Ibuprofen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis.

Abstract

At the relatively high dose of 0.9 g daily, Ibuprofen (2,4"-isobutylphenylproprionic acid) did not exhibit a significant therapeutic effect in 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis during a 7 day treatment period compared with placebo given for the same period. Clinically significant improvement was not obtained in 19 patients. with osteo-arthrosis who were given a dose of 0.6 g daily for 14 days. Side effects occurred in approximately 1/3 of patients on both Ibuprofen and placebo; in no instance were they troublesome. Unless development of therapeutic activity occurs on more prolonged periods of treatment, Ibuprofen appears to be of no value in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or osteo-arthrosis.