Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of movalis (meloxicam) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and gout

The authors investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of Movalis (Meloxicam) (M) in an open clinical trial. 20 patients (18 males and 2 females) with ankylosing spondylitis used 1 tabl. M daily for 20 days. All symptoms (and signs) and laboratory parameters for activity are influenced favourably but significantly only these for pain and morning stiffness. The cytological and biochemical parameters remain unchanged. Only 2 patients complain of light gastric discomfort. Other 20 patients (all males) with an acute gouty attack receive 2 tabl. M daily for 7 days. All clinical parameters are influenced favourably but significantly only the pain, joint index, ESR and fibrinogen. Adverse reactions are not reported. The uricaemia, however, shows a trend to some increase. It is concluded that under a short-term open trial M proves to be an excellently tolerable drug with a predominantly moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and gout.