Piroxicam (CP 16171) in rheumatoid arthritis: a controlled clinical trial with novel assessment techniques.

Piroxicam (CP 16171), a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, decreased pain, stiffness, and inflammation and increased the patient's ability to perform tasks in a double-blind study of patients with active, definite rheumatoid arthritis, poorly controlled despite standard therapy. Clinically and statistically significant improvement occurred in grip strength, walking time, and morning stiffness, and in patient and physician evaluation. Seventy-five per cent of the piroxicam-treated patients increased their daily activities. Three patients treated with the tablet form of piroxicam developed gastrointestinal ulcerations. Another patient developed iron deficiency anemia.