Ibufenac in the Treatment of Arthritis

Abstract

Ibufenac (4-isobutylphenylacetic acid) was compared with calcium aspirin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and the results of 1 week of therapy with each in a controlled trial were analysed by a sequential method. Ibufenac was shown to be superior to calcium aspirin in terms of relief of symptoms and improvement in strength of grip. The incidence of side-effects in such short-term therapy was less during treatment with Ibufenac. Further clinical experience in the treatment of 45 patients over periods ranging from 1 to 16 months showed significant improvement in morning stiffness, strength of grip, gain in weight, and reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The incidence of dyspepsia in this group of patients was reduced in comparison with previous therapy and fecal occult blood loss was slight in 16 patients tested. The only side-effect of clinical signifi-ance in this series was evidence of liver dysfunction, in 14 out of 36 patients investigated, and jaundice in 2 patients. Definite hyperuricemia was noted in 13 patients and mild hyperuricemia in a further 9 out of 43 investigated. The occurrence of hepatotoxicity to the extent noted in this series is considered to impose a considerable limitation upon the use of Ibufenac, and to constitute a contraindication to its unrestricted use in long-term treatment.