title: A long-term study of diclophenac sodium in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthrosis.
abstract: One hundred and two patients with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteo-arthrosis were treated for prolonged periods with diclophenac sodium (Voltaren; Geigy) to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the drug. Fifty-seven patients completed a trial of 12 months. A total of 70% showed an improvement in functional class, and 40% of the total had complete functional capacity by the end of the trial. The drug was well tolerated. The side-effects (heartburn, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness) were mild and in most cases did not require cessation of treatment. In 9 patients the Coombs test became positive during the trial, but this did not require cessation of therapy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003298:Coombs Test; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010648:Phenylacetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010648:Phenylacetates; D004008:Diclofenac