Long term use of piroxicam in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Twelve patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were treated with piroxicam (Hotemin-EGIS) for 9-18 (mean: 13.7) months. At the beginning, the patients were in a moderately active stage of the disease, 10 patients also received low dose corticosteroid treatment. After the study was completed, clinical and immunological improvement was seen in 10 cases. The average daily dose of prednisolone could be reduced (from 10.5 mg to 5 mg). These patients tolerated the treatment well, no adverse effect was seen. No elevation of serum transaminase, creatinine or change in blood cell count and glomerular filtration rate were observed. Piroxicam, therefore, is recommended for the treatment of mildly active SLE.