A comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of diclofenac in osteoarthritis: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

The efficacy of diclofenac is largely unchallenged in that it remains as effective as newer pain relief medications employed in OA. A review of the available data demonstrates that diclofenac continues to provide physicians with a benchmark pharmacological treatment for OA.

Antinociceptive effect of clinical analgesics in a nonhuman primate model of knee osteoarthritis

“…The most commonly used clinical outcome measure in osteoarthritis trials is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), in which patients report their pain level and the extent osteoarthritis affects daily functioning (Bellamy et al, 1988). As subjective as this index is, patient pain and functioning scores are sensitive to the effects of analgesics such as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (Pavelka, 2012). Significant knee pressure and weight bearing have been measured in osteoarthritis patients, but they have yet to be widely used as primary outcome measures in clinical drug trials (Calmbach and Hutchens, 2003;Hendiani et al, 2003;Imamura et al, 2008).…”

Comparative Study of Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of Aceclofenac Versus Diclofenac in Osteoarthritis Patients.

“…The main difference is in terms of tolerability, wherein was found to be statistically superior to diclofenac in terms of epigastric abdominal pain and Compliance. may have less propensity to cause cardiovascular adverse events 2 inhibition 39,40 , will need further evaluation. Aceclofenac may be an One patient in the Diclofenac group reported skin rash and one patient had severe gastrointestinal symptoms.…”

Topical Delivery of Aceclofenac: Challenges and Promises of Novel Drug Delivery Systems

“…Diclofenac, a US-FDA approved drug in 1988, is the most commonly prescribed NSAID for the treatment of OA-related pain. The efficacy of diclofenac is still believed to be unmatchable as it is as effective as the newer approved pain relief medications for OA and continues to be a benchmark pharmacological treatment option for OA to the physician [6]. Despite several advantages, diclofenac is also associated with the NSAID-category side effects like gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal too.…”