Effectiveness of Topical NSAIDs in Osteoarthritis Limited to 2 Weeks

"Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in osteoarthritis is only effective during the first two weeks of treatment and is comparable to placebo at one month, according to the results of a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials published in the British Medical Journal Online First July 30 issue. 'NSAIDs have been applied topically for decades,' writes Jinying Lin, MD, from the People's Hospital of Guangxi Province in the People's Republic of China, and colleagues. 'This route possibly reduces gastrointestinal adverse reactions by maximizing local delivery and minimizing systemic toxicity.'"

Can't go on prescribe Voveran gel anymore on a long-term basis!