Indoprofen compared with naproxen and placebo in rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty-six patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis took part in a double-blind controlled cross-over trial, in which they received either indoprofen 800 mg daily, naproxen 500 mg daily, or a matching placebo. Each treatment was administered for two weeks. Indoprofen was shown to be significantly superior as an analgesic and in improving grip strength, and was the drug the patients preferred. Adverse effects were comparable, although indigestion was seen slightly more often during indoprofen treatment. Indoprofen is therefore at least as effective as existing anti-inflammatory drugs in rheumatoid arthritis and should be used as an alternative.