Naproxen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases

The efficacy and tolerance of naproxen were assessed in rheumatic diseases. A total of 59 patients received the drug at a dose of 500 mg/day (250 mg twice daily) for a duration of 28 days. There were 19 patients with chronic polyarthritis, 19 with gonarthrosis deformans (osteoarthritis of the knee), 10 with periarthritis humeroscapularis and 11 with degenerative changes of the vertebrae. Only 3 patients received additional medication. Clinical evaluations were performed at the onset of the study, after 14 days and 28 days. Sedimentation rates were done at the same intervals; all other laboratory tests (CBC, SGOT and SGPT, stool examination with benzidine) were performed at the beginning and the end of the trial. Latex fixation, Waaler Rose test, total protein, albumin and uric acid tests were performed on patients with chronic polyarthritis. The results show good to moderate improvement of clinical symptoms in 37 patients (2/3 of all patients). Nine patients showed a slight improvement. Therapy was discontinued in 3 cases because of side effects; the side effects were reversible. Naproxen represents a well tolerated agent for the therapy of rheumatic diseases.