Its efficacy relative to carprofen is not known at this time. It has been shown to reach synovial fluid from IM injection sites. It should not be administered intra-articularly. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood but it primarily acts by inhibiting enzymatic degradation of proteoglycan and collagen. It has ben shown to be absorbed from the GI tract but its efficacy in the treatment of OA is largely unknown.
Safer alternatives exist.
It's primary benefits are boundary lubrication and steric hindrance of inflamatory mediators. It may also stimulate endogenous hyaluronic acid production.