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Medical Evidence

Double-Blind Clinical Evaluation of the Relative Efficacy of Ibuprofen and Glucosamine Sulphate in the Management of Osteoarthrosis of the Knee in Outpatients. Antonio Lopes Vaz, M.D. St. John Hospital, Oporto, Portugal

Summary: A double-blind trial was carried out in 40 out-patients with unilateral osteoarthrosis of the knee to compare the efficacy and tolerance of oral treatment with 1.5 g glucosamine sulphate or 1.2 g ibuprofen daily over a period-of 8 weeks. Pain scores decreased faster during the first 2 weeks in the ibuprofen than in the glucosamine treatment group. Although the rate of decrease was slower, reduction in pain scores was continued throughout the trial period in patients on glucosamine and the difference between the two groups turned significantly in favour of glucosamine at Week 8. No significant differences were observed in swelling or any of the other parameters monitored. Tolerance was satisfactory with both treatments, with only minor complaints being reported in 2 patients on glucosamine compared with 5 patients on ibuprofen.

Source: Current Medical Research and Opinion Vol.8, No. 3, 1982

Dr. Theo's Comments: A small, but very well designed study showing that glucosamine could replace ibuprofen as a treatment of knee osteoarthritis. NSAIDs work faster at relieving pain than glucosamine and chondroitin. I usually instruct my patients on chronic NSAIDs to take the supplements and their NSAIDs and the supplements together then try and cut down or eliminate the NSAIDs after 3-6 weeks.


 
 

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