The results of the latest research on acetaminophen conducted at the University of Bern in Switzerland and published in the medical journal “The Lancet” state that acetaminophen is not effective against arthritis – a health condition afflicting tens of millions of elderly people.
Acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter pain reliever, is also known as Paracetamol. It is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever in North America and Europe, which is also included in some other drugs. Acetaminophen is available as a generic medication with trade names including “Tylenol” and “Panadol” among others and is generally safe at recommended doses.
The study was based on a broad survey of 74 clinical trials covering nearly 60,000 patients and has an overview of all relevant articles for trials published during the last 35 years. The research team came to the following conclusion:
“On the basis of the available data, we see no role for single-agent paracetamol for the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis irrespective of dose. We provide sound evidence that diclofenac 150 mg/day is the most effective NSAID available at present, in terms of improving both pain and function. Nevertheless, in view of the safety profile of these drugs, physicians need to consider our results together with all known safety information when selecting the preparation and dose for individual patients.”
They also found that the drug which worked best for arthritis was diclofenac, sold in different countries under the brand names Voltaren, Aclonac and Cataflam.
Reference:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2816%2930002-2/fulltext
