Artrodar Dosage/Direction for Use

The treatment should be initiated by specialists experienced in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
For Adults only: As some patients may experience loose stools or diarrhoea, the recommended starting dose is 50 mg once daily with evening meal for the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, after which the recommended daily dose is 50 mg twice daily. The treatment should be taken with food, one with breakfast and the other with evening meal. The capsules must be swallowed intact, without opening them, together with a glass of water. Diacerein is not recommended in patients older than 65 years.
ARTRODAR has a slow onset of action but its beneficial effects persist for at least 2 months after treatment is stopped. In fact, as a consequence of the delay in the onset of initial activity (30 to 45 days to attain an analgesic effect), the product should be taken continuously for a minimum period of one month in order to observe its beneficial effects. In addition, it may be necessary to start treatment with the usual rapid acting analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs. The doctor should decide the duration of treatment as a function of the outcome. Clinical studies have shown that there is a significant decrease in pain and an improvement in joint function after 2 months treatment with ARTRODAR. These effects are still present for about 2 months after treatment is stopped (carry-over effect).
As no clinical studies have been conducted in children, its use is not recommended in children.
Elderly: No change in the usual recommended dose is necessary in elderly subjects (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Renal insufficiency: In subjects with moderate renal insufficiency, the daily dose should be decreased by 50% of the recommended dose for adults (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
ARTRODAR is contraindicated in subjects with severe renal insufficiency (see Contraindications).