Willow bark extract STW 33-I is safe and effective in the long-term treatment of out-patients with rheumatic pain, esp osteoarthritis or back pain. A subgroup analysis

Objectives: Degenerative musculoskeletal diseases are of increasing relevance in an ageing population. The efficacy and safety of willow bark extract in the therapy of painful musculoskeletal disorders has been shown in a large number of clinical studies. This 6 months pragmatic surveillance study with STW 33-I (Proaktiv®, extraction solvent water; drug-extract ratio 16 – 23:1) included 436 patients with rheumatic pain mainly due to osteoarthritis and back pain. The patients were treated with STW 33-I monotherapy or in combination with NSAIDs and opioids. Method: An extensive case report form including pain ques…