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 drugs - chondroprotectors. The widely known Teraflex remedy also belongs to them. Its action helps stop destruction, reduce pain and restore cartilage functionality. But before using the drug, it is recommended that you read the instructions for use, price, reviews of "Teraflex". This will help to use the product correctly without harm to health.
Composition and form of release
The drug is made in the form of tablets capsules (30, 60, 90 pieces per pack) and ointments (packing of 28 and 56 g in a tube). In the first case, the medicine is a hard gelatin capsule, inside of which is a white powder. In the second case, the drug has a creamy gray-yellow consistency with a green tint. The ointment has a smell of dimethyl sulfoxide.
Regardless of the form of release, "Teraflex" contains two active components - chondroitin, glucosamine. This combination allows you to enhance the therapeutic effect of chondroprotector and makes it the most effective in this group of drugs.
On sale, you can also find another kind of Teraflex Advance tablets. 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 in case of joint damage. But the need to use this type of medication should be discussed with your doctor.
In addition to the main components, the drug contains additional substances that contribute to their distribution. Depending on the form of release, they may vary.
Additional components in capsules:
- povidone;
- gelatin;
- microcrystalline glucose;
- silicon dioxide and titanium;
- corn starch;
- crospovidone;
- stearic acid.
As part of the Teraflex ointment (the drug is used externally) auxiliary substances are:
- camphor;
- peppermint oil;
- petroleum jelly;
- aloe;
- cetyl alcohol;
- menthol;
- polyethylene glycol;
- dimethicone;
- methyl paraben;
- propyl paraben.
The price of the ointment is from 330 rubles for 26 g, capsules - from 1310 rubles for 60 pcs. The manufacturer of Teraflex is Contract Pharmaceutical Corporation (USA). The owner of the registration certificate in Russia is Bayer JSC (Moscow).
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
"Teraflex" stimulates regenerative processes in cartilage. This is 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 synovial fluid;
- inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage;
- relieves pain during motor activity and at rest;
- activates the production of hyaluronic acid at the cellular level, which in combination restores the turgor and structure of the cartilage tissue;
- prevents the premature death of chondrocytes;
- prevents the further spread of inflammatory mediators.
Glucosamine in Teraflex helps accelerate the formation of the cartilage matrix, preventing its damage by metabolic as well as chemical processes. In addition, this active component has an anti-inflammatory effect.
The activity of the "Teraflex" in case of inflammation of the cartilaginous tissue is in many respects similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But at the same time its therapeutic effect is slightly slowed down. The advantage of a chondroprojector is that it has far 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 exacerbation. But these funds do not prevent further thinning of the cartilage tissue and are not able to prevent further destruction. Therefore, it is important at the second stage of treatment to use Teraflex for 2-4 months, which will stop the degenerative changes.
To achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use a chondroprotector in several courses throughout the year.
The oral bioavailability of chondoitin is 15%, and when ointment is applied to the skin - 40%. Its maximum concentration in the blood plasma is recorded after 3-4 hours, and in the cartilage tissue - after 5 hours. The component is excreted in the urine for 10-12 hours.
The bioavailability of glucosamine is 25%. The substance penetrates the plasma, cartilage, liver and kidneys. Most of the substance is excreted in the urine and partially with feces. The half-life is 68-70 hours.
An additional component of ibuprofen, which is contained in the drug "Teraflex Advance", is characterized by rapid absorption into the blood. Its maximum concentration is fixed 1 hour after ingestion of the capsule. It is synthesized in the liver, and excreted through the kidneys. A decrease in the concentration of ibuprofen in the blood occurs within a few hours, and in the cartilage tissue the component persists for 24 hours.
What helps Teraflex?
Regardless of the form of release, the drug is used to treat degenerative changes in the 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 mobility of the joint;
- osteochondorosis, in which pathological changes occur in the intervertebral discs and cartilage;
- periarthritis of the brachial region, characterized by an inflammatory process of tendons and a capsule of the shoulder joint;
- fractures of bone tissue, cartilage;
- arthrosis of large joints;
- coxarthrosis, affecting the hip joints with their further destruction.
Contraindications
In order not to cause harm to health, the limitations of the use of this chondroprotector should be considered.
The absolute contraindications of the drug "Teraflex" include:
- hypersensitivity to the components that make up its composition;
- age less than 15 years;
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding;
- chronic renal failure.
A limitation to the use of an external ointment is the presence of an open wound in the affected area and an allergic reaction to the drug.
In case of using the drug with ibuprofen in the composition, the list of contraindications is more extensive.
In addition to the above conditions, it is forbidden to take Teraflex Advance:
- with bleeding disorders;
- peptic ulcer 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 side effects of Teraflex is 2%. But there are several categories of patients who should be wary of therapy using this medication.
Dosage adjustment is necessary for patients suffering from:
- hypertension
- heart failure;
- dysfunction of the endocrine system;
- tuberculosis
- coronary artery disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- gastritis.
In the presence of these pathologies, treatment should be carried out in agreement with the attending physician. Since only a specialist is able to determine the degree of risk to health, depending on individual characteristics.
Instructions for use of tablets
Reception of tablets "Teraflex" is carried out, regardless of food intake. But in order to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa, the capsule should be taken after meals with a sufficient amount of water. The medicine should be swallowed whole without destroying the upper shell.
The standard treatment regimen for adults and children over 15 years of age:
- from the 1st to the 21st day - 3 times a day for 1 tablet with a frequency of 6 hours;
- from the 28th and all subsequent days of the treatment course - twice a day after 8-10 hours
The 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. The duration of therapy is 3 weeks.
How to use ointment?
At the first signs of joint inflammation, it is recommended to use "Teraflex" in the form of an ointment. Its camphor helps increase blood flow, which improves metabolic processes in the affected area. And menthol anesthetizes and reduces the inflammatory process.
According to the instructions for use, it is necessary to apply the product with a strip of 1.5-3 cm of length directly to the area of inflammation. After this, it is recommended to rub it with light movements into the skin until completely absorbed. The regularity of use is 2-3 times a day.
The most effective is the use of Teraflex ointment for arthrosis of the knee joint and sports injuries. The duration of use is determined by the doctor.
Overdose and side effects
The likelihood of an overdose with this chondroprotector is minimal. So far, no such cases have been established.
But the manufacturer indicates in the annotation to the tool that with a long course of treatment, the likelihood of developing the following side effects of "Teraflex" is allowed:
- rash;
- nausea;
- vomiting
- sharp abdominal pain;
- slowing down the reaction;
- dizziness;
- lowering blood pressure;
- heart rate increase;
- drowsiness;
- feeling of thirst;
- swelling of the extremities;
- annoying itching.
If alarming symptoms appear, gastric lavage should be used if medication has been administered for 1 hour. Otherwise, you should drink absorbent.
When repeating the side effects of Teraflex, you should consult a doctor to replace this drug with another.
Drug Interactions and Alcohol Combination
It is not recommended to combine chondroprotector with alcohol, as this significantly increases the load on the liver and increases the likelihood of side effects.
"Teraflex", according to the instructions for use, interacts with other drugs:
- enhances the absorption of tetracyclines into the blood;
- reduces the activity of antibiotics included in the penicillin group;
- fully compatible with NSAIDs and glucocorticosteroids;
- enhances the effect of anticoagulants.
When using "Teraflex Advance" it 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, which differ at a more affordable price compared to the American drug.
The most common substitutes for this domestic-made 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, osteoarthrosis, arthritis.
- Chondroxide (495-515 rubles). Available in the form of ointment and gel for external use. The active components are chondroitin and dimethyl sulfoxide. It is used for osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis to slow the 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. The medicine allows to reduce the dosage of analgesics, as it has a moderate analgesic effect. You can not use the drug during gestation, lactation and before the age of 15 years.
Reviews
Despite the fact that the effectiveness of the drug "Teraflex" is confirmed by many experts, still the opinions on this tool are very controversial. Among them are many both positive and negative. This is due to the fact that this drug is able to bring maximum benefit with prolonged use without interruption in therapy. Many patients after removing 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 fully suitable and eliminates the problem, while for others it can be useless. Therefore, having studied the instructions for use, price, reviews about "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.