Prescription trends of aceclofenac as a standalone or in combination with paracetamol for managing arthritis in Indian settings

Background: Although there were several studies available regarding the clinical benefits, the preference of aceclofenac alone or in combination with paracetamol for managing arthritis among clinicians remains scarce. So, this study aimed to understand the patterns of prescribing aceclofenac alone and in combination with paracetamol to improve treatment outcomes for managing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis in Indian clinical settings. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a 20-item questionnaire among specialists experienced in arthritis management. The survey gathered data on prescription practices, clinical observations, preferences, and experiences with aceclofenac. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses. Results: Out of 315 clinicians surveyed, 55% reported low back pain as the most common condition. About 42% of them treat 20-40 patients with pain weekly. For osteoarthritis (OA), 77% indicated knee involvement, with obesity cited as a primary risk factor by 63%. According to 57% of the clinicians, joint pain and swelling were primary OA symptoms. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 40% of them noted finger joint involvement, with joint pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling as early signs. The typical pain duration at presentation was 1-3 months (49.52%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) + paracetamol was preferred by 66%, with 53% endorsing occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy as effective treatments. Aceclofenac was favored by 85%, while 92% preferred the aceclofenac + paracetamol combination. Conclusion: This study underscored the preference for aceclofenac alone and in combination with paracetamol for managing OA and RA due to its potency, reduced side effects, and effectiveness. The combination provides quicker pain relief, making it highly valued for acute pain management in arthritis patients.