernible between the two drugs. Side-effects were more frequent with flurbiprofen. A small, but significant, increase in renal excretion of beta-n-acetyl glucosaminidase occurred during treatment with both naproxen and flurbiprofen. Although previous surveys have not shown evidence of renal damage, further surveillance of renal function in patients receiving long term treatment with these preparations to exclude possible renal impairment would be prudent.