The long-term efficacy and tolerability of Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) and indomethacin in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

A report is given on a long-term controlled trial in which diclofenac sodium (Voltaren) was compared with indomethacin in 36 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, both drugs being administered in a dosage of 75-125 mg daily. In this trial, planned as a double-blind study, each patient was to participate for six months, after which the patients treated with diclofenac sodium were to be followed up for a further six months. By the end of the first six months, diclofenac sodium had proved to be clearly superior to indomethacin in terms of therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, unwanted effects referable to either the central nervous system or the gastro-intestinal tract were less common and less severe in the patient treated with diclofenac sodium than in those receiving indomethacin. These results demonstrate that, when given as long-term treatment to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Voltaren is both effective and well tolerated.