Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Drugs & Aging 1/2019

Open Access 01-04-2019 | Osteoarthrosis | Systematic Review

Safety of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Osteoarthritis: Outcomes of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors: Germain Honvo, Victoria Leclercq, Anton Geerinck, Thierry Thomas, Nicola Veronese, Alexia Charles, Véronique Rabenda, Charlotte Beaudart, Cyrus Cooper, Jean-Yves Reginster, Olivier Bruyère

Published in: Drugs & Aging | Special Issue 1/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Objective

We aimed to assess the safety of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) in a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus electronic databases. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials that assessed adverse events (AEs) with topical NSAIDs in patients with OA were eligible for inclusion. Authors and/or study sponsors were contacted to obtain the full report of AEs. The primary outcomes were overall severe and serious AEs, as well as the following MedDRA System Organ Class (SOC)-related AEs: gastrointestinal, vascular, cardiac, nervous system, skin and subcutaneous tissue, musculoskeletal and connective tissue.

Results

The search strategy identified 1209 records, from which 25 papers were included in the qualitative synthesis and 19 were included in the meta-analysis, after exclusions. Overall, more total AEs (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.29; I2 = 0.0%) and more withdrawals due to AEs (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.15–1.92; I2 = 0.0%) were observed with topical NSAIDs compared with placebo. The same results were achieved with topical diclofenac, largely driven by an increase in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.96–3.10), although the difference was not statistically significant compared with placebo. No significant difference in the odds for gastrointestinal disorders was observed between topical NSAIDs and placebo (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.73–1.27).

Conclusions

Topical NSAIDs may be considered safe in the management of OA, especially with regard to low gastrointestinal toxicity. The use of topical NSAIDs in OA should be considered, taking into account their risk: benefit profile in comparison with other anti-OA treatments.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
2.
go back to reference Bruyere O, Cooper C, Pelletier JP, Branco J, Brandi ML, Guillemin F, et al. An algorithm recommendation for the management of knee osteoarthritis in Europe and internationally: a report from a task force of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO). Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014;44(3):253–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semarthrit.2014.05.014.CrossRefPubMed Bruyere O, Cooper C, Pelletier JP, Branco J, Brandi ML, Guillemin F, et al. An algorithm recommendation for the management of knee osteoarthritis in Europe and internationally: a report from a task force of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO). Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014;44(3):253–63. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​semarthrit.​2014.​05.​014.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Hochberg MC, Altman RD, April KT, Benkhalti M, Guyatt G, McGowan J, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res. 2012;64(4):465–74. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.21596.CrossRef Hochberg MC, Altman RD, April KT, Benkhalti M, Guyatt G, McGowan J, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res. 2012;64(4):465–74. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​acr.​21596.CrossRef
5.
go back to reference NICE. Osteoarthritis care and management in adults: methods, evidence and recommendations. National Clinical Guideline Centre. Report No. CG177. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2014. NICE. Osteoarthritis care and management in adults: methods, evidence and recommendations. National Clinical Guideline Centre. Report No. CG177. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; 2014.
7.
go back to reference Zhang W, Nuki G, Moskowitz RW, Abramson S, Altman RD, Arden NK, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: part III: changes in evidence following systematic cumulative update of research published through January 2009. Osteoarthr Cartil. 2010;18(4):476–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2010.01.013.CrossRef Zhang W, Nuki G, Moskowitz RW, Abramson S, Altman RD, Arden NK, et al. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: part III: changes in evidence following systematic cumulative update of research published through January 2009. Osteoarthr Cartil. 2010;18(4):476–99. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​j.​joca.​2010.​01.​013.CrossRef
13.
16.
19.
go back to reference Normand SL. Meta-analysis: formulating, evaluating, combining, and reporting. Stat Med. 1999;18(3):321–59.CrossRefPubMed Normand SL. Meta-analysis: formulating, evaluating, combining, and reporting. Stat Med. 1999;18(3):321–59.CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference GRADEpro GDT: GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool [Software]. McMaster University, 2015 (developed by Evidence Prime, Inc.). Available from gradepro.org. Evidence Prime, Inc. GRADEpro GDT: GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool [Software]. McMaster University, 2015 (developed by Evidence Prime, Inc.). Available from gradepro.org. Evidence Prime, Inc.
28.
go back to reference Allegrini A, Nuzzo L, Pavone D, Tavella-Scaringi A, Giangreco D, Bucci M, et al. Efficacy and safety of piroxicam patch versus piroxicam cream in patients with lumbar osteoarthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Arzneimittelforschung. 2009;59(8):403–9.PubMed Allegrini A, Nuzzo L, Pavone D, Tavella-Scaringi A, Giangreco D, Bucci M, et al. Efficacy and safety of piroxicam patch versus piroxicam cream in patients with lumbar osteoarthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Arzneimittelforschung. 2009;59(8):403–9.PubMed
31.
go back to reference Baraf HS, Gold MS, Clark MB, Altman RD. Safety and efficacy of topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(2):19.CrossRefPubMed Baraf HS, Gold MS, Clark MB, Altman RD. Safety and efficacy of topical diclofenac sodium 1% gel in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Sportsmed. 2010;38(2):19.CrossRefPubMed
32.
go back to reference Barthel HR, Haselwood D, Longley S, Gold MS, Altman RD. Randomized controlled trial of diclofenac sodium gel in knee osteoarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2009;39(3):203.CrossRefPubMed Barthel HR, Haselwood D, Longley S, Gold MS, Altman RD. Randomized controlled trial of diclofenac sodium gel in knee osteoarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2009;39(3):203.CrossRefPubMed
34.
go back to reference Bruhlmann P, Michel BA. Topical diclofenac patch in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21(2):193–8.PubMed Bruhlmann P, Michel BA. Topical diclofenac patch in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2003;21(2):193–8.PubMed
35.
go back to reference Conaghan PG, Dickson J, Bolten W, Cevc G, Rother M. A multicentre, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of topical ketoprofen in Transfersome gel (IDEA-033) with ketoprofen-free vehicle (TDT 064) and oral celecoxib for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxf). 2013;52(7):1303–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/ket133.CrossRef Conaghan PG, Dickson J, Bolten W, Cevc G, Rother M. A multicentre, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of topical ketoprofen in Transfersome gel (IDEA-033) with ketoprofen-free vehicle (TDT 064) and oral celecoxib for knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Rheumatology (Oxf). 2013;52(7):1303–12. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1093/​rheumatology/​ket133.CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Dreiser RL, Tisne-Camus M. DHEP plasters as a topical treatment of knee osteoarthritis—a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1993;19(3):117.PubMed Dreiser RL, Tisne-Camus M. DHEP plasters as a topical treatment of knee osteoarthritis—a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1993;19(3):117.PubMed
37.
go back to reference Ergun H, Kulcu D, Kutlay S, Bodur H, Tulunay FC. Efficacy and safety of topical nimesulide in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2007;13(5):251.CrossRefPubMed Ergun H, Kulcu D, Kutlay S, Bodur H, Tulunay FC. Efficacy and safety of topical nimesulide in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2007;13(5):251.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Grace D, Rogers J, Skeith K, Anderson K. Topical diclofenac versus placebo: a double blind, randomized clinical trial in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 1999;26(12):2659.PubMed Grace D, Rogers J, Skeith K, Anderson K. Topical diclofenac versus placebo: a double blind, randomized clinical trial in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 1999;26(12):2659.PubMed
39.
40.
go back to reference Niethard F, Gold MS, Solomon GS, Liu JM, Unkauf M, Albrecht HH, et al. Efficacy of topical diclofenac diethylamine gel in osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 2005;32(12):2384.PubMed Niethard F, Gold MS, Solomon GS, Liu JM, Unkauf M, Albrecht HH, et al. Efficacy of topical diclofenac diethylamine gel in osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 2005;32(12):2384.PubMed
42.
go back to reference Roth SH, Shainhouse JZ. Efficacy and safety of a topical diclofenac solution (pennsaid) in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164(18):2017–23.CrossRefPubMed Roth SH, Shainhouse JZ. Efficacy and safety of a topical diclofenac solution (pennsaid) in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164(18):2017–23.CrossRefPubMed
45.
go back to reference Rovensky J, Micekova D, Gubzova Z, Fimmers R, Lenhard G, Vogtle-Junkert U, et al. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with a topical non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of a 5% ibuprofen cream. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2001;27(5–6):209.PubMed Rovensky J, Micekova D, Gubzova Z, Fimmers R, Lenhard G, Vogtle-Junkert U, et al. Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with a topical non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of a 5% ibuprofen cream. Drugs Exp Clin Res. 2001;27(5–6):209.PubMed
46.
go back to reference Sandelin J, Harilainen A, Crone H, Hamberg P, Forsskahl B, Tamelander G. Local NSAID gel (eltenac) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. A double blind study comparing eltenac with oral diclofenac and placebo gel. Scand J Rheumatol. 1997;26(4):287.CrossRefPubMed Sandelin J, Harilainen A, Crone H, Hamberg P, Forsskahl B, Tamelander G. Local NSAID gel (eltenac) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. A double blind study comparing eltenac with oral diclofenac and placebo gel. Scand J Rheumatol. 1997;26(4):287.CrossRefPubMed
47.
go back to reference Trnavsky K, Fischer M, Vogtle-Junkert U, Schreyger F. Efficacy and safety of 5% ibuprofen cream treatment in knee osteoarthritis. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Rheumatol. 2004;31(3):565.PubMed Trnavsky K, Fischer M, Vogtle-Junkert U, Schreyger F. Efficacy and safety of 5% ibuprofen cream treatment in knee osteoarthritis. Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Rheumatol. 2004;31(3):565.PubMed
48.
go back to reference Varadi G, Zhu Z, Blattler T, Hosle M, Loher A, Pokorny R, et al. Randomized clinical trial evaluating transdermal ibuprofen for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Pain Phys. 2013;16(6):E749. Varadi G, Zhu Z, Blattler T, Hosle M, Loher A, Pokorny R, et al. Randomized clinical trial evaluating transdermal ibuprofen for moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Pain Phys. 2013;16(6):E749.
49.
go back to reference Wadsworth LT, Kent JD, Holt RJ. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium 2% topical solution for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 4 week study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2016;32(2):241.CrossRefPubMed Wadsworth LT, Kent JD, Holt RJ. Efficacy and safety of diclofenac sodium 2% topical solution for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, 4 week study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2016;32(2):241.CrossRefPubMed
50.
go back to reference Yataba I, Otsuka N, Matsushita I, Matsumoto H, Hoshino Y. The efficacy and safety of s-flurbiprofen plaster in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study. Mod Rheumatol. 2017;10:867. Yataba I, Otsuka N, Matsushita I, Matsumoto H, Hoshino Y. The efficacy and safety of s-flurbiprofen plaster in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study. Mod Rheumatol. 2017;10:867.
52.
go back to reference Heyneman CA, Lawless-Liday C, Wall GC. Oral versus topical NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases: a comparison. Drugs. 2000;60(3):555–74.CrossRefPubMed Heyneman CA, Lawless-Liday C, Wall GC. Oral versus topical NSAIDs in rheumatic diseases: a comparison. Drugs. 2000;60(3):555–74.CrossRefPubMed
57.
go back to reference Marcum ZA, Hanlon JT. Recognizing the risks of chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in older adults. Ann Longterm Care. 2010;18(9):24–7.PubMedPubMedCentral Marcum ZA, Hanlon JT. Recognizing the risks of chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in older adults. Ann Longterm Care. 2010;18(9):24–7.PubMedPubMedCentral
Metadata
Title
Safety of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Osteoarthritis: Outcomes of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors
Germain Honvo
Victoria Leclercq
Anton Geerinck
Thierry Thomas
Nicola Veronese
Alexia Charles
Véronique Rabenda
Charlotte Beaudart
Cyrus Cooper
Jean-Yves Reginster
Olivier Bruyère
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Drugs & Aging / Issue Special Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1170-229X
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1969
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-019-00661-0

Other articles of this Special Issue 1/2019

Drugs & Aging 1/2019 Go to the issue

Announcement

Announcement

Live Webinar | 27-06-2024 | 18:00 (CEST)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Live: Thursday 27th June 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)

WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

Join our expert panel to discover why you need to understand the drivers of non-adherence in your patients, and how you can optimize medication adherence in your clinics to drastically improve patient outcomes.

Prof. Kevin Dolgin
Prof. Florian Limbourg
Prof. Anoop Chauhan
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Obesity Clinical Trial Summary

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Developed by: Springer Medicine

Highlights from the ACC 2024 Congress

Year in Review: Pediatric cardiology

Watch Dr. Anne Marie Valente present the last year's highlights in pediatric and congenital heart disease in the official ACC.24 Year in Review session.

Year in Review: Pulmonary vascular disease

The last year's highlights in pulmonary vascular disease are presented by Dr. Jane Leopold in this official video from ACC.24.

Year in Review: Valvular heart disease

Watch Prof. William Zoghbi present the last year's highlights in valvular heart disease from the official ACC.24 Year in Review session.

Year in Review: Heart failure and cardiomyopathies

Watch this official video from ACC.24. Dr. Biykem Bozkurt discusses last year's major advances in heart failure and cardiomyopathies.