Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) pain treatment has limitations in terms of serious adverse effects and low efficacy. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of naproxen sodium/codeine phosphate combination in these patients.
Methods
In this prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 135 patients with osteoarthritis, who were 40–65 years; applied to our institution's orthopaedics outpatient clinic; had grade 1, 2, or 3 primary osteoarthritis diagnosed in last 1 year; and had Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score≥40, and Visual Analogue Scale score≥40, were enrolled. Subjects were randomised (1:1) to placebo (n= 67) or combination (n= 68) arms, in which 550 mg naproxen sodium/30mg codeine phosphate was given orally twice a day for 7 days. Rescue medicine was 500 mg paracetamol (max= 6 tablets/day). Demographic characteristics, medical history, adverse events, VAS and WOMAC scores were collected in study visits performed within 10 days. The study was approved by local institutional ethics committee and written informed consents were obtained from all participants.
Results
Patients were evenly matched in both arms. The mean age was 52.3±6.6 years (89.7% female). WOMAC and VAS scores decreased significantly within each group (p<0.001 for all). For the study group (n=43) the mean (+ SD) and median (min-max) VAS Score was −29.8 (+21.0) and −30 (−70−0), respectively. In contrast, for the control group (n=36) the mean and median (min-max) VAS Score was −16.1 (+24.4) and −12.5 (−65−40), respectively. WOMAC score was decreased more in combination group (p= 0.044). Changes in VAS scores between visits were significantly different (more in combination receivers) between groups (p= 0.018). Ratio of patients requiring no rescue medicine was higher among combination receivers than controls (64.8% vs. 35.2%, respectively). Most common adverse events were constipation, dyspepsia, and somnolence; no fatality was encountered.
Conclusions
Naproxen sodium/codeine phosphate combination is effective and safe in osteoarthritis patients.
Level of Evidence
Level 1
