Ketoprofen: Double-Blind Cross-Over Study With Indomethacin in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

A double-blind cross-over study, lasting four weeks, of ketoprofen [2(3-phenylbenzoyl) propionic acid], 150 mg. daily, and indomethacin, 100 mg. daily, has been undertaken in 67 patients with “definite” rheumatoid arthritis. Of these, 51 patients completed the trial. In eight of the parameters assessed the clinical efficacy of the two drugs was comparable. In the remaining two parameters, which reflected analgesic activity, indomethacin was superior to ketoprofen. Even though patients known to be intolerant to indomethacin were specifically excluded from the study, nevertheless adverse reactions were seen less frequently with ketoprofen. All except one patient were shown by urinalysis to be taking the prescribed medication.