An open observational study was carried out to assess the safety and effectiveness of long-term usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage osteoarthritis pain.

A total of 611 individuals with osteoarthritis (hip or knee) were incorporated. The mean age of population was 58.3 ± 11.0 yrs, with 64.5% of them being female. Aceclofenac was given to all patients at a daily dose of 200 mg. On a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS), movement-related pain was assessed. 

The number of people with pain reduction ≥50% and the number of people with severe pain (≥6 cm by VAS) were assessed. Two weeks, three months, six months, nine months, and twelve months following the commencement of therapy, the evaluation was conducted. At each visit, side effects were recorded.

As found, 53.3% of the patients had finished the trial after twelve months of follow-up. The mean pain severity was 6.5±1.2 cm VAS at baseline, 4.8±1.4 cm VAS after 2 weeks, 3.2±1.4 cm VAS after 3 months, 2.6±1.4 cm VAS after 6 months, 2.2±1.1 cm VAS after 9 months, and 1.4±1.1 cm VAS after 12 months.

From 77.8% to 24.9%, 2.9%, 2.3%, 0.9%, and 0%, the number of people having severe pain decreased. Notably, 12.0%, 65.1%, 81.0%, 88.5% and 84.0% of patients reported pain relief ≥50%. About 30% of individuals experienced side effects, mostly arterial hypertension (7.1 % to 10.9 %) and mild or moderate dyspepsia (11.1% to 23.3%). There were no significant complications noted.

The NSAID Aceclofenac was promising for relieving pain in osteoarthritis patients.