Naproxen vs. aspirin in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
Melton, J.W.; Lussier, A.; Ward, J.R.; Neustadt, D.; Multz, C.
Journal of Rheumatology 5(3): 338-346
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 372525 Document Number: 133498
This 12-week double-blind trial compared the efficacy and tolerance of naproxen (750 mg/day) with that of aspirin (3.6 gm/day). There was no statistical difference in efficacy between the two trial drugs for any of the objective (e.g., 25-foot walking time) or subjective (e.g., overall severity of symptoms) variables measured. No side effects were experienced by 69% of the naproxen patients and 37.5% of the aspirin patients. There were a statistically greater number and more severe side effects during aspirin therapy than during naproxen therapy (p = 0.002). The results show naproxen to be a potentially useful drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis.