"Structum" is a drug from the group of chondroprotectors due to its chondroitin sulfate. Its cost in Moscow starts from 1390 rubles per package (60 capsules).
The dosage of the drug "Struktum" - 500 mg. Analogues are cheaper produced in the same dosage. Their composition may vary. This drug stimulates the regeneration of the cartilage matrix, has a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, slowing down the degenerative processes in the joint.
"Struktum" is highly effective in the complex treatment of osteoarthritis and intervertebral osteochondrosis.
For most consumers, the only disadvantage of this drug is its high cost, a cheap analogue of Structum is easier to purchase. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and lasts up to six months.
The modern pharmaceutical market provides drugs of any price category. However, in order to choose the right chondroprotector, you need to navigate the combinations of the main active ingredients.
Varieties of the drug
- Monocomponent products (according to the active substance they are divided into glucosamine and chondroitin preparations).
- Complex means (they are distinguished by higher efficiency and long-term effect from the application).
Main components and their action
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfur-containing compound with high bioavailability). It has the following useful properties:
- sulfur is needed to enhance the effect of taking glucosamine and chondroitin;
- stimulates collagen synthesis;
- has anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects.
Glucosamine sulfate has the following effects:
– stimulates synthesis, takes part in the synthesis of proteoglycans;
- contributes to the restoration of the cartilage matrix;
- enhances the formation of hyaluronic acid;
- slows down degenerative processes in the joints;
- reduces the activity of enzymes that damage cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate differs in that:
- promotes the regeneration of cartilage tissue and inhibition of inflammatory reactions in the joint;
- stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.
In combination with glucosamine reduces the severity of pain and prevents further destruction of the cartilage matrix.
Dimethyl sulfoxiderenders:
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- corrective effect on metabolic disorders in the affected joint;
- analgesic action.
Diclofenac sodium:
- reduces swelling and stiffness in the joint;
- has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Diacerein is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with cartilage affinity.
Hyaluronic acid:
- improves metabolic processes in cartilaginous tissue;
- is a component of the intercellular substance of cartilage.
Classification of analogues by active substance
How to choose the right cheap analogue of "Struktum"? Let us consider in more detail the classification of drugs from the group of chondroprotectors.
Chondroitin preparations
- "ARTRA Chondroitin" - available in a dosage of 250 mg; 500 mg and 750 mg.
- "Mucosat" - 250 mg.
- "Artron Chondrex" - 750mg.
Intramuscular solutions
- "Mukosat".
- "Chondrolon".
Glucosamine preparations
- "Artron flex" - 750 mg.
- "Glucosamine sulfate" - 750 mg.
- "Glucosamine" - 750 mg.
Glucosamine/chondroitin combinations
- "Teraflex" - 500/400 mg.
- "Artra" - 500/500 mg.
- "MovexComfort" - 500/400 mg.
- "Movex Active" - 500/400 mg + diclofenac 50 mg.
- "Chondroitin Complex" - 500/400 mg.
- "Artron Complex" - 500/500 mg.
- "Artron Triaktiv" - 500/400 mg + methylsulfonylmethane 250 mg.
- "Artron Triactiv Forte" - 500/400 mg + methylsulfonylmethane 300 mg.
- "Solgar Glucosamine Chondroitin Plus" - 500mg + Calcium Ascorbate 140mg.
- "Doppelgerz Active Glucosamine + Chondroitin" - 750/100 mg.
Solution for intramuscular injection
- "Dona".
- "Rumalon".
- "Arthrodarin".
- "Diacerein".
- "Movagein".
Hyaluronic acid and collagen preparations
"Hyaluronic acid" ("Solgar") - contains type 2 collagen (720 mg), chondroitin (200 mg), hyaluronic acid (120 mg), calcium ascorbate (130 mg).
Ointments
- "Artrin".
- "Chondroxide".
- "Chondroitin ointment".
- "Chondroflex".
- "Chondroart".
- "Chondroitin".
- "Chondroitin-Phytopharm".
The cheapest analogue of Structum is Chondroitin, available in tablets and in the form of an ointment.
Features of therapy with chondroprotectors
Duration of the firstcourse to achieve a lasting effect should be 4-6 months. It is recommended to undergo cyclic maintenance therapy (repeated appointments during the year). With the right treatment, the effect lasts up to six months.
The anti-inflammatory effect of the combined chondroprotectors is quite strong. The result of treatment appears quickly, especially if you use a drug such as Structum. Analogues are cheaper, but in their action they are practically inferior in nothing. Combined chondroprotectors work like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of severe destructive processes of cartilaginous tissue requires the use of injections. After a course of intramuscular injection, a transition to tablet preparations is carried out. Virtually no side effects, usually well tolerated by patients.
As a rule, therapy with chondroprotectors is lifelong. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to purchase an expensive drug. A cheap analogue of "Struktum" is in no way inferior to a well-known medicine. During the period of taking the drugs, it is recommended to increase the water intake to 2-2.5 liters (this is especially true for the use of collagen and hyaluronic acid preparations).
Additional intake of vitamin C, sulfur, magnesium and selenium enhances the bioavailability of drugs and the effect of treatment. In case of severe destruction of bone tissue (coxarthrosis, advanced osteoarthritis), it is recommended to combine the intake of chondroprotectors with medications that affect osteogenesis, which have a high dosage of calcium andvitamin D3.
Where to buy the drug "Struktum" analogues? Cheaper in Moscow, but you can find the necessary medicine in any city.
Now the widest choice of products, in which the active ingredients have a rapid analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Contraindications for taking chondroprotectors
They are:
1. Pregnancy and lactation.
2. Allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
3. Pathology of the nervous system.
4. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Under 12 years old.
6. Ankylosis of the joints.
What else can help?
In the complex treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage lesions, physiotherapeutic methods have proven themselves well, improving microcirculation in the synovial membrane and periarticular tissues, stabilizing metabolic processes and slowing down destructive ones.
Electrophoresis with drugs prescribed by the attending physician. Plus, the use of laser therapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy - they relieve muscle spasm, reduce pain, increase lymph flow and increase functional activity and joint mobility.
"Structum" is a good drug for the treatment of joints. But its price is too high for the consumer. You can pick up a cheap analogue. "Struktum" (instruction for use confirms this) contains components that are part of many other drugs.
