A long-term randomised trial on tenoxicam and piroxicam in osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a 24-month interim report focusing on the 12-24 month interval.

The long-acting antiphlogistics tenoxicam (Ro 12-0068, Tilcotil) and piroxicam in single daily oral doses of 20 mg are compared in a double-blind, group-comparative, randomised trial planned to last for five years. Results of 12 months' treatment of 108 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee have been reported. This interim analysis focuses mainly on the 12 to 24 month interval. The clinical improvements obtained within the first 12 months persisted during the second year in the 55 patients remaining on treatment. After 24 months, 53 patients had been withdrawn prematurely, three-quarters because of inefficacy or intolerance. Only six patients were withdrawn between 12 and 24 months, three for lack of efficacy, two for side-effects and one for reasons unrelated to therapy. There was no difference between the treatment groups with regard to incidence, time or reason for withdrawal, and only small, insignificant differences in efficacy and tolerability. This trial shows that long-term treatment of osteoarthritis with tenoxicam and with piroxicam is beneficial. Once efficacy and tolerability have been established, maintenance of therapy is feasible.