Efficacy And Tolerance Of Chronic Pain Treatment With Modified Extended-Release Ketoprofen In Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Modified, extended-release ketoprofen formulations are commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was the evaluation of efficacy of chronic pain treatment with modified extended-release ketoprofen in monotherapy or polytherapy in osteoarthritis and the monitoring of possible adverse events. Material and methods: Twenty-three thousand two hundred and forty patients treated with extended-release ketoprofen for 3 +/- 2 weeks because of pain associated with osteoarthritis participated in post-marketing survey. Pain intensity was assessed in a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: The intensity of pain in patients treated with extended-release ketoprofen preparations at a dose of 154 +/- 41 mg and other analgesics (32.7% of respondents) was 5.28 +/- 1.97 points. During a subsequent visit, previous treatment was maintained in 66.8% patients, including 51.8% patients on ketoprofen monotherapy and 15.0% treated with additional anti-inflammatory agent. Daily dose of ketoprofen was increased in 27.9% patients, while in 7.7% of patients an increase or the use of another anti-inflammatory drug was recommended. Twelve point four percent of patients reported at control visit discontinued the treatment with ketoprofen. A more marked reduction of pain intensity was observed in patients with increased (by an average of 60 mg) extended-release ketoprofen dose (-60.7%), than in those with increased dose or use of another anti-inflammatory drug (-44.0%). Adverse events was reported by 11.67% responders. Ketoprofen therapy was discontinued by 29.5% of patients who experienced an adverse drug reaction and by 10.2% of patients without any side effect. Non-occurrence of adverse drug reaction was associated with a 3.69-fold greater chance of treatment continuation. Conclusions: 1) Extended-release ketoprofen preparations in monotherapy allow a satisfactory pain control in half of patients with osteoarthritis. 2) Adverse drug reactions associated with the use of ketoprofen preparations cause discontinuation of treatment in every third patient.