Long-term efficacy and safety of benoxaprofen: comparison with aspirin and ibuprofen in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Benoxaprofen, 400 to 600 mg daily, was compared to aspirin, 4,000 to 6,000 mg daily, or ibuprofen, 1,600 to 2,400 mg daily, in 2 multicolor clinical trials. The study design was double-blind and provided 28 wk of active drug therapy. Statistical analysis of the results showed benoxaprofen to be at least as effective as the 2 control drugs. More patients taking ibuprofen or aspirin discontinued therapy than patients taking benoxaprofen. Side effects occurred more frequently and lasted longer in patients who took aspirin during the study. Clinical laboratory examinations supported the long-term safety of benoxaprofen.