A modern sedentary lifestyle predicts future joint and spinal problems. Already, half of the people on the entire planet lack motor activity, which will certainly affect the state of bone health, and, by the way, of the whole organism. People are forced to take drugs at a young age to strengthen the cartilage of the joints. One such drug is Chondrogard. The instructions for using this medication are of interest to many, so we will consider it in more detail and find out all the pitfalls.
The composition and effect of the drug
The high molecular weight chondroitin sulfate mucopolysaccharide is the active substance of the Chondrogard drug. Instructions for use informs that this substance affects metabolic processes in the cartilage of joints, reducing degenerative changes and restoring cartilage tissue. This is due to the stimulation of the synthesis of proteoglycans, which are responsible for the formation of hyaline cartilage. The synovial membrane does not prevent the penetration of the drug to the site of the onset of degenerative-dystrophic disease.
After intramuscular injection, after 30 minutes the substance enters the bloodstream, and after 48 hours it completely penetrates the articular cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate accumulates in the synovial fluid, which helps to maintain a long therapeutic effect. Soreness and inactive mobility of the joints disappear within 2 weeks after the first injection of the drug "Chondrogard". Instructions for use promise that after 3 weeks of injection, all symptoms of synovitis will disappear.
Medication "Chondrogard" (injections). Instructions for use, dosage
Indications for the prescription of the drug are:
- peripheral osteoarthritis;
- intervertebral osteoarthrosis;
- intervertebral osteochondrosis.
The drug is available in only ampoules containing a solution for intravenous or intramuscular administration. Usually, Chondrogard injections are prescribed every other day at a dose of 100 mg. Enter the contents of the ampoule without dilution, slowly, gradually. If the medicine is well tolerated by the body, then the dose can be increased to 200 mg at a time, starting with 4-5 injections. The course of treatment of chondroitin sulfate is 25-30 injections. A second course of treatment can begin at least 6 months later.
Contraindications and other recommendations for drug treatment
Who does not want to prescribe Chondrogard? Instructions for use prohibit taking the medication by people suffering from thrombophlebitis, bleeding, hypersensitivity to the active substance. Also, injections are not given to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The medicine may cause some side effects, such as urticaria, pruritus, dermatitis, hemorrhage at the injection site. However, these phenomena are rare, since the drug does not have a strong systemic effect on other organs and tissues.
Joint use with blood thinners (anticoagulants, fibrinolytics) is highly not recommended, as their therapeutic effect may increase. It is best to do a blood coagulation test before starting a course of therapy.
The drug "Chondrogard." Instructions for use. Reviews
In most cases, when injecting, patients noted a fairly good effect literally after 10 injections: aching pain receded, motor activity of the affected joint was restored, inflammation decreased, and the patient's general well-being improved. None of the patients had an overdose of the drug; side effects are also rare. The big disadvantages people consider the high price of the drug and the fact that it is released only on prescription. This is what makes many look for cheaper analogues that can be purchased without a prescription.
Does Chondrogard have analogues?
This tool has a lot of substitutes, which are available in various dosage forms. The most common exact analogue can be called the medication "Mukosat." The active substance in it is also chondroitin sulfate, obtained from the trachea of cattle. Indications and contraindications for these two drugs are the same. The essential difference of the Mucosat drug is that it is available not only in ampoules, but also in tablets or capsules. At the price, the medication is only slightly inferior to the Hondrogard remedy, but it can be bought at the pharmacy without a prescription.
A popular analogue for the active substance can also be called the drug "Chondroxide". It is available only in tablets, which should be taken 2 times a day. Since the drug enters the digestive tract, side effects in the form of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be noted.
Chondrolone is a substitute, which is also used only as an injection. Other forms, for example, ointments or tablets, do not exist. Before performing injections with this drug, it is necessary to dilute the solution in the ampoule. Usually one ampoule is mixed with 1 ml of water for injection.
Chondrogard substitutes also include the preparations “Artradol”, “Structum”, “Kartilag Vitrum”.
Are analogs just as good?
If we talk about substitutes that have the same composition with the medicine "Chondrogard", then we can say that they differ only in name and manufacturer. The higher cost of the drug does not indicate its best effect. Sometimes even the cheapest counterpart helps faster. Still, do not forget that only a doctor, based on the characteristics of your body, can prescribe and pick up medications for you. This is also true for substitutes for the main drug.
As for medicines similar in terms of the therapeutic effect (Alflutop, Ibuprofen, Chondramin), they are not able to restore cartilage tissue. These drugs have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and do not eliminate the cause of the disease.