Structum is a drug from the group of chondroprotectors due to its chondroitin sulfate. Its cost in Moscow starts from 1390 rubles per pack (60 capsules).
The dosage of the drug "Structum" is 500 mg. Analogs are cheaper 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.
Structum is highly effective in the complex treatment of osteoarthrosis and intervertebral osteochondrosis.
For most consumers, the only disadvantage of this drug is its high cost, a cheaper 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 in combinations of the main active substances.
Varieties of the drug
- Monocomponent drugs (according to the active substance are divided into glucosamine and chondroitin preparations).
- Integrated tools (differ in higher efficiency and long-term effect from application).
The main components and their action
MSM ( methyl sulfonylmethane, a sulfur-containing compound with high bioavailability). It has the following useful properties:
- sulfur is necessary to enhance the effect of taking glucosamine and chondroitin preparations;
- stimulates collagen synthesis;
- It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.
Glucosamine sulfate has the following effects:
- stimulates the synthesis, takes part in the synthesis of proteoglycans;
- helps to restore 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 is characterized in that:
- promotes the regeneration of cartilage 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 sulfoxide provides:
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- corrective effect on metabolic disorders in the affected joint;
- analgesic effect.
Diclofenac Sodium:
- reduces swelling and stiffness in the joint;
- It has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Diacerein It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with affinity for cartilage.
Hyaluronic Acid:
- improves metabolic processes in cartilage;
- is a component of the intercellular substance of cartilage.
Classification of analogue drugs by active ingredient
How to choose the cheapest analogue of Structum? 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.
- Mucosate - 250 mg.
- "Arthron Chondrex" - 750mg.
Intramuscular Solutions
Glucosamine preparations
- "Arthron Flex" - 750 mg.
- Glucosamine Sulfate - 750 mg.
- "Glucosamine" - 750 mg.
Combined glucosamine / chondroitin preparations
- Teraflex - 500/400 mg.
- Arthra - 500/500 mg.
- "Movex Comfort" - 500/400 mg.
- "Movex Active" - 500/400 mg + diclofenac 50 mg.
- "Chondroitin Complex" - 500/400 mg.
- "Arthron Complex" - 500/500 mg.
- "Arthron Triaktiv" - 500/400 mg + methylsulfonylmethane 250 mg.
- "Arthron Triaktiv Forte" - 500/400 mg + methylsulfonylmethane 300 mg.
- "Solgar Glucosamine Chondroitin Plus" - 500 mg + calcium ascorbate 140 mg.
- "Doppelherz Active Glucosamine + Chondroitin" - 750/100 mg.
Intramuscular solution
- "Don."
- Rumalon.
- "Artrodarin."
- "Diacerein".
- Movagain.
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
- "Arthrin".
- Chondroxide.
- Chondroitin Ointment.
- Chondroflex.
- Chondroart.
- Chondroitin.
- "Chondroitin-Fitofarm".
The cheapest analogue of Structum is Chondroitin, available in tablets and in the form of an ointment.
Features of chondroprotective therapy
The duration of the first course to achieve a lasting effect should be 4-6 months. It is recommended to undergo cyclic, supportive therapy (repeated doses throughout the year). With the right treatment, the effect lasts up to six months.
The anti-inflammatory effect of combined chondroprotectors is quite strong. The result of treatment manifests itself quickly, especially if you use a drug such as Structum. Analogs are cheaper, but in their effect they are practically inferior to nothing. Combined chondroprotectors work as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment of severe destructive processes of cartilage tissue requires the use of injectable drugs. After a course of intramuscular injection, a transition to tablet preparations is carried out. There are practically no side effects, usually easily tolerated by patients.
As a rule, chondroprotective therapy is life-long. In this case, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive drug. The cheap analogue of Structum is in no way inferior to the well-known medicine. During the period of taking the drugs, it is recommended to increase the use of water to 2-2.5 liters (this especially applies to the use of collagen and hyaluronic acid preparations).
An additional intake of vitamin C, sulfur, magnesium and selenium enhances the bioavailability of drugs and the effect of treatment. In severe bone tissue destruction (coxarthrosis, advanced osteoarthrosis), it is recommended to combine the use of chondroprotectors with medicines that affect osteogenesis, which have a high dosage of calcium and vitamin D3.
Where to buy Structum analogues? Cheaper in Moscow, but you can find the necessary medicine in any city.
Now the widest choice of agents, in which the active substances have a rapid analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Contraindications to taking chondroprotectors
They are as follows:
1. Pregnancy and lactation.
2. Allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
3. Pathology of the nervous system.
4. Gastrointestinal diseases.
5. Age to 12 years.
6. Ankylosis of the joints.
What else can help?
In the complex treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage lesions, physiotherapeutic methods have proven themselves that improve microcirculation in the synovial membrane and periarticular tissues, stabilize metabolic processes and slow down destructive ones.
Electrophoresis with drugs prescribed by your doctor. Plus, the use of laser therapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy - they relieve muscle spasm, reduce the pain effect, increase lymphatic drainage and increase the functional activity and mobility of the joint.
Structum is a good treatment for joints. But its price is too high for the consumer. You can choose a cheap analogue. "Structum" (instructions for use confirms this) contains components that are part of many other drugs.