A randomized controlled study comparing rofecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and placebo in post-bunionectomy pain.

SUMMARYObjective: The relative efficacy of rofecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and placebo were compared in the treatment of acute pain after bunionectomy surgery.Research design and methods: This was a double-blind, randomized, two-part study of 252 patients with moderate-to-severe pain the day after first metatarsal bunionectomy. Patients were treated with a single dose of rofecoxib 50 mg (N = 85), enteric-coated diclofenac sodium 100 mg (N = 85), or placebo (N = 82) on study Day 1 (Part I), and subsequently with daily rofecoxib 50 mg or placebo (diclofenac patients switched to placebo) over study Days 2–5 (Part II). Patients rated their pain at 16 time points over the first 24 h. Primary endpoint was total pain relief over 8 h (TOPAR8). Pre-specified secondary endpoints on Day 1 included onset of analgesia, peak pain relief, and duration of response. For Part II, supplemental analgesia use with rofecoxib compared to placebo was pre-specified for analysis over Days 2–5, with the focus on Days 2–3. Adverse exp...