Diclofenac Potassium in Acute Postoperative Pain and Dysmenorrhoea: Results from Comprehensive Clinical Trial Reports
Table 3
Efficacy and adverse event data for dysmenorrhoea studies.
Outcomes
Percent with outcome
Risk ratio (95% CI)
NNT, NNTp, or NNH (95% CI)
Comparison with naproxen 550 mg
Drug and dose
Active
Placebo
At least 50% maximum pain relief (TOTPAR)
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
54
28
1.9 (1.5 to 2.6)
3.8 (2.8 to 6.1)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
64
30
2.1 (1.8 to 2.5)
3.0 (2.5 to 3.7)
Naproxen 550 mg
59
30
1.9 (1.6 to 2.3)
3.5 (2.9 to 4.6)
Global evaluation—“very good or excellent”
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
49
20
2.5 (1.8 to 3.4)
3.5 (2.6 to 5.1)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
47
18
2.6 (2.0 to 3.3)
3.5 (2.9 to 4.5)
Naproxen 550 mg
40
18
2.2 (1.7 to 2.8)
4.6 (3.6 to 6.4)
Patients who remedicate within 8 hours
NNTp
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
3
17
0.2 (0.1 to 0.4)
7.0 (4.9 to 12)
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
3
20
0.1 (0.08 to 0.3)
5.6 (4.5 to 7.5)
Naproxen 550 mg
4
20
0.2 (0.1 to 0.4)
6.2 (4.8 to 8.5)
Patients experiencing any adverse event
NNH
Diclofenac-K 50 mg
49
48
1.0 (0.8 to 1.4)
Not calculated
Diclofenac-K 100 mg
38
37
1.0 (0.8 to 1.3)
Not calculated
Naproxen 550 mg
40
37
1.1 (0.8 to 1.4)
Not calculated
Note: comparisons were carried out using a two-tailed z-test [50]. NNT = number needed to treat for one to benefit; NNTp = number needed to treat to prevent one event; NNH = number needed to treat for one to be harmed.
