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Summary
Diflunisal, a new aspirin derivative, effectively treated rheumatoid arthritis with fewer side effects than aspirin. Long-term use showed sustained efficacy and good tolerability for diflunisal treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Effective and well-tolerated treatments for RA are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of diflunisal with aspirin in RA patients.
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of diflunisal in RA.
Main Methods:
- An eight-week, double-blind study compared diflunisal (up to 1 g/day) with aspirin (up to 4 g/day) in 16 RA patients.
- A subset of 10 patients continued on diflunisal for six months.
Main Results:
- Diflunisal demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing the Ritchie articular index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and increasing grip strength compared to aspirin.
- Diflunisal showed an earlier onset of action on erythrocyte sedimentation rate and was associated with fewer side effects.
- Long-term diflunisal therapy maintained efficacy and showed no side effects; switching from aspirin to diflunisal improved outcomes and resolved side effects.
Conclusions:
- Diflunisal is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Diflunisal offers a favorable alternative to aspirin for managing RA symptoms and side effects.