Efficacy and Tolerability of Meloxicam versus Piroxicam in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee

This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of meloxicam, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with piroxicam in a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial. 455 patients with proven osteoarthritis of the knee or hip were randomised in a ratio of 2:1 to receive meloxicam 15mg once daily (n = 306) or piroxicam 20mg once daily (n = 149) for a 6-month period. In the evaluation of efficacy end-points (overall pain, pain on movement, joint stiffness, global efficacy and quality of life), both drug treatments were shown to be effective and comparable. The incidence and type of adverse events were similar in both groups. The most frequently reported adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders, reported in 24.2% of meloxicam-treated patients and 30.2% of piroxicam-treated patients. Both drugs were well tolerated. In conclusion, meloxicam is an effective and well tolerated drug for the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis and is comparable in efficacy to piroxicam.