Salsalate, a nonacetylated salicylate, is as efficacious as diclofenac in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Salsalate-Diclofenac Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of salsalate, a nonacetylated salicylate, in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Three hundred and one patients meeting the ACR criteria for RA were drawn from 16 centers. After withdrawal of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and subsequent flare, patients were randomized to receive either salsalate or diclofenac for 8 weeks, according to a double blind, double …