Authors : Yoganarasimha N
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijca.2020.002
Volume : 7
Issue : 1
Year : 2020
Page No : 3-7
Diacerein is a symptomatic slow-acting drug in osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) with anti-inflammatory,
reconstructive and anti-destructive properties on cartilage and synovial membrane. Recently, based upon its
mechanism of action it has been shown that it has got pro-anabolic effect on subchondral bone remodelling.
Based on a literature review of clinical trials and meta-analyses, the European Society for Clinical and
Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) declares that after the first month of
osteoarthritic treatment the diacerein efficacy is superior to that of paracetamol and similar to that of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, once treatment was stopped diacerein has
shown a prolonged effect on symptoms for several months, in view of its cumulative effects. Furthermore,
similarly to other Symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA (SYSADOAs), the ESCEO positions diacerein
as a first-line pharmacological background treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly for patients in whom
NSAIDs or paracetamol are contraindicated.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Inflammation, Cytokines, Down regulations, Synovial joint.