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A recent reanalysis of data from a trial of osteoarthritis (OA) therapy revealed that acetaminophen and ibuprofen relieved mild knee pain similarly, but ibuprofen was marginally better for severe pain (JW Jul 1 2001, accession number 010605002, and J Rheumatol 2001; 28:1073). Now, a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial adds new information. Researchers randomized 227 patients with hip or knee OA to receive 6 weeks of acetaminophen (1000 mg 4 times daily) or diclofenac (75 mg twice daily); patients then were switched to the other treatment for 6 weeks. Diclofenac was combined with misoprostol to reduce upper gastrointestinal side effects.
Joint pain, bodily pain, and functional status all improved significantly more with diclofenac/misop…