Results of an open, observational, non-interventional study of the efficacy and safety of etoricoxib (Dolocox) in osteoarthritis of various localizations (knee joint, hip joint) Etoricoxib (Dolocox) Observational Study (EDONIS)”

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, the first line of treatment for which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In terms of sufficient duration for pain relief and minimization of the risk of adverse events (AE), it seems relevant to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a short course of OA therapy with the drug etoricoxib (Dolocox®).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy (effect on the activity of the inflammatory process, intensity of pain) and safety of etoricoxib (Dolocox®) in a short course of therapy (at least 10 days) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Material and methods. 60 patients were included, of which 55% (33) had comorbidities. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), symptoms of knee OA – using the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University) scale, and patient satisfaction with their condition – using the PASS (Patient Acceptable Symptom State) index. The dynamics of symptoms, adverse events, and tolerability were recorded daily. Etoricoxib (Dolocox®) was prescribed to patients by the physician at a dose of 60 mg once daily in the morning for 10 days. Differences were statistically significant at p<0.05.

Results. With etoricoxib (Dolocox®) on day 10 pain decreased at movement from 55,3 to 19,4 (p<0.05), at rest – from 50,3 to 18,5 (p<0.05), at night – from 46,6 to 17,6 (p<0.05). Reduce of pain of 40% and more was observed during movement in 92%, at rest – in 87%, at night – in 90% of patients on day 10. According to the WOMAC, on day 10, a decrease of more than 40% of all subscales was noted (“Pain” – 45%, “Stiffness” – 53%, “Function” – 45% of patients); positive PASS was recorded in 97% of patients. 75% of participants rated tolerability as excellent, 23% – as good. Physicians noted excellent tolerability in 70% (42) cases, good – in 28% (17). AEs were reported in 7% of patients, all of them are mild.

Conclusions. Etoricoxib (Dolocox®) is highly effective in the treatment of knee and hip OA in a short course of therapy, which allows its use in real clinical practice.

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