Medicines for joint diseases. Compare and choose

Effect on the body

Tissue repair stimulator.

Pharmacokinetics

Glucosamine

Absorption. The bioavailability of glucosamine when taken orally is 25% (the “first pass” effect through the liver).

Metabolism. After absorption of an oral dose, radiolabeled glucosamine is initially detected in the plasma and later penetrates into tissues. The highest concentrations are found in the liver, kidneys and articular cartilage. About 30% of the dose taken persists for a long time in the tissues of bones and muscles.

Elimination. It is excreted primarily by the kidneys unchanged; partly through the intestines. The half-life of the drug is 68 hours.

Chondroitin sulfate

Absorption. When chondroitin sulfate is taken orally in a single dose of 0.8 g (or 2 times a day 0.4 g), the plasma concentration increases over 24 hours. The absolute bioavailability is 12%.

Metabolism. Metabolized by desulfurization.

Elimination. Excreted by the kidneys. Half-life 310 min.

What are chondroprotectors?

Chondroprotectors for joints (powders for the treatment of joints) are slow-acting preparations that contain proteins necessary for the construction of articular cartilage, bones and other functional tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Chondroprotective drugs are used in complex therapy of diseases of the musculoskeletal system together with anti-inflammatory and other drugs. However, their main task is the prevention of degenerative changes in joints. Therefore, they are effective before the onset of the disease, as well as in its early stages.

Clinical pharmacology

Stimulates the regeneration of cartilage tissue. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate take part in the synthesis of connective tissue, helping to prevent cartilage destruction and stimulate tissue regeneration. Administration of exogenous glucosamine enhances the production of cartilage matrix and provides nonspecific protection against chemical damage to cartilage. Another possible effect of glucosamine is the protection of damaged cartilage from metabolic destruction caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticosteroids (GCs), as well as its own moderate anti-inflammatory effect.

Chondroitin sulfate serves as an additional substrate for the formation of a healthy cartilage matrix. Stimulates the formation of hyaluronon, the synthesis of proteoglycans and type II collagen, and also protects hyaluronon from enzymatic breakdown (by suppressing the activity of hyaluronidase); maintains the viscosity of synovial fluid, stimulates cartilage repair mechanisms and inhibits the activity of those enzymes that break down cartilage (elastase, hyaluronidase). In the treatment of osteoarthritis, it relieves the symptoms of the disease and reduces the need for NSAIDs.

Chondroprotectors - salvation for joints?

The nourishment and hydration of cartilage in the joint occurs with the help of synovial fluid, which contains the already mentioned mono- and polysaccharides. With injury, excessive physical activity or systemic disease, the composition of the synovial fluid may be disrupted. Because of this, it becomes less viscous and can no longer provide slip. Once in the synovial fluid, the components of chondroprotectors help restore its consistency and normal activity of cartilage cells. The joints stop hurting and swelling, their mobility improves. In parallel with taking chondroprotectors, other measures are necessary for the active restoration and nutrition of cartilage - physiotherapy, exercise therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reviews from doctors about Arthra and Teraflex

Nikolay, traumatologist, 42 years old, Veliky Novgorod: “From personal experience I can say that Arthra more often causes allergic reactions than Teraflex. But the drugs are identical and perform their functions equally well, so which one to choose depends on the disease. If the joints are better than Teraflex, it has a gel in addition to capsules for oral use, you can combine them.”

Elena, 39 years old, rheumatologist, Mariupol: “Both drugs are not just analogues, but almost identical drugs, if you do not compare their identical pharmacological form. If we talk about preferences, then Teraflex in the form of gelatin capsules containing ibuprofen is preferable, because this component eliminates inflammation and relieves pain faster. If I notice the first signs of joint disease in a patient, I immediately prescribe Theraflex.”

Medicines for joint diseases. Compare and choose

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Joint diseases are one of the main problems faced by athletes. Due to the constantly increased load on the legs, cartilage tissue quickly wears out, causing inflammation and pain. In such cases, treatment with special drugs - chondroprotectors is necessary. They improve cartilage restoration and also slow down tissue destruction. Nowadays, the treatment of such diseases is carried out mainly with third-generation chondroprotectors, which contain at least 2 main substances - glucosamine and chondroitin, each of which has its own effect. Glucosamine is the main component of cartilage tissue, and in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, little of it is produced in the body. Chondroitin affects phosphorus-calcium metabolism in cartilage, thereby promoting its restoration and relieving inflammation.

At the moment, the pharmaceutical market is replete with offers of chondroprotectors, and below we will conduct a comparative analysis of the leaders in this category according to several important parameters. Pay special attention to the contraindications and bioavailability of the listed drugs; the higher it is, the more effective the action of the drug.

1. Teraflex

This is a chondroprotector containing two active components - glucosamine and chondroitin. Theraflex promotes the renewal of cartilage tissue, helps reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

A course of treatment.

A long course of taking the drug is required: from 3 to 6 months. In some cases, the course can be repeated.

pros

: It is prescribed for osteoarthritis up to grade 3. Theraflex Advance contains ibuprofen, which reduces pain.

Minuses

: The analgesic effect occurs only after long-term use. For quick pain relief, NSAIDs have been added to Theraflex Advance, which provides a number of undesirable side effects, primarily from the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastropathy, exacerbation of peptic ulcers and others. In addition, there are many contraindications, for example, heart and kidney failure, high blood sugar, bronchial asthma and others. It can have an extremely negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which is especially noticeable when taken for up to six months.

Price

: Teraflex 200 capsules - 3261 rub. Teraflex Advance 120 capsules - 2357 rub.

2. Arthra.

Combined chondroprotective drug for the treatment of osteoporosis of peripheral joints and spine.

A course of treatment.

Long-term course of admission: from 2 to 6 months

Pros:

High concentration of chondroitin (500 mg). Contains auxiliary components for better absorption of the drug.

Minuses:

Available only in tablets. It has a number of contraindications and serious side effects, such as: abdominal pain, flatulence, intestinal upset, dermatitis, urticaria, swelling, rapid heartbeat, headache, dizziness, weakness, insomnia. People suffering from gastrointestinal problems should take it with extreme caution.

Price

: Artra 120 tablets – 2246 rubles.

3. Don

.

This is a glucosamine-based chondroprotector that affects metabolism in cartilage tissue. Improves joint function and slows down the destructive process.

Admission course

. Reception from 1 to 3 months depending on the form of release is

pros

: It comes in different forms, both for oral administration and injection. High glucosamine content - 750 mg.

Minuses

: contains only one active ingredient - glucosamine sulfate. Does not contain chondroitin, therefore it does not belong to the third generation chondorotectors. In addition to glucosamine, it contains lidocaine, so it has many contraindications: cardiovascular failure, impaired liver and kidney function, epileptic-type seizures and others. Has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Price

: Dona 60 tablets – 1359 rubles

4. Arthrofish

Completely natural chondroprotector of domestic production. A new development of Far Eastern biochemist scientists. The drug has a natural composition, which is obtained using fermented hydrolysis of hydrobionts, that is, inhabitants of the deep sea.

Admission course

. Short course of treatment: 1 month

Pros:

Glucosamine and chondroitin, which are contained in the drug, are created from the cartilage tissue of marine organisms (ray and shark), the anti-inflammatory activity of which is 50-100 times higher than that of similar substances from cattle or artificially synthesized. Has a prolonged effect. Helps reduce pain within 14 days, helps achieve complete remission within one month, thanks to matrix proteinase inhibitor proteins, allows you to stop taking NSAIDs.

It has no side effects and is approved for use even with gastrointestinal diseases. Contains bioavailable components of collagen - a natural component of joint cartilage tissue.

Minuses

: Contraindicated for people with seafood intolerance. Not always easy to find.

Price

: Artrofish 60 capsules - 749 rubles

5. Arthro-Active

A series of herbal preparations that solve joint problems (arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis, age-related joint diseases).

Admission course:

2 months, a second course is recommended to be repeated after 3-6 months.

pros

: Available in several forms for external use (ointments) and for oral administration (tablets and capsules). Approved for use in gastrointestinal diseases, has few side effects and contraindications.

Minuses

: Dietary supplement, is not a medicine. The drug consists of components of plant origin, which are inferior in effectiveness to components of animal origin, and, moreover, marine aquatic organisms.

Price

: Arthro-active 40 tablets – 306 rubles.

We reviewed the most popular chondroprotective drugs, analyzed the composition, side effects and principle of action. When choosing a drug, you should pay attention not only to its effectiveness, but also to the safety of use, as well as compatibility with the possible use of other medications. Be attentive to your health and take care of it in a timely manner, because health is what is most profitable to invest in.

Contraindications

Before you start taking it, it is important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications, which include:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;

• serious problems with the liver and kidneys;

• bronchial asthma, nasal polyposis, diseases of the paranasal sinuses;

• hemophilia, hyperkalemia and hemorrhagic diathesis.

It is also necessary to take into account individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Persons with heart failure, arterial hypertension, gastritis, enteritis and other diseases can use Teraflex only after consulting a specialist and additional research. It is worth remembering that the drug should not be taken by persons under 15 years of age. Theraflex Advance is contraindicated under 18 years of age.

Special Recommendations

The use of Theraflex may have side effects. If the patient feels that the condition has not improved after using this drug, the drug should be discontinued. After discontinuation of the drug, the side effects disappear.

Theraflex and chronic diseases

Diabetics should take Theraflex with caution. If your doctor has given you permission to use Theraflex, you should always keep your glucose levels under close monitoring. Patients with heart failure, bronchial asthma and kidney problems should be wary of taking this drug and, at the first sign of edema, stop taking it and consult a specialist for discontinuation.

Teraflex and alcohol

Ethyl alcohol increases blood flow in the kidneys, so the active substance will be excreted at an accelerated pace, without having time to have a therapeutic effect.

It is strongly recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol during treatment with the drug. People who have ulcers and erosions in the digestive tract should be especially attentive to this warning.

Reviews of these drugs

All chondroprotectors are new drugs. They have been used for less than 20 years, but many reviews have already accumulated about their successful use. If you choose between Arthra and Teraflex, which is better, the reviews from doctors are mixed. This depends on your experience with these drugs. Many specialists have more confidence in the drug “Teraflex”, since it appeared earlier. But there are doctors who do not recognize the advisability of using chondroprotectors at all.

Patients also leave mixed reviews. Each drug has an individual reaction, so some people like Arthra, while others trust Teraflex more. But those who took these medications correctly and as prescribed by the doctor note that they began to feel better and the functions of the joints were restored.

Adverse reactions and overdose

When taken orally, the patient may in rare cases experience undesirable reactions:

• pain in the abdominal area;
• stomach upset;
• constipation;
• disturbed sleep;
• dizziness;
• drowsiness, fatigue;
• headache;
• abnormal heart rhythm;
• swelling of the legs;
• allergic reactions.

If we talk about ointments, the only undesirable manifestation may be allergic reactions in the form of a skin rash.

No cases of overdose have been identified to date. If any undesirable reactions occur, you need to rinse your stomach.

Indications for use

It is difficult to determine which is better for joints, Arthra or Teraflex. Both of these drugs have the same indications for use, but there are still some nuances that are visible only to a specialist. They can be prescribed in the following cases:

• for gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis and other forms of deforming osteoarthritis;
• spinal osteochondrosis;
• for the prevention of degenerative processes in overweight people exposed to increased physical activity;
• after joint injuries;
• for metabolic or endocrine diseases.

Features of the drug "Arthra"

This product differs from Teraflex in its higher concentration of chondroitin and the presence of other auxiliary components. According to research results, Arthra has a prolonged effect. That is, after completing the course of treatment, its effect is felt for another 2-3 months. Therefore, a month’s course of using the drug “Arthra” is often sufficient. Reviews from patients and doctors also note that this medicine not only restores cartilage tissue and improves the functioning of joints. "Arthra" reduces pain, inflammation, improves blood supply and metabolic processes in the joints. The drug is well tolerated by patients and rarely causes side effects, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract.

Reviews from patients

Alexey, 27 years old, Sochi: “I’ve been playing volleyball since childhood. I know firsthand what joint pain and inflammation are. In order not to aggravate the condition, the doctor prescribed Teraflex. I combined capsules and gel, and after training I still apply the gel to bring my joints back to normal. A good product, although expensive. I decided to try Arthra, because... it’s cheaper, the effect was just as positive, so I decided to opt for this medicine.”

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Maria, 47 years old, Irkutsk: “After losing a lot of weight, I started having problems with my joints and spine. The doctor prescribed Teraflex to strengthen my joints, but I started having an allergic reaction to it. And Arthra did not cause any complications. Although the medications are almost the same, I didn’t notice much difference in their effectiveness.”

Gleb, 62 years old, Moscow: “I like Arthra better than Teraflex, and not only because it costs much less, but also because my body accepts this medicine better. After taking Theraflex, after a few weeks I started feeling nauseated and had prolonged diarrhea. Arthra did not cause any side effects.”

How to take Theraflex capsules

Adults and adolescents over 15 years of age can take 1 tablet 3 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic course is 20 days. After this, the capsules are taken 2 times a day. Such treatment can last from 3 months to six months. Depending on the condition, the course can be resumed from time to time.

Capsules can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of meal time. You need to drink a small amount of liquid.

If ointment is used, then you need to squeeze out 2-3 cm and rub into the affected area until completely absorbed. This procedure is carried out 3 times a day.

Price

Cost of the drug Artra:

Cost of the drug Teraflex:

Features of the drug "Teraflex"

This remedy is better known, has different release forms, so doctors most often prescribe it. Gelatin capsules are easier to tolerate and provide better absorption of the active ingredients. "Teraflex Advance" contains an anesthetic, so it has more indications for use. And the presence of the cream allows for complex treatment, which enhances its effectiveness.

But Teraflex contains less chondroitin, so it needs to be taken in higher dosages and for a longer period of time. Therefore, treatment with this drug is quite expensive. After all, 30 capsules cost an average of 1,200 rubles.

Which is better Artra or Teraflex?

The drugs are identical in composition and action, therefore the effect of taking them will be the same, but much depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease. Which medication is better to choose is a matter of individual preferences of the patient and his financial capabilities.

Artra can be taken in the treatment of arthrosis.

For joints

In this case, many people give preference to Teraflex, because It is possible to combine 2 methods of taking the medicine – internal and external. Regular application of the drug to the affected joint helps eliminate pain, so Teraflex cream is often used by athletes to protect joints from injury and restore them faster after intense exercise.

For arthrosis

Both Artra and Theraflex can be used in the treatment of arthrosis with equal effectiveness. The second chondroprotector may be preferable for most patients, because gelatin capsules contain ibuprofen, which helps eliminate pain and reduce inflammation.