[The introduction of non-steroidal antirheumatics: is there a rational therapy].

The pharmacologic properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability of the newer non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs are compared. Guidelines for a prescribing policy are given in which a safety-first approach is adopted. Propionic acid derivatives or newer drugs with similar properties are proposed as initial therapy to control symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthrosis. Special problems such as compliance in chronic disease, treatment of ulcer patients with anti-rheumatic drugs, therapy in the elderly, treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and treatment during pregnancy are considered.