IBUPROFEN, ASPIRIN AND PLACEBO IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS—A DOUBLE‐BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

A double-blind crossover comparison of ibuprofen, aspirin and placebo has been carried out. The object has been to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of ibuprofen, especially in relation to adequate doses of aspirin, and to note and compare the incidence and severity of side effects. The results indicate that ibuprofen had significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects slightly less than those of aspirin. With reference to side effects, ibuprofen was preferred by most patients. This resulted in an over-all patient acceptance of ibuprofen equal to that of aspirin. Particular care should be taken, however, in the case of patients prone to peptic ulcer dyspepsia until this position is clarified; however, it should be noted that there was no evidence of hepatic, hæmopoietic or renal toxicity during this trial. Further clinical assessment of this and other compounds in this series is considered justified.