In pharmacology, there are many medicines that are absolutely identical. Artra and Teraflex are analogs belonging to the class of chondroprotectors, which are most often prescribed for joint diseases. When using it, it is important to know which is better - Artra or Teraflex, what are the differences between these drugs, and which one should you choose?
What are chondroprotectors prescribed for?
Every day, many patients of different age groups seek help from specialists due to problems with the musculoskeletal system, in particular with joints. Joint pathologies for which therapy is needed:
- various kinds of arthritis, which are inflammation against the background of an infectious lesion;
- arthrosis, the so-called degenerative-dystrophic changes;
- bursitis - inflammation in the area of the synovial bags;
rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune process.
Mechanical damage and various kinds of herbs negatively affect the condition of the articular joints. Due to age-related changes, as well as factors such as hypothermia, infection in the body, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and even due to the intake of certain medications, more and more people are complaining about the occurrence of joint pathologies.
The main principle of therapy in such cases is the elimination of destructive and inflammatory processes in the joints, as well as the reduction of symptoms (pain, soft tissue spasm).
In this regard, for various pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, drugs are prescribed to restore cartilaginous tissues. To resume the flow of necessary trace elements into the cartilaginous structure and eliminate pathology, chondroprotectors are prescribed.
The most popular of these are Artra and Teraflex. Their main principle of action is focused on the restoration of cartilage fibers, which affects the improvement of the motor activity of the joints. These medicines are analogues and often patients ask themselves the question: which is better to choose - Artra or Teraflex? To answer this question, you must carefully study the instructions for each of them.
Video "Side effects of chondroprotectors"
An indicative video with explanations and analysis of the main side effects arising from the use of chondroprotectors.
Artra - features of the medication
The main action of this remedy is focused on the restoration of cartilaginous tissues and increasing their performance. Due to the complex effect on the problem, Artra has a slight analgesic effect and helps to eliminate spasms that occur during various pathologies.
The product is produced in two forms - capsules and tablets. Typically, the course of treatment is about six months. Depending on the prescription of the attending physician, the course may fluctuate, as well as the daily dosage.
Main components
The main component of Artra tablets is chondroitin sulfate, which contributes to a faster process of restoration of cartilaginous tissues, as well as the normalization of their work. In the course of treatment, chondroitin sulfate promotes the accelerated production of collagen, which has a positive effect on the process of immediate recovery.
The second irreplaceable substance in the Artra preparation is glucosamine hydrochloride. It is a component that improves the process of cartilage repair, as well as protects them from chemical attack. Since, often during intensive therapy of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, specialists prescribe medications that negatively affect the structure of cartilage fibers. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a kind of protection against such medicines.
Indications of the drug
The drug Artra is prescribed mainly for the treatment of a disease such as arthrosis of the joints. He is an effective fighter against this pathology, especially in its early stages.
More severe stages of arthrosis are unlikely to respond to treatment with this drug, since in such cases, surgery is usually prescribed to replace the affected joint, which is called arthroplasty. Also, Arthra's instructions indicate that the remedy is suitable for the treatment of various diseases of the joints and spine, in combination with other drugs aimed at eliminating pathology. To achieve the greatest effectiveness, it is necessary to study the contraindications to the drug.
Contraindications
Before you start taking Arthra, you should carefully read the list of contraindications so as not to harm your body. The main contraindications include:
- intolerance to any component contained in the drug;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children under 15 years of age.
With the above factors, you must refuse to take the drug, giving preference to another, safer remedy. It is necessary to take Artra with caution with such diagnoses as bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus and pathologies of the vascular system with possible bleeding.
Side effects
There may be minor disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system, expressed in diarrhea or, conversely, constipation, epigastrium. Along with this, a feeling of lightheadedness with dizziness is not excluded. Allergic reactions to chondroitin may also occur.
Teraflex - features of the drug
Unlike Arthra, Teraflex has several varieties:
- Teraflex in the form of gelatin capsules;
- Teraflex Advance - hard capsules that also contain ibuprofen;
- Teraflex M - produced in the form of a cream, has a local effect on the affected areas. Camphor and peppermint in the composition of the medication have an analgesic and warming effect.
Depending on the diagnosis and the degree of the lesion, a certain type of drug is prescribed.
Teraflex Advance and Teraflex are taken orally, acting on the problem through the body in a complex manner, and Teraflex M is applied directly to the affected area, complementing the effect of the tablets.
What does it consist of?
As already mentioned, Artra and Teraflex are analogs, therefore the main active components in them are absolutely identical. They also contain chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Depending on the type of drug, the dosage of the main components also varies. Theraflex Advance also includes ibuprofen, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The composition also contains auxiliary substances such as gelatin, stearic acid, and so on.
In the form of an ointment, the main components remain the same, and the composition is supplemented with substances such as camphor and peppermint oil. Thanks to these two components, there is a local irritating effect that helps to fight pain and discomfort during pathology. Aloe, alcohol and lanolin are used as auxiliary substances.
Indications for admission
All three forms are intended for the treatment and elimination of inflammatory processes in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. Usually, this medication is prescribed for such diseases:
- osteoarthritis of the joints (knee, pelvic and others);
- osteochondrosis of the spine and cervical osteochondrosis;
- mechanical damage to cartilage and joints, as well as bones;
- various kinds of periarthritis;
- for postoperative recovery.
Teraflex is highly effective for osteoarthritis of I-III degrees, with more severe forms of the disease, the drug will be ineffective. Like all drugs, this medication has a number of contraindications.
Contraindications to the medication
This drug is not prescribed in such cases:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- children under the age of 15;
- pathology of the kidneys and urinary system;
- with strong sensitivity to the substances contained in the composition.
Unlike the analogue of Arthra, this pharmacological product can be prescribed to patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma. However, taking pills, you need to monitor your condition, and at the first side effects, stop taking it and consult a specialist.
Side effects
The main substances present in the composition at the indicated dosage do not have a toxic effect on the human body. However, side effects such as diarrhea, pain in the epigastric region of the abdomen, and nausea are still possible. On the part of the immune system, allergic reactions cannot be ruled out. Also, possible side effects include:
- dizziness and fainting;
- headaches and migraines;
- feeling tired and sleepy.
In case of severe side reactions of the body, it is recommended to stop taking Teraflex and consult with your doctor about further therapy.
Admission rules
Depending on the selected medication and the daily dosage prescribed by the doctor, Artra and Teraflex are taken according to an approximate scheme:
- 1 tablet 2-3 times a day (as prescribed by a doctor);
- the tablets are taken with a moderate amount of water;
- on average, the course of treatment should not be less than two months.
After the completed course, a break is made for 2-3 months, and after a while the course of medication is repeated.
It is worth noting that both drugs are not a cure for acute pain. Therefore, pain relief may not be observed even after taking the pills for a week. These pharmacological agents are used for complex therapy and direct treatment, and not for the elimination of pronounced symptoms. If after 2-3 months no improvement is observed, then it is recommended to switch to another medication, after consulting with the attending physician, and undergoing a second course of examination.
Teraflex M ointment is applied 2-3 times a day to the affected area. Apply with massage movements until completely absorbed. On average, the course of treatment with Teraflex M is 4 to 5 weeks. There are no strict restrictions on the duration of the course; if necessary, it can be repeated after a short break. As a side effect, an allergic reaction on the skin may occur, and therefore it is necessary to stop using the ointment and rinse it off with warm water without thorough rubbing.
You can not use Teraflex M ointment on the affected skin, as this can provoke burns, itching and profuse irritation.
Summing up
Comparing the drugs, we can conclude that in fact they are identical. This is one group of medicines belonging to the class of chondroprotectors.
Here are some of the differences between these tools:
- manufacturer (Baer and MSM Forte);
- the number of tablets in the package;
- form of the drug (Artra - tablets, Teraflex - gelatin capsules, tablets with ibuprofen in the composition and local cream);
price.
Of course, the attending physician decides which drug to prescribe. However, there are times when the choice falls on the shoulders of the patient. In this case, it is necessary to build on the required form and dosage of the medication, as well as on the price policy.
Both products are sold over the counter. Stored in a place protected from sunlight. The maximum allowable storage temperature is 25 degrees. If these requirements are not met, the tablets are unusable.
Video "How to make chondroprotectors work?"
- For prevention, both arthra and teraflex are excellent
Pros: all in the review
Disadvantages: everything in the review
Good day to all readers of my review.
But there are a few nuances. Firstly, there is no 100% guarantee that this therapy will be effective for you, there is no proof that the drug is really as effective as advertisers write about it. And third, how long to take these drugs for a full recovery? All these nuances make it pointless to start treatment, as for me. For example, the manual advised me, after I finish breastfeeding, to drink the Teraflex complex. They say that during lactation, everything useful goes to the child, and your body and your resources need to be replenished somehow. So he advised me these drugs as analogues. But at that time I did not have any disease with the musculoskeletal system, except for the pinching of the sciatic nerve. I pinched him due to the draft. This has nothing to do with the fact that I have joint destruction or some problem with it. No, it was about the prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. And for prevention, I see the point in taking such complexes, since auxiliary building materials for bones are indicated in their composition. And if the bones become not as elastic and strong as in young people, either due to childbirth, or due to some damage, you should drink such complexes of drugs to strengthen bones and restore the functions of tissues of the whole body. Moreover, even prevention should be comprehensive. Some chondroitin alone will not help here! And then the question arises - what to choose, since they are already tuned in to treatment or prevention. What is better in terms of efficiency, price, composition - Artra or Teraflex? We will talk about this further.
Artra is a medicine that doctors like to prescribe. Because it
The first three weeks, the drug is taken often - three times a day, one tablet. Then the dosage is reduced to one tablet per day. And in this way, the course of treatment lasts six months. You will have to spend almost a fortune on this treatment, since the drug itself is one of the most expensive, and in one package at the price of 1,500 rubles there are only 60 tablets, and they will only last for 20 days. In general, for six months of treatment, my mother had to buy 6 packs of arthra and I won't say that she ran straight after such treatment. Her bouts of pain only slightly decreased, and became less frequent. And there was stiffness in the morning, there was a crunch in the knees. So arthra will not completely cure the joints, but will only provide a little help. And with advanced diseases of the musculoskeletal system, I do not see any reason at all to spend money on arthra, there will be no sense. 
I can say the same about teraflex. This is the same hondoprotector, only the name is different and additional components, and so - the action is the same. With an initial disease, something can still be improved, but when it is started, I see no reason to even start treatment with teraflex. My mother and mother-in-law drank more than one course of teraflex and arthra, as a result, the disease progressed and did not stop. 
So only as a preventive measure, I would recommend them. What's better? It makes no difference, but both drugs are quite expensive, or rather, more than one package is required for the course of treatment and prevention. Therefore, the price is rather big.
But for those who firmly believe in the miraculousness of drugs - arthra or teraflex, I am sure the drug will really help, the placebo effect will work, so one and the other medicine can help someone!
Both of these drugs are considered analogs of each other and are used for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Moreover, sometimes one of them has a better effect and does not cause such side effects as its counterpart. Do different sensations give reason to try to compare these drugs and determine which drug is better? Artra or Teraflex.
Compare the compositions
The drug Artra contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride - chondoprotective substances. The first of these components creates additional conditions for the formation of a healthy structure of cartilage tissue, stimulates the formation of hyaluron, and protects the cartilage from further destruction. Taking a medicine that contains this component allows you to reduce the doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in therapy, thereby reducing the risk of side reactions.
The second component protects cartilage tissue from chemical irritants, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, the use of a medicine with this component makes it possible to both relieve inflammation and protect cartilage from further destruction. The composition of each tablet is designed so that chondroprotective substances are contained here in equal amounts, 500 mg each.
The same chondroprotectors are contained in Teraflex, but in different proportions: glucosamine in one capsule is 500 mg, and chondroitin - 400 mg. This ratio creates the opportunity to create more conditions for the formation of healthy cartilage tissue and improve joint mobility. In addition, this drug is distinguished by a small amount of excipients. It includes: stearic acid, magnesium steart and manganese sulfate, and the Teraflex analog contains 6 more components.
Comparing the compositions of these drugs, you can also notice that Teraflex is produced in gelatin capsules, and this makes it possible to deliver substances directly to the destination. At the same time, the concentration of chondroitin in the body increases throughout the day, but it should be noted that both this drug and its analogue are able to achieve an optimal concentration not only in the joints and cartilage, but also in the kidneys and liver.
Treatment is prescribed taking into account the composition and characteristics of the patient's body. So, the use of Teraflex capsules is recommended for the first three weeks, 1 capsule 3 times a day, and then 1 capsule 2 times a day. The instruction for the drug Artra says that during the first three weeks, you should also take 1 tablet, but only 2 times a day, and then - no more than 1 tablet per day.
Despite the fact that both drugs contain the same chondroprotectors, the instruction says that taking Teraflex capsules gives the first results after three months of use, and in another case, only after six months. These properties are reflected in the cost of drugs: Teraflex has a higher price. Therefore, when deciding which drug is better, price can also matter.
Indications and contraindications for use
From the data that the instruction for Teraflex contains, it can be concluded that this drug is used in almost all diseases of the joints and spine, including various types of arthrosis. For example, in the reviews, effective treatment with Teraflex for second-degree arthrosis is noted, and at the same time the emphasis is placed on strict adherence to the therapeutic scheme prescribed by the doctor. If the treatment for arthrosis of 1-3 degrees is accompanied by a decrease in stress and is supplemented by physiotherapy procedures, then taking the medicine gives an effect that lasts, as stated in the reviews, for several months. Users also note that the treatment had to be repeated, since all chondroprotectors with their properties support the cartilage tissue, but it must recover on its own, and this takes time. Repeated admission can relieve pain for a period of up to two years, and the parallel use of physiotherapy procedures and correct food increases the period without relapse. 
The drug shows this feature not only in arthrosis, but also in other diseases of the joints and spine.
The instruction for the Artra drug indicates similar indications, and various diseases of the joints and spine are also noted here, but complex treatment is provided. Taking pills gives an effect in the initial stages of the disease, and this is stated in many reviews. At the later stages of the development of the disease, as you know, all chondroprotectors are ineffective, and if the cartilage has completely collapsed, then another treatment is recommended in the form of joint arthroplasty.
In order for the treatment to be beneficial, contraindications to the use of Teraflex or its analogue should be taken into account. Here you need to pay attention to the following problems:
- chronic renal failure;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- children under 15 years of age;
- hypersensitivity.
In addition, taking these drugs requires caution in diabetes, bleeding tendencies, and bronchial asthma.
Dona and other chondroprotectors
Treatment for diseases of the musculoskeletal system may include a drug such as Dona. Its main component is glucosamine sulfate, which is also called a building material necessary for the restoration of cartilage tissue, and therefore the drug helps to replenish glucosamine in the body. 
Don is used in almost all cases when the destruction of cartilage tissue occurs, and it can be osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis or another similar disease. Moreover, in therapy, Don is often used in two dosage forms at once, when the intake of a powder solution is combined with a course of injections, and, as testimonials indicate, this option works better. Don helps relieve pain, inflammation, stops the process of destruction of joint tissue, but, like all chondroprotectors, it has contraindications, including acute heart failure, women's pregnancy, lactation, children under 12 years of age. However, taking this medication can cause unpleasant side reactions such as constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tremors, heart problems, urticaria.
For joint diseases, other chondroprotectors are also used, which can be in the form of powder, tablets or capsules, injections, and external agents. For example, the reception of Structum or Chondroxide, injections of Elbon, Hondrolon, Adgelon, Noltrex or Alflutop is often prescribed. As practice shows, chondroprotectors, which are injected intramuscularly, give an effect faster than when representatives of this group are used internally, since in the first case, supplies are immediately replenished or the intra-articular fluid is completely replaced. Injections based on hyaluronic acid are made directly into large joints, and Ostenil, Synvisc, Synokrom, Fermatron are often used here, which work as a substitute for intra-articular fluid and at the same time as chondroprotectors. The course requires fewer injections, but treatment with them should be repeated six months later.
It is recommended to supplement the use of injections, taking capsules or tablets with ointments or gels, and this can be, for example, Chondroxide, Kondronova or Chondroitin, which relieve swelling and pain. Chondroxide gel and Chondroitin ointment contain the active substance chondroitin sodium sulfate, and the basis of KONDRONOV's ointment is glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These or other ointments work best when used in conjunction with physiotherapy treatments. However, even with the complex use of drugs that promote tissue restoration, we will not get a lightning effect, since cartilage and bone tissues are restored slowly. 
Which drug for external use is suitable depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, since they are all capable of causing allergic reactions. In addition, the ointment or gel should not be applied if the skin is damaged, with increased sensitivity to certain components, great care is required when using them during pregnancy, lactation and for children.
The problem of degenerative processes of the musculoskeletal system is one of the most common in the medical environment. Fortunately, there are such specific preparations for the regeneration of cartilage compounds, such as chondroprotectors... The most popular of them are Artra and Teraflex. What they have in common and what their differences are, everyone can find out below.
Artra: general description and composition
Artra is one of the most popular drugs available on the chondroprotective drug market. Its main purpose is to combat the degeneration of cartilage tissue.
The medicinal effect on the body is carried out thanks to a scientifically selected composition. The list of components of Arthra includes:
- Chondroitin sulfate.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride.
- Calcium sulfate.
- Microcrystalline cellulose.
- Stearic acid.
- Magnesium stearate.
Also in the composition there are additives that facilitate the absorption of the drug and its further absorption by the body. The dosage form in this case is tablets.
Properties of the drug and indications for use
Such a wide range of substances contained in the composition allows "to give a start" to the formation of cartilage matrix, as well as to protect ODA from free radicals.
The functions of the described tool are not limited to this. Artra also improves the quality of the synovial fluid in the joint capsule. In addition, the drug has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
These tablets are prescribed in the presence of severe osteoarthritis of the peripheral articular apparatus and the spine.
Contraindications
You can not use this medication if you have:
- Functional disorders of the kidneys.
- Liver failure.
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Diabetes mellitus.
The use of Artra is also contraindicated for children under 15 years of age.
Correct use of Arthra
The treatment regimen with this remedy is quite simple: the first three weeks of the course you need to drink 2 times a day, 1 tablet... After this period, the dosage is reduced to 1 tablet per day. The drug is taken with meals and washed down with plenty of water.
In no case should you allow the use of Artra to treat children. The general therapeutic course should not exceed 6 months.
General description and composition of the drug Teraflex
This agent also belongs to the "family" of chondroprotectors. This means that its composition serves the processes of regeneration of ODA cartilage compounds. Also, cartilage receives reliable protection from metabolic destruction. One Teraflex capsule contains:
- Glucosamine hydrochloride.
- Chondroitin sulfate.
- Manganese sulfate.
- Magnesium stearate.
The capsule shell is made of edible gelatin, which ensures good bioavailability of all components of the drug.
About properties and indications for use
Being the basis of the specified drug, glucosamine and chondroitin activate the course of regenerative processes in cartilage and synovial articular bags. Also, such a component tandem prevents chemical damage to the cartilage joints.
After the course of application, almost complete cartilage repair occurs, and the effect of elastase and hyaluronidase is suppressed. In addition, Teraflex has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
This drug is prescribed for such ailments as:
- Arthrosis.
- Osteoarthritis (at any stage).
- Osteochondrosis.
Contraindications
Treatment with Teraflex is strictly prohibited for persons under 15 years of age, as well as for women during the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding. With caution, this remedy should be taken if you have an intolerance to seafood. Other contraindications include:
- Renal pathology.
- Liver failure.
- Hypersensitivity to any component.
- Diabetes.
Correct use of Teraflex
The medication is used in a similar way as the above-named drug. So, the first three weeks are drunk 3 capsules per day after an equal period of time. After three weeks, the dosage is reduced - up to 2 capsules every 12 hours.
Reception is carried out regardless of food. The main thing is to drink the capsule with enough water. The minimum course of treatment cannot be shorter than six months.
The drug is also contraindicated in children and pregnant women.
If a dose adjustment or an additional course of treatment is required, it is imperative to consult with your doctor.
Artra and Teraflex: what is the difference between them?
Having almost identical composition and directions of exposure, the presented funds also have a number of differences. So, Artra contains the same amount of both chondroitin and glucosamine (500 mg each). At the same time, Teraflex contains 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin.
But taking Teraflex, you can forget about anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. After all, the substances that make up it effectively eliminate any inflammation.
Theraflex cost starts from 1500 rubles... Arthra will cost much less - 700-800 rubles.
The conditions for vacation in pharmacies also vary - Artru can be purchased over-the-counter, but Teraflex can hardly be bought without a permit.
The course of taking the first of the presented funds should be carried out no more than six months. treatment with Teraflex cannot last less than 12 months.
What is best for whom?
Artra is prescribed by doctors most often for the treatment of young patients and for those diagnoses where pain relief is at the forefront. At the same time, Teraflex is a more serious medicine and is taken for severe diseases of ODA, when the prolonged action of the medicine can contribute to the treatment.
If the patient has a tendency to allergies, then Teraflex is better to replace with Arthra, since during clinical trials this drug has shown itself to be neutral.
Treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, osteochondrosis is carried out in two stages. First, the symptoms of exacerbation are quickly eliminated: inflammation, swelling are removed, pain is relieved. Then the second, longer part of therapy begins - the restoration of articular and cartilaginous tissues. For this, chondroprotectors are used. This article provides an analysis of a couple of the most common remedies from this group and concludes that it is better to use Arthru or Teraflex in treatment.
There are two of the same ingredients in Teraflex and Arthra. It is thanks to these components that the preparations fulfill their main purpose - they restore the structure of the cartilage and the joint, return the person's physical activity. Here is a description of these substances:
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride - thanks to them, the body more actively produces synovial fluid, which serves as a shock absorber between the joints. Friction stops and the destruction process slows down. Also, glucosamine stimulates the regeneration of cartilage tissue, normalizes metabolic processes, improves immunity (this is important if the destruction of joints occurs or is accompanied by tissue infection). Teraflex and Artra tablets contain the same amount of glucosamine - 500 mg.
Chondroitin sulfate is a substance that prevents the destruction of bone tissue, improves the accumulation of calcium. In terms of the concentration of this component, Artra will be better, since one tablet contains 500 mg, and Teraflex - only 400 mg.
As for additional substances, the classic Teraflex, apart from glucosamine and chondroitin, has nothing else in its composition. There is a variation of this drug - Teraflex Advance, it contains ibuprofen (NSAIDs), which relieves inflammation and pain, but makes the drug unsuitable for a long course (it should be taken only 2-3 weeks).
Arthra's composition, in addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, includes sodium hyaluronate, which enhances the effect of the chondroprotector - thanks to the substance, the inter-articular fluid is better produced. Arthra also contains methylsulfonylmethane - this is not an NSAID, but it can also slightly reduce inflammation, which helps with exacerbation of arthritis or arthrosis. The downside is that both hyaluronate and methylsulfonylmethane cause allergies in many people - it is better for such patients to give preference to Teraflex, which will be slightly weaker, but will not cause an allergic reaction.
Artra is available in capsule and tablet form. Teraflex is made exclusively in capsules.
Artra is available in capsule and tablet form. Teraflex is made exclusively in capsules. Both drugs are packaged in white plastic vials and placed in cardboard boxes. Artra packs contain a different number of capsules: 30, 60, 100 or 120 pcs. Teraflex is sold in 60, 100 and 200 units. Since the course of the chondroprotector is long, it is better to buy large packages - it will come out more economically.
Differences in method of administration and doses
The chondroprotectors described in the article are indicated for the same diseases. According to the instructions, it is better to use them at stages 1 and 2:
- Osteochondrosis.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Spondylosis.
- Bursitis.
At stage 3 of the listed diseases, chondroprotectors will be less effective due to the too large area of joint damage. In this case, patients are usually assigned an endoprosthetics operation - replacing the destroyed area with an artificial analogue.
Capsules and tablets of chondroprotectors have different bioavailability: in the first case, 70% of the active substances are absorbed by the tissues, and in the second - only 15%. This explains the difference in the way the different forms of medication are administered. Here is a quick guide to using Artra and Teraflex:
- Artra tablets: drink 2 tablets in the morning and in the evening for 21 days. Then for 2-3 months (depending on the stage of the disease), take 1 tablet once a day.
- Artra capsules: drink 1 pc for 21 days. 3 times a day. Then for 2-3 months, take 1 capsule 2 times a day.
- Teraflex capsules: drink 2 for 3 weeks. 2 times a day. Then for 2-3 months, take 1 pc. 1 per day.
If a person has the 3rd stage of joint destruction, but the operation is contraindicated for him and he has to be treated with medications, then it is recommended to increase the course of treatment with Teraflex or Arthra to 6-7 months.
Compatibility: can it be taken together
On the forums, people ask if Teraflex can be taken at the same time as Arthra. This is prohibited, as it threatens with cases of overdose (the permissible concentration of glucosamine and chondroitin will be exceeded), which will cause the following side effects:
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Digestive upset.
It is forbidden to use Teraflex and Artra for children under 16 years of age.
By the way, it is important to remember that due to the similarity of the composition, Artra and Teraflex have the same contraindications. Chondroprotectors should not be taken if a person has:
- Allergy to components in the composition.
- Hepatic or renal impairment.
- Children's age - up to 16 years.
The use of Artra and Teraflex drugs during pregnancy and lactation is strictly prohibited. In case of blood clotting disorders, asthma, heart failure and diabetes mellitus, it is not forbidden to take chondroprotectors, but it is better to first consult with your doctor, since chondroprotectors can enhance the effect of drugs taken for these diseases.
Prices and analogues
Prices for Artru and Teraflex differ, but not significantly. The drugs can be bought at any pharmacy (including on the Internet) at the following cost:
- Artra tablets: 60 pcs. - 1650 rubles., 120 pcs. - 2240 rubles.
- Artra capsules: 30 pcs. - 980 rubles, 100 pcs. - 1890 rubles.
- Teraflex capsules: 60 pcs. - 1320 rubles., 100 pcs. - 1750 rub., 200 pcs. - 3370 rubles.
If for some reason it is not possible to buy Arthra or Teraflex for arthritis or arthrosis, then you should choose other chondroprotectors that contain glucosamine and chondroitin (at a dosage of at least 500 mg and 400 mg, respectively). For example, the full analogs of Teraflex and Artra are Kondronova, Artrophone, Artrocels. Also, the drugs Chondro, Don, Struktum, Adgenol have a similar effect. If there are difficulties with the independent selection of the remedy, then it is better to seek help from your orthopedist.
So, the article examined the features of the two most common chondroprotectors and revealed the difference between Teraflex and Arthra. By the principle of action, the drugs are the same, but the latter contains additional components that accelerate the process of joint recovery in diseases of the musculoskeletal system. True, you will have to pay for this difference (Artra is more expensive by 200-300 rubles). Otherwise, there are no differences between the drugs: they have the same indications, contraindications, method of application and duration of the course.
