With age, cartilage tissue loses its functionality against the background of degenerative changes. This process develops as a result of concomitant diseases in the body. You can resist it by using special preparations - chondroprotectors. These include the well-known Teraflex. Its action helps to stop the destruction, reduce pain and restore the functionality of cartilage. But before using the drug, it is recommended to read the instructions for use, price, reviews of "Teraflex". This will help to use the product correctly without harm to he alth.
Composition and release form
The drug is produced in the form of capsule tablets (30, 60, 90 pieces per pack) and ointment (28 and 56 g per tube). In the first case, the medicine is a hard gelatin capsule,containing white powder. In the second case, the drug has a creamy gray-yellow consistency with a green tint. The ointment has the smell of dimethyl sulfoxide.
Regardless of the form of release, "Teraflex" contains two active ingredients - chondroitin, glucosamine. This combination enhances the therapeutic effect of the chondroprotector and makes it the most effective in this group of medicines.
You can also find another kind of Teraflex Advance tablets on sale. The difference between these capsules is that, in addition to the main active ingredients, they contain a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - ibuprofen. Thanks to this, the medicine quickly eliminates pain when the joint is damaged. But the need for this type of medication should be discussed with your doctor.
In addition to the main components in the preparation, there are additional substances that contribute to their distribution. Depending on the form of release, they may vary.
Additional components in capsules:
- povidone;
- gelatin;
- microcrystalline glucose;
- silica and titanium dioxide;
- corn starch;
- crospovidone;
- stearic acid.
In the composition of the ointment "Teraflex" (the drug is used externally) excipients are:
- camphor;
- mint oil;
- Vaseline;
- aloe;
- cetyl alcohol;
- menthol;
- polyethylene glycol;
- dimethicone;
- methylparaben;
- propylparaben.
Price of ointment - from 330 rubles for 26 g, capsules - from 1310 rubles for 60 pcs. The manufacturer of "Teraflex" is "Contract Farmakal Corporation" (USA). The owner of the registration certificate in Russia is Bayer JSC (Moscow).
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
"Teraflex" stimulates regenerating processes in cartilaginous tissue. This occurs as a result of improved nutritional exchange of damaged areas. In addition, the active substances of the drug not only slow down, but also prevent the further development of the destructive process.
The main functions of chondroitin included in the drug:
- activates the synthesis of proteoglycans, collagen, hyaluronate;
- restores the normal consistency of the synovial fluid;
- inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue;
- reduces pain during physical activity and at rest;
- activates the production of hyaluronic acid at the cellular level, which in combination restores turgor and cartilage structure;
- prevents premature death of chondrocytes;
- prevents further spread of inflammatory mediators.
Glucosamine in "Teraflex" helps to accelerate the formation of the cartilage matrix, preventing its damage by metabolic as well as chemical processes. In addition, this active ingredient has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Activity of the action "Teraflex" in inflammationcartilage tissue is in many ways similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But at the same time, its therapeutic effect is slightly slowed down. The advantage of the chondroprojector is that it has much fewer side effects. Therefore, "Teraflex" is prescribed as part of complex therapy for degenerative changes in cartilage.
At the first stage of treatment, analgesics, corticosteroids and NSAIDs are used to relieve exacerbations. But these funds do not prevent further thinning of the cartilage tissue and are not able to prevent further destruction. Therefore, it is important to use Teraflex for 2-4 months at the second stage of treatment, which will stop degenerative changes.
To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use the chondroprotector in several courses throughout the year.
The bioavailability of chondoitin when taken orally is 15%, and when applied to the skin - 40%. Its maximum concentration in blood plasma is fixed after 3-4 hours, and in cartilaginous tissue - after 5 hours. The component is excreted in the urine within 10-12 hours.
Bioavailability of glucosamine is 25%. The substance penetrates into the plasma, cartilage, liver and kidneys. Most of the substance is excreted in the urine and partly in the feces. The half-life is 68-70 hours.
The additional component ibuprofen, which is contained in the drug "Teraflex Advance", is rapidly absorbed into the blood. Its maximum concentration is fixed 1 hour after swallowing the capsule. Synthesized in the liver and excretedthrough the kidneys. A decrease in the concentration of ibuprofen in the blood occurs within a few hours, and the component remains in the cartilage tissue for 24 hours.
What helps "Teraflex"?
Regardless of the form of release, the drug is used to treat degenerative changes in cartilage tissue, which is the basis of the joints of the musculoskeletal system.
The main indications for the use of "Teraflex":
- osteoporosis of the 1st-3rd degree, characterized by damage to the articular cartilage and adjacent tissue, as well as accompanied by acute pain and impaired joint mobility;
- osteochondorosis, in which pathological changes occur in the intervertebral discs and cartilage;
- periarthritis of the humeroscapular region, characterized by inflammation of the tendons and capsule of the shoulder joint;
- fractures of bone tissue, cartilage;
- arthrosis of large joints;
- coxarthrosis affecting the hip joints with further destruction.
Contraindications
In order not to cause harm to he alth, one should take into account the limitations of the use of this chondroprotector.
The absolute contraindications of the drug "Teraflex" include:
- hypersensitivity to the components included in its composition;
- under 15 years of age;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- chronic kidney failure.
Restriction to the use of external ointment is the presence of an open wound on the affected area and an allergic reaction to the drug.
In the case of using the drug with ibuprofen as part of the list of contraindications is more extensive.
In addition to the above conditions, it is forbidden to take "Teraflex Advance":
- in violation of blood clotting;
- ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines;
- bronchial asthma;
- impaired liver function;
- recovery after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Special Instructions
Clinical studies have shown that this chondroprotector is well tolerated by patients, and the likelihood of Teraflex side effects is 2%. But there are several categories of patients who should be treated with caution with this drug.
Dosage adjustment in need of patients suffering from:
- hypertension;
- heart failure;
- endocrine dysfunction;
- tuberculosis;
- ischemic disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- gastritis.
In the presence of these pathologies, treatment should be carried out in consultation with the attending physician. Since only a specialist is able to determine the degree of risk to he alth, depending on individual characteristics.
Instructions for the use of tablets
Teraflex tabletscarried out regardless of food intake. But in order to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa, the capsule should be taken after meals with plenty of water. The medicine should be swallowed whole without destroying the outer shell.
Standard treatment regimen for adults and children over 15:
- from the 1st to the 21st day - 1 tablet 3 times a day with a frequency of 6 hours;
- from the 28th and all subsequent days of the treatment course - twice a day after 8-10 hours
Duration of treatment is 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the disease.
In the case of the appointment of "Teraflex Advance", the medication should be taken 2 tablets 3 times a day. Duration of therapy - 3 weeks.
How to use the ointment?
At the first signs of inflammation of the joint, it is recommended to use "Teraflex" in the form of an ointment. The camphor contained in it helps to increase blood flow, which improves metabolic processes in the affected area. And menthol anesthetizes and reduces inflammation.
According to the instructions for use, it is necessary to apply the product with a strip of 1.5-3 cm in length directly to the area of inflammation. After that, it is recommended to rub it with light movements into the skin until completely absorbed. Regularity of application - 2-3 times a day.
It is most effective to use Teraflex ointment for arthrosis of the knee joint and sports injuries. The duration of application is determined by the doctor.
Overdose and side effects
Probabilityoverdose with this chondroprotector is minimal. So far, no such cases have been established.
But the manufacturer indicates in the annotation to the remedy that with a long course of treatment, the possibility of developing the following side effects of "Teraflex" is allowed:
- rash;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- sharp abdominal pain;
- reaction slowdown;
- dizziness;
- reducing blood pressure;
- increased heart rate;
- drowsy;
- feeling thirsty;
- swelling of limbs;
- annoying itch.
When alarming symptoms appear, gastric lavage should be applied if the medication was taken within 1 hour. Otherwise, you should drink an absorbent.
If the side effects of "Teraflex" repeat, you should consult a doctor to replace this drug with another one.
Drug interactions and combination with alcohol
It is not recommended to combine taking a chondroprotector with alcohol, as this significantly increases the burden on the liver and increases the likelihood of side effects.
"Teraflex", according to the instructions for use, interacts with other drugs:
- increases the absorption of tetracyclines into the blood;
- reduces the activity of antibiotics belonging to the penicillin group;
- fully compatible with NSAIDs and glucocorticosteroids;
- increases the effect of anticoagulants.
Whenthe use of "Teraflex Advance" is recommended to reduce the dosage of drugs to reduce sugar levels. In addition, this type of drug reduces the metabolism of cardiac glycosides and methotrexate.
Teraflex: Russian substitutes
Since Teraflex appeared on the pharmacological market, Russian analogues have been created that are more affordable compared to the American drug.
The most common substitutes for this domestically produced chondroprotector:
- "Dimexide" (115-130 rubles). It is a relative substitute for Teraflex. The active ingredient is dimethyl sulfoxide. Release form - liquid solution and gel 25 and 50%. It is prescribed for muscle and joint pain. Contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation and under the age of 6 years.
- "Chondrolon" (770-820 rubles). The active ingredient is chondroitin. The drug is available in the form of ampoules containing dry extraction of the substance. The medicine is sold complete with a solvent. It is used as part of complex therapy for arthrosis, osteoarthritis, arthritis.
- "Chondroxide" (495-515 rubles). Available in the form of ointment and gel for external use. The active ingredients are chondroitin and dimethyl sulfoxide. It is used for osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis to slow down pathological changes in the affected joint.
- "Chondroitin" (470-485 rubles). The composition of the drug includes glucosamine and chondroitin. It is prescribed for the treatment of diseases that cause degenerative changes in cartilage tissue. The drug allows you to reduce the dosage of analgesics, as it has a moderate analgesic effect. Do not use the drug during gestation, lactation and under the age of 15 years.
Reviews
Despite the fact that the effectiveness of the drug "Teraflex" is confirmed by many experts, opinions about this remedy are still very contradictory. Many of them are both positive and negative. This is due to the fact that this drug is able to bring maximum benefit with long-term use without interruption in therapy. Many patients, after the removal of unpleasant symptoms, stop treatment ahead of schedule, which leads to the development of relapses of the disease.
In addition, it is worth considering the fact that the effect of the drug is purely individual. For some, it is completely suitable and eliminates the problem, while for others it may be useless. Therefore, having studied the instructions for use, price, reviews of "Teraflex", everyone decides for himself whether to take this drug or use its analogue. But in any case, the treatment regimen and the choice of medication should be agreed with the doctor.
