Etoricoxib reduced pain and disability and improved quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain: a 3 month, randomized, controlled trial

Background: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a growing health problem. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat this condition, but have not demonstrated efficacy beyond 2 weeks, and no studies have shown that NSAIDs produce durable improvements in disability. Methods: To evaluate the efficacy and durability of effect of etoricoxib for chronic LBP, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at 46 centres. Three hundred and twenty-five patients with chronic LBP requiring treatment with an NSAID or paracetamol were randomized 1:1:1 to etoricoxib 60 mg (n=109), 90 mg (n=106), or placebo (n=110), daily for 3 months. Pre-specified endpoints over 3 months included LBP intensity scale (visual analog scale 0-100 mm) time-weighted average change from baseline, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), the LBP bothersomeness scale, patient and investigator global assessments, and measures of quality of life. Results: Both etoricoxib groups experienced significant reductions in LBP intensity at 4 weeks versus placebo [−15.15 mm and −13.03 mm for 60 and 90 mg, respectively, probability (p)