A 64-year-old school caretaker had complained of lumbar pain radiating to his right thigh for over a year. Radiography confirmed arthritic changes in the lumbar spine. In February 1978 his symptoms kept him away from work and he was given fenoprofen (Fenopron) 600 mg three times a day. This
was supplemented with dextropropoxyphene and paracetamol (Distalgesic) and his symptoms improved. He resumed work after three weeks' absence.
In March his symptoms recurred but on this occasion were not improved by
fenoprofen and Distalgesic. Indomethacin (Indocid) 25 mg three times a
day was therefore substituted for fenoprofen. The dosage of indomethacin
was doubled after two weeks in an effort to control his symptoms. After
four days on the higher dosage of indomethacin the Distalgesic was stopped
and diflunisal started, the indomethacin being reduced to 25 mg three times
a day