Slow release diclofenac sodium [voltaren] in soft tissue rheumatism A multicenter trial

One hundred and thirty four patients suffering from Soft Tissue Rheumatism were selected and treated with a single morning dose of Diclofenac Sodium [Voltaren SR 100] for duration of two weeks. No other antirheumatic medication or analgesic was permitted during the study period. Evaluation of the patient's condition at each visit was made on a four point scale. At the end of two weeks of treatment, patient gave his own evaluation on the effectiveness of treatment and physician made his final assessment. After one week of treatment, symptom scores, in all their target symptoms, were decreased in 80% of patients. After two weeks of treatment symptom scores had decreased in 90% of patients, and of these 55% were totally symptom free, and another 35% of patients had shown improvement in their symptoms. The medication was evaluated by the physician to be very effective in 81 patients [60.5%], moderately effective in 48 [36%] and ineffective in only 5 [3.5%] patients. Side effects were observed in 14 patients [10%]; they were transient, of mild nature, and in no instance did the treatment have to be prematurely discontinued because of side effects. The result of this study suggests that Voltaren SR 100 is a preparation which combines great efficacy and good tolerability with ease of dosage compliance and is very suitable under ambulatory out-patient or general practice treatment of Soft Tissue Rheumatism