Efficacy of diacerein on the symptoms and radiographic progression of osteoarthritis

Symptomatic effects of diacerein Data obtained from several clinical trials have demonstrated that relief of joint pain obtained with the interleukin-1 inhibitor diacerein is comparable with that observed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) after four to six weeks of treatment and that relief persists after treatment withdrawal. Patients taking diacerein are less handicapped, use less NSAID and/or antalgesics, and have lower demands for care as well as an improved quality of life. Radiographic findings The ECHODIAH study conducted to evaluate the structure-modifying effect of diacerein in hip osteoarthritis. Tolerance Drug watch data and clinical trials have confirmed the safety and tolerance of diacerein, so there is no limitation on the duration of its use. (C) 2002, Masson, Paris.