A single-blind crossover comparison of fenoprofen, ibuprofen and naproxen in rheumatoid arthritis

SummaryTwenty-five out-patients with rheumatoid arthritis underwent a trial period of 2 weeks on each of 2.4 g. fenoprofen daily, 2.4 g. ibuprofen daily and 750 mg. naproxen daily. Anti-rheumatic activity was greatest with naproxen and least with ibuprofen, as evidenced by differences in limbering up time, pain severity and joint tenderness, although only the first of these was statistically significant. This pattern was reflected by patient preference which was strongly in favour of naproxen, with fenoprofen as second choice in a majority of cases. Side-effects were not serious; the incidence was slightly lower on naproxen and there was a higher drop out rate on ibuprofen.