ArticleAbrams GJ, Solomon L, Meyers OL.
S Afr Med J. 1978 Mar 25;53(12):442-5.
One hundred and two patients with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteo-arthrosis were treated for prolonged periods with diclophenac sodium (Voltaren; Geigy) to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the drug. Fifty-seven patients completed a trial of 12 months. A total of 70% showed an improvement in functional class, and 40% of the total had complete functional capacity by the end of the trial. The drug was well tolerated. The side-effects (heartburn, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness) were mild and in most cases did not require cessation of treatment. In 9 patients the Coombs test became positive during the trial, but this did not require cessation of therapy.