Primary Outcome Measures:
- Average change from baseline through Week 12 for WOMAC pain subscale score. Average change from baseline through Week 12 for WOMAC physical function subscale score. Subject's average global assessment of response to therapy through Week 12.
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- Average change from baseline through Week 12 for: WOMAC stiffness subscale score; total WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index; and Nottingham Health Profile Energy subscale score
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate acetaminophen extended release 3900 mg/day compared with placebo in the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee over 12 weeks. The hypothesis is that 3900 mg/day acetaminophen extended release is superior to placebo in the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip or knee with respect to the three primary effectiveness endpoints. Propoxyphene Hydrochloride Capsules, 65 mg, are used as rescue medication if subjects experience inadequate pain relief. The priamry efficacy assessments are the average change from baseline through Week 12 for the WOMAC pain subscale score and the WOMAC physical function subscale score, and the subject's average global assessment of their response to therapy through Week 12. Safety assessments at study visits consist of monitoring adverse events, vital signs, study joint assessments and clinical laboratory determinations.
Treatment consists of two acetaminophen 650 mg extended release caplets or two placebo caplets, administered orally every 8 hours for 12 weeks.