Safety and efficacy of topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide an alternative to oral NSAIDs to relieve pain from osteoarthritis (OA), reducing systemic exposure. This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter trial examined the efficacy and safety of topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel (DSG) for symptomatic knee OA.


METHODS
Eligible patients were aged >/= 35 years with symptomatic Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) 1 to 3 OA in 1 or both knees for >/= 6 months. Patients meeting entry criteria applied DSG 4 g or vehicle 4 times daily to the symptomatic knee(s). Primary endpoints were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function subscales and global rating of benefit at week 12. Pain on movement at week 4 was an additional primary endpoint for European regulatory purposes. Secondary endpoints included primary outcomes at weeks 1, 4, and 8; WOMAC stiffness subscale; spontaneous pain; global rating of disease; and global evaluation of treatment. Subanalyses were performed according to KLG, the number of knees treated, and age.


RESULTS
Four hundred twenty patients were randomly assigned to DSG (n = 208) or vehicle (n = 212). At week 12, DSG provided significantly greater reductions in WOMAC pain (52.6% vs 43.1%; P = 0.008) and physical function (49.7% vs 39.4%; P = 0.004) versus vehicle and provided significant improvements in most secondary endpoints. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were infrequent (DSG, 7.7%; vehicle, 4.2%), with application site dermatitis being the most common AE (DSG, 4.8%; vehicle, 0%). No treatment-related gastrointestinal or serious AEs occurred with DSG.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical DSG treatment provided effective pain relief and functional improvement of OA in 1 or both knees and was well tolerated, irrespective of disease severity or patient age.
Baraf
Herbert S B
HS
The Center for Rheumatology and Bone Research, Wheaton, MD. hsbbaraf@mac.com.
Gold
Morris S
MS
Clark
Michael B
MB
Altman
Roy D
RD
D000287:Administration, Topical; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004008:Diclofenac