DNA single strand-breaks in human lymphocytes after therapy with antirheumatic drugs.

In rheumatic patients the proportion of DNA single strand-breaks in peripheral lymphocytes was investigated after a long-term treatment. The antirheumatic drugs indomethacin, diclofenac, D-penicillamine, auranofin, and chloroquine support the formation of DNA single strand-breaks. The highest rate of DNA single strand-breaks can be seen after treatment with the non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs indomethacin and diclofenac as well as after treatment with the combination of non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs with auranofin.

[Shortening diclofenac therapy by B vitamins. Results of a randomized double-blind study, diclofenac 50 mg versus diclofenac 50 mg plus B vitamins, in painful spinal diseases with degenerative changes].

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as diclofenac for treatment of degenerative rheumatic disorders of the lumbar spine is of great significance in orthopedic practice. Clinical studies have shown that concomitant treatment with vitamins B1, B6, B12 and diclofenac provides more efficient pain relief than treatment using diclofenac alone. This study was undertaken in order to determine whether the duration of treatment with diclofenac for lower back pain can be shortened by adding B-vitamins to the therapeutic regimen.