Expert opinion
Lyudmila Sheveleva, pharmacist
Efkamon is an effective remedy for the symptomatic treatment of articular and vertebral pathologies. It copes well with pain and inflammatory swelling, muscle spasms and stiffness. If the ointment is used correctly, there is no need to worry about the development of local and systemic adverse reactions. But it is worth considering that the drug has no effect on the cause of the disease. Therefore, doctors often prescribe Efkamon in combination with chondroprotectors, muscle relaxants, and B vitamins.
Reviews
There are many reviews about the drug on the Internet, and most of them are positive . The advantages of the ointment include low cost compared to analogues, natural composition, high efficiency (the medicine helps even with severe pain).
The only drawback is the strong specific aroma. Despite the fact that Efkamon is quickly absorbed, its smell remains on the body and clothes for a long time. In this regard, it is not recommended to apply ointment before going outside.
You can view reviews from real people at the end of this manual. There you can share your own opinion about the ointment. Perhaps your review will be useful for someone.
Special patient groups
Children and adolescents are not included in the list of contraindications. However, the drug is used extremely rarely in pediatrics. A child's skin is more sensitive than an adult's, so instead of warmth, sometimes there is a burning sensation. The immune system of children is also just developing. It is difficult to predict its reaction to the introduction of substances with a warming and locally irritating effect into the dermis.
The manufacturer has not provided evidence of the safety of Efkamon for pregnant and lactating women. It is theoretically possible for its ingredients to penetrate into the bloodstream. The use of ointment is permitted in consultation with a doctor who has taken into account all the risks of such treatment.
The possibility of using Efkamon during pregnancy is determined by the doctor.
Analogs
There are no structural analogues of the ointment with the same active component. There are medications on sale with similar therapeutic effects, produced in the same dosage form.
These include medications such as:
Ointments with an irritating effect, a large amount of Saliniment;- Bom Benguet;
- Apizartron;
- Ben-Gay;
- Bom Benguet Rusfar;
- Capsicam;
- Naftalgin;
- Finalgon;
- Mentholatum Balm;
- Bishofite.
Before replacing the ointment with a similar product, you need to visit a doctor. A specialist will help you choose the medicine that will be as harmless and effective as possible for a particular patient.
Price
Terms of sale
A recipe is not required to purchase Ephkamon.
Average price in Russia
Today, Efkamon is not sold in Russia due to the expired state registration. You can verify this by looking at the State Register of Medicines. Previously, packaging of the drug cost residents of the country 100-150 rubles .
Average cost in Ukraine
The approximate price of Efkamon in Ukraine is 50 hryvnia . The cost of the medication depends on the pharmacy chain, its policies and markups, as well as some other factors.
Indications for use of Efkamon ointment
Efkamon is intended for the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative pathologies of the spine and joints. The ointment is also effective for myalgia (muscle pain), usually caused by hypothermia.
Indications for the use of the drug include the following pathologies:
- cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral osteochondrosis;
- hernial protrusion of any localization;
- uncovertebral syndrome;
- ganglionitis of the cervical or thoracic region;
- ankylosing spondylitis;
- rheumatic fever;
- radiculitis;
- sciatica, lumbago;
- intervertebral hernia;
- bursitis, synovitis;
- tendinitis, tendovaginitis.
Efkamon ointment is often used in the postoperative period to relieve pain and relieve inflammation. In traumatology, it is used not only as an analgesic and decongestant. A course of treatment with this drug allows you to speed up the healing of torn ligaments, muscles and tendons.
The product is used to restore injured muscles and ligaments
Characteristics of the drug
This is a combination product containing plant components and chemicals. It is produced in the form of an ointment for external use. Has an irritating effect on the skin, relieves pain, fatigue and inflammation. This effect is explained by the special composition:
- hot pepper extract accelerates blood circulation and warms the skin, thereby reducing pain;
- mustard, clove and eucalyptus oils relieve inflammation;
- menthol relaxes muscles;
- camphor warms a little and reduces pain;
- Methyl salicylate reduces swelling.
Instructions for use
The instructions for use of Efkamon ointment recommend using it as prescribed by a doctor. He calculates single and daily doses taking into account the patient’s age and the form of the disease. The type of joint pathology and the severity of its symptoms are important.
The amount of ointment required for one application varies significantly:
- if gout affects the phalanges of the fingers, a 2-3 cm strip squeezed out of the tube is sufficient.
- To relieve pain accompanying arthrosis of the hip joint, you will need 5-7 cm of balm.
Before applying the product, clean the skin with warm water and soap and dry it. Then spread the ointment in a thin layer and lightly rub until completely absorbed. Frequency of application - up to 3 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the attending physician.
The ointment is applied to cleansed skin, distributed and left until completely absorbed.
For pain that occurs at night, it is advisable to use Efkamon ointment immediately before bed. Breathable dressings may be applied to enhance the warming effect.
Overdose
There have been no cases of overdose with external use of Efkamon. It occurs when the ointment is accidentally swallowed and is manifested by nausea and a burning sensation in the stomach. If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to induce vomiting and take enterosorbent. Then you should definitely consult a doctor for symptomatic treatment.
Side effects
The development of allergic reactions is rarely observed. Their leading signs are itching, swelling, irritation and redness of the skin. You need to quickly wash off the ointment and stop further use. The doctor will replace Efkamon with a drug with other active ingredients.
special instructions
It is necessary to avoid getting Efkamon on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. If necessary, they should be thoroughly rinsed with running water. Increasing burning and pain requires immediate medical attention.
After applying the ointment, you must wash your hands thoroughly so that the product does not accidentally get into your eyes or mucous membranes.
If your health does not improve after 3 days of treatment, you should inform your doctor. He will clarify the diagnosis, increase the dosage or prescribe an anesthetic ointment with other active ingredients.
Storage conditions and periods
The shelf life of Efkamon is 2 years. Once the tube is opened, it should be used within a month. The drug must be stored at room temperature in a place protected from sunlight. It is not suitable for treatment if there is a change in color, consistency or odor. Access for small children to the ointment storage area should be limited.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
When purchasing Efkamon ointment, you do not need to show the pharmacy employee a prescription from a doctor.
Drug interactions
Efkamon goes well with all local and systemic remedies for the treatment of diseases of the joints and spine. There were no cases of its negative effects with other drugs.
When is a medicine contraindicated?
Medicinal ointment has very few contraindications. It should not be used by those who are allergic to one or more components of the drug. Also, Efkamon is not used if there are open wounds or any damage to the skin. That's all the contraindications.
It is worth considering that due to the content of pepper extract in the product, after using the medicine you must wash your hands thoroughly, and you should also keep the tube away from places where children can reach it.