Economic comparison of nimesulide and diclofenac, and the incidence of adverse events in the treatment of rheumatic disease in Greece

In Greece a 15-day treatment of rheumatic disease with diclofenac costs 56% more than treatment with nimesulide. This is due to the lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events with nimesulide, and the absence of seriou s gastrointestinal complications leading to hospitalization, which more tha n offset the higher acquisition cost of nimesulide. The average saving by u sing nimesulide instead of diclofenac is about US$21 per patient for a 15-d ay treatment period.