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The centralized European registration of drugs is characterized by relative openness, like the publication of public assessment reports. In our country the registration authorities should also be more focused on the users and become more accountable for their decisions. Then, in their daily practice, the prescriber and pharmacist can make better use of the available expertise.

Diflunisal, a salicylic acid derivative, caused a significant fall in serum uric acid concentration from 0.29 +/- 0.02 to 0.20 +/- 0.02 mmol/l (mean +/- SEM) during chronic administration of 750 mg daily in 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. There was a significant correlation between plasma diflunisal concentration and fall of serum uric acid concentrations (p less than 0.01) at week 14. Diflunisal concentrations were statistically higher in females (p less than 0.05) at week 24.