The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 273 No 7311 p176
7 August 2004

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Topical NSAIDs ineffective for osteoarthritis after two weeks

Using topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis is only beneficial for the first two weeks, according to researchers.

They analysed 13 trials, involving 1,983 patients, that compared topical NSAIDs with placebo or oral NSAIDs in osteoarthritis. The trials lasted up to four weeks.

They found that topical NSAIDs were superior to placebo in relieving pain due to osteoarthritis only in the first two weeks of treatment. Trials lasting four weeks showed no benefit. A similar pattern was found for function and stiffness. Topical NSAIDs were inferior to oral NSAIDs in the first week of treatment and were associated with more local side effects such as rash, itch, or burning.

The findings challenge current guidelines from Europe and the US that topical NSAIDs are an effective treatment for osteoarthritis.

The study is published online at BMJ Online First and can be accessed here