A long-term study of benorylate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy and adverse effects of benorylate were studied over a period of 6 months in 33 patients suffering from definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis. The average dose used was 6 g daily and examinations were made before treatment and at regular intervals during treatment to assess the clinical status of the patient, tolerance to the drug and any effect on blood, liver or renal function. Benorylate had a satisfactory effect in 28 patients. Additional treatment was requried in 3 cases and treatment discontinued in 2 cases. Distinct improvement of grip strength, morning stiffness and E.S.R. in 25 cases indicates the anti-inflammatory efficacy of benorylate. There were no signs of toxicity to bone marrow, liver or kidney. Severe side effects such as stomch ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and severe allergic complications were not observed. Side effects such as constipation and tinnitus that occurred at the beginning of treatment were mainly of a a passing nature and disappeared without a need to change therapy. Benorylate is suitable for the treatment of recent rheumatoid arthritis of a low to moderate activity as well as for long-term treatment.