Efficacy and tolerability of DHEP-heparin plaster in reducing pain in mild-to-moderate muscle contusions: A double-blind, randomized trial

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate if the 180-mg diclofenac epolamine and heparin sodium 5600IU medicated plaster (DHEP-heparin) is more effective for pain reduction in mild-to-moderate contusions than the reference diclofenac epolamine 180mg plaster (DHEP). Research design and methods: This multicenter, multinational, prospective, double-blind versus reference comparator and versus placebo, controlled trial had balanced random assignment in three parallel treatment groups. The DHEP-heparin medicated plaster was compared to the DHEP medicated plaster and a placebo medicated plaster. A total of 331 outpatients, aged ≥18 and ≤65 years, with unilateral mild-to-moderate muscle contusion, pain on standardized movement of ≥50mm, and superficial hematoma of ≤10×14cm2 completed the study. Plasters were applied each morning, for ≥20 hours daily for 14 consecutive days. Outcomes were assessed in three visits, over 14 days, plus patients' daily self-assessment. Clinical trial registration: 05DCz/FHp11 Eudra CT n: 2005-003829-31 Main outcome measures: Primary efficacy endpoint was mean change from baseline in pain on movement after 3 days of treatment, compared between groups. Secondary efficacy endpoints included mean daily change from baseline in pain on movement during treatment, pain level as assessed at control visits after 7 and 14 days, time (days) to hematoma disappearance based on patients' daily evaluations, rescue medication use, and overall treatment efficacy as judged by both patients and investigators. Results: Pain progressively declined in all groups, more rapidly in DHEP-heparin recipients, compared to DHEP, and in both active treatment groups compared to placebo. Adverse events were recorded in 24 of the 355 (6.7) exposed patients, and generally resolved without need to interrupt treatment. Conclusion: The DHEP-heparin plaster is superior to the reference DHEP plaster in reducing pain associated with mild-to-moderate muscle contusion. Both active treatments were significantly more effective than placebo, and each showed a comparably favorable, placebo-like safety profile. © 2012 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.