[Lonazolac-Ca-a non-steroidal antirheumatic agent. Long-term clinical study in chronic polyarthritis]

During a controlled open long-term study, Lonazolac-Ca, a new nonsteroidal antiphlogistic substance, has been tested in 35 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (stage I-III, according to Steinbrocker). The patients took 600 mg Lonazolac-Ca daily in three equal doses. The observation period was one year. Clinical and laboratory controls were carried out in monthly intervals. In more than 50% of the patients the tested parameters pain, swelling and active mobility improved significantly. Because of acute deterioration of the basic disease which necessitated the application of steroids, therapy with Lonazolac-Ca was discontinued in some cases. Lonazolac-Ca is well tolerated. But also as with other non-steroidal antiphlogistics, administration of the substance may be restricted in individual cases due to gastric symptoms. No adverse effect on blood count, liver and kidney function was seen.