Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a new locally acting preparation of flurbiprofen in scapulohumeral periarthritis

This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial was carried out to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a new, locally acting, transcutaneous flurbiprofen preparation (flurbiprofen LATTM, Boots Company PLC) in the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis. The new preparation consists of a nonwoven polyester patch supporting a mentholated formulation containing flurbiprofen 40 mg. Eighty patients suffering from the acute, painful phase of scapulohumeral periarthritis entered the trial, three of which failed to provide follow-up data. Each patient applied one patch every 12 hours for the 14 day trial period. Efficacy was assessed in terms of reduction of pain, improvement in shoulder movement and overall clinical assessment of the severity of the condition after treatment. Statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed in both treatment groups, with a constant overall trend in favour of flurbiprofen. The differences between the two treatment groups, however, did not reach statistical significance.