ACETAMINOPHEN - THE BEST TREATMENT OPTION FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Question: Acetaminophen - The Best Treatment Option for Osteoarthritis?

Answer: Experts are divided over the role of acetaminophen vs. NSAIDs as first-line agents to treat osteoarthritis. Both are popular and commonly prescribed for osteoarthritis patients. But when compared, which is more safe and effective? Which should be tried first?
In order to assess the safety and effectiveness of acetaminophen, previous studies have compared it to placebo and also to various NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, arthrotec, celecoxib, naproxen). Researchers searched various databases and reviewed the published, randomized, controlled trials that compared acetaminophen to placebo or NSAIDs.

In their review, researchers assessed 15 randomized, controlled trials involving 5,986 study participants with hip osteoarthritis or knee osteoarthritis. The study participants took 4000 mg acetaminophen daily, placebo, or NSAIDS for about 6 weeks.