Roman J Finings
To compare diacerein and diclofenac's efficacy and long-term effects in Indians with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design of the Study: After a washout period of one week from NSAIDs, patients were given diacerein, diclofenac, or a combination for 12 weeks with a 4 week follow-up to see how the drugs affected them over time. The change in the 100mm visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline after a 20-meter walk was the primary efficacy end point. The percentage change in pain, stiffness, function, and total WOMAC scores from baseline served as the secondary efficacy end point. Consumption of acetaminophen, the Knee Society Score (KSS), and the Lequesne Impairment Index (LII). Results: Of the 189 patients who were screened, 77 completed the study and 81 had painful knee OA. As measured by the 100mm VAS score (p0.05), WOMAC scores (p0.001), and LII, KSS, and acetaminophen consumption (p0.001) at 16 weeks, diacerein outperformed both diclofenac and the combination therapy, demonstrating the drug's carryover effect. All WOMAC scores in each group differed significantly from the baseline score in an intra-group comparison. The most common side effect of diacerein was diarrhea, but it was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions: Diacerein is effective, safe, and long-lasting.
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