Structum: instructions for the drug, reviews, analogues

How does the drug affect the joints?

appearance of the drug Structum

Structum helps stimulate the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, normalize metabolic processes in fibrous and hyaline cartilage, and reduce degenerative processes in cartilage tissue.

Structum also reduces the loss of calcium by the body and bone resorption (resorption), accelerates the restoration of bone tissue. In addition, the drug reduces pain in the joints and improves their mobility. The therapeutic effect persists for quite a long time after the end of the course of therapy.

The drug is absorbed by the intestines by 70% and enters the joint tissue after 4-5 hours. The active substance (chondroitin) has the ability to accumulate in the intra-articular fluid. The drug is excreted by the kidneys.

Pharmacological properties of Structum

According to the instructions, Structum contains chondroitin sulfate as the main active ingredient. This is a complex mucopolysaccharide from the group of glycosaminoglycans, which is obtained by fermentation and deep purification from the tracheal cartilage of young chickens.

Unlike its analogues, Structum contains chondroitin with the highest degree of sulfate, which allows it to attract and retain the maximum possible amount of fluid in the cartilage. This improves the firmness and elasticity of the cartilage of the articular surfaces.

The structure of chondroitin in Structum is more similar to that of other chondroprotectors than that of other chondroprotectors. The drug is tropic to the synovial fluid of the joints, selectively accumulating in it. Structum contains chondroitin with the lowest molecular weight, so it penetrates the synovial membrane better than others, accumulating in it, nourishes and restores articular cartilage. Chondroitin is the basis for the construction of hyaluronic acid, which lubricates articular surfaces and reduces friction. Thanks to all the listed qualities, unlike its analogues, Structum has a faster and stronger healing effect. The drug slows down bone resorption, accelerates their healing, for example, during fractures, and reduces the loss of calcium by the body during osteoporosis. By maintaining the original thickness of the cartilage, the load on the joints is better absorbed.

The effect of using Structum does not occur immediately after the start of administration, but after a few weeks , chondroitin should have time to accumulate in the synovial fluid, and the metabolism in the osteochondral tissues does not occur so intensively. But after the end of the course of treatment, the positive effect of the drug on the joints lasts up to six months, on average as long as the drug is taken.

A positive effect has been noted when using Structum on ligaments - they become more resistant to compression and stretching.

Patients give good reviews about Structum because it significantly improves their quality of life - pain and discomfort in the joints and back, morning stiffness in the joints disappear or are significantly reduced, and the flexibility of the spine improves. All this allows you to reduce the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and painkillers and avoid many complications from them (ulcers and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, agranulocytosis, effects on the liver, kidneys and others).

When using Structum, a positive effect occurs on all joints of the body - large and small, in contrast to Structum's analogue - the drug Sinokrom, which is injected directly into the synovial cavity of one or several (mostly large) joints. Such manipulations cannot, for example, be carried out with many joints of the spinal column in case of spinal osteochondrosis. The effectiveness of the drug on all joints of the body has been proven in clinical trials. According to reviews, Structum is able to prevent the transition of degenerative processes in joints to more severe forms, reduce the risk of disability and delay the need for endoprosthetics surgery.

The pharmacodynamics of the drug have been well studied. Up to 70% of it is absorbed when taken orally, the maximum amount in the blood is detected after 3-4 hours, in the joint fluid after 4-5 hours. The drug has low bioavailability - only 13%, this is mainly due to the complex structure of the chondroitin molecule. Excretion from the body occurs through the urinary system. When indirect anticoagulants are used simultaneously with the drug, the effect of the latter is enhanced.

Release form, composition, purpose features

Structum is available in the following forms:

1) Blue gelatin capsules that contain 250 or 500 mg of chondroitin sulfate in the form of a light powder. One pack contains 60 capsules - 4 blisters containing 15 capsules each (250 mg) or 5 blisters each containing 12 capsules (500 mg, and the name of the drug in this case is Structum 500). There are packages of 30 and 100 capsules.

Please note: information on doses of the drug Structum is provided for informational purposes only! Do not self-medicate, this can lead to serious consequences for your health!

Structum is prescribed for children over 15 years of age and adults in the dose prescribed by the doctor twice a day for the first 3 weeks, later the dose of the drug is slightly reduced. [Drug dosage information has been removed.]

The medicine must be taken strictly in the doses prescribed by the doctor

Take Structum capsules orally with water. The initial course of treatment recommended by doctors is 6 months. After discontinuation of the drug, its therapeutic effect remains for 3-5 months. How long it lasts depends on the stage of the disease and the specific location of the affected joint.

2) Solution for intramuscular injection. Prescribed according to [information on drug doses removed], doubling the dosage if the drug is well tolerated, starting from 4 days. The therapeutic course is from 25 to 35 injections, a repeat one can be prescribed after six months.

In some cases, the drug is prescribed for patients with bleeding or a tendency to hemorrhage. This decision is made only by the attending physician, taking into account the degree of pathological changes in the joints and the general condition of the person. Typically, this use of the drug is carried out in a hospital. Self-medication is unacceptable!

Structum is dispensed and used exclusively according to a doctor’s prescription and his prescription.

Structum - instructions for use

According to the instructions for use, Structum capsules are taken twice a day, regardless of meals. The drug should be taken with a small amount of water. It is not recommended to violate the integrity of the capsule, as this may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the drug.

The therapeutic dose of Structum is 1000 mg per day. The course of treatment usually lasts at least 3-6 months. The effect after using the drug lasts about six months, after this time it is recommended to undergo a second course of therapy.

special instructions

There is no reliable knowledge about the effect of Structum on the fetus during pregnancy and on the child during breastfeeding, therefore it is not rational to recommend its use to pregnant and lactating women.

Taking the drug together with antiplatelet agents and other blood thinning drugs can lead to bleeding.

The effect of using Structum on the ability to drive and control machinery has not been studied, however, most likely, the drug does not reduce concentration and does not affect these processes in any way.

Side effects, contraindications and overdose

Side effects from Structum are not very pronounced and are quite rare:

nausea
vomit
epigastric pain;
bowel disorders - diarrhea or constipation;
hypersensitivity reactions to the components of the drug (rash, urticaria, Quincke's edema, etc.);

The instructions for capsules (not tablets!!!) of Structum indicate that the drug is contraindicated in the following situations:

presence of allergies to the ingredients of the drug;
thrombophlebitis;
presence of bleeding or tendency to it;
pregnancy;
lactation;
age up to 15 years.

Overdose is expressed in increased manifestation of side effects; there is no specific treatment. To provide medical care, symptomatic and detoxification therapy is used.

Analogues (substitutes) of medicines

replacement of a chondroprotector should only be carried out by a doctor

The drug Structum has a number of similar analogues in action - chondroprotective drugs, whose action is based on the work of the main component of the drug - chondroitin sulfate. these are drugs such as: Artron Chondrex, Mucosat, Struknotin, Chondroxide, Chondrolone, Chondroitin, Chondroflex, Arthrocels, and many others.

In addition, as approximate analogues of the drug Structum, we can name complex drugs that contain both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine (drugs Artra and Theraflex).

Natural preparations also have a good chondroprotective effect: concentrates of cartilage tissue of small marine fish (medicine Alflutop), animal cartilage (Rumalon), avocado and soybean oils (chondroprotector Piaskledin).

Analogues of the drug "Structum"

A drug with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective action is Structum. Instructions for use indicate that the medicine regulates metabolism in cartilage tissue and stimulates their regeneration. What Strutcum tablets help with can be found in the instructions.

Action of the medicine
Indications and contraindications for use
Release form of the drug. Mode of application
Efficiency
Prices and reviews
Analogs and reviews

Today, the problem of diseases of the musculoskeletal system has become urgent. Unfortunately, they affect not only older people, but also young people.

Therefore, new drugs are being developed to eliminate such problems. One such medicine is Structum.

Instructions for use, reviews and price are presented below.

Effect of the drug

Structum tablets belong to the group of chondroprotectors, that is, agents that protect cartilage and joints from destruction.

This effect occurs due to the content of the substance chondroitin sulfate in the drug, namely its main active component - sodium salt.

Another effect of the drug is the stimulation of the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for the normal viscosity of synovial fluid (and this fluid also has a direct effect on the condition of cartilage). There is also an antiseptic effect of chondroitin, which helps fight tissue inflammation.

In what cases is the medicine “Structum” indicated? It can help with some diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is worth listing some of them:

arthrosis (in particular primary);
osteoarthritis of large joints;
spinal osteoarthritis;
intervertebral osteochondrosis;
osteochondrosis of the joints;
other diseases of the joints and spine of a degenerative-dystrophic nature.

Now about contraindications. Here is their list:

phlebitis and thrombophlebitis;
pregnancy;
breastfeeding period;
age up to 15 years (there are no data on the use of the product by people in this age category);
bleeding of any nature and tendency to it;
hypersensitivity to some components and substances of the drug.

As for side effects, they occur in rare cases, but still occur.

Most often, those taking the drug experience digestive disorders: nausea, flatulence, sometimes diarrhea or, on the contrary, constipation.

If the patient is prone to allergic reactions, he may experience a rash or minor swelling. In all these cases, the drug should be stopped.

The drug is available in three dosage forms: in the form of blue capsules with a volume of 500 mg (“Structum 500”) and 250 mg (“Structum 250”), in the form of film-coated tablets, and also in the form of an injection solution.

How and in what doses should you take the drug? The attending physician should tell you about this after a thorough examination. But more often, doctors recommend taking 1 capsule of the drug (500 mg) twice a day. The use does not depend on food intake.

Prices and reviews

What is the price of Structum tablets? They cost about 1000 rubles (for 60 tablets of 500 mg each). Capsules have approximately the same cost (the quantities and volumes are the same).

As for ampoules with injection solution, they can be purchased for about the same price. You can buy the drug at any pharmacy, as well as order it online.

It is worth noting that prices may vary (within 100-200 rubles).

Larisa writes: “Since childhood, my posture was incorrect, so already in adulthood I encountered problems with my spine.

I went to see a doctor, he recommended Structum and a massage course. After 4 months I actually saw results. But it is not clear what exactly helped: the massage or the medicine.

I think a comprehensive approach played a role.”

And here is what Albina writes: “For a long time I have been suffering from osteochondrosis of the thoracic and cervical spine. The doctor recommended Structum. I took it for six months, but saw absolutely no results.”

Maria: “I have osteoarthritis of the hip joint, which really interferes with my life. What have I not tried! And then the doctor suggested trying to start taking Structum. I drank it for 5 months and realized that I was living a normal life.

Doctors are quite skeptical about the remedy, but it is still often prescribed as an additional therapy.

Analogues of the drug

There are some analogues of the drug "Structum". The first group also contains chondroitin sulfate as the main substance. These are drugs such as: “Chondrolone”, “Chondroxid”, “Chondroitin”, “Mukosat”, “Struknotin”, “Arthrocelsus” and others.

The second group of analogues contains not only chondroitin sulfate, but also glucosamine, which also has a positive effect on joints. Similar products include: “Teraflex”, “Arthra” and others.

And the third group of analogues contains natural components, namely concentrates of cartilage tissue of marine fish and animals, as well as soybean extracts. Let us list the following medications: “Aflutop”, “Piaskledin”, “Rumalon”.

Which is better: Structum or Teraflex? Even a doctor cannot answer such a question, since everything depends on the individual person, his illness and the body’s reaction to the components of the drug. So you can find out everything only through experience.

Good health to you!

Structum is a drug that improves the process of restoration of cartilage tissue and normalizes the metabolism occurring in it.

Chondroitine Sulfate Sodium.

Structum is a drug for the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Its action is aimed at regulating and restoring metabolic processes in cartilage tissue.

READ MORE: Calmirex - instructions for use

Reviews indicate that a course of treatment with the drug helps eliminate the symptoms of joint damage, as a result of which their functioning becomes better.

Let's look at how Structum works, what indications and contraindications exist for its use, as well as average prices.

Description

The drug is available in the form of capsules for oral administration. The active ingredient is chondroitin sulfate, and also contains auxiliary components.

Considering the quantitative content of the active component, Structum is available in two dosage options. These are gelatin capsules of 250 and 500 mg. They are blue in color on the outside and contain a white or creamy powder inside.

The drug has an effect on joints, and in particular on cartilage tissue. This influence lies in the fact that such a composition causes the following effects:

Stimulation of regeneration.
Anti-inflammatory effect.
Analgesic effect.
Chondrostimulation.
Reducing calcium loss.
Slowing down bone resorption and activating its restoration processes.
Reducing pain.
Increasing the mobility of the articular surfaces relative to each other and increasing the range of movements in them.
Suppression of interleukin-1beta, which has a negative effect on the structure of cartilage.
Activation of the production of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid.
Preventing compaction of cartilage tissue.

That is, as a result of metabolic transformations, Structum stimulates the formation and development of the main cells of cartilage tissue - chondrocytes.

The composition of the medicine promotes fluid retention. Thanks to this, the elasticity of the cartilage increases, and its shock-absorbing function is performed better.

This effect is confirmed by reviews.

However, the composition of the product affects not only cellular elements. The drug improves the formation of intercellular substance of cartilage tissue. Improved nutrition of cartilage is caused by stimulation of the formation of intra-articular fluid.

The instructions recommend using Structum in the following cases:

Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis.
Osteoporosis.
Traumatic damage to elements of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteochondrosis.
Spondylosis.

Contraindications include individual intolerance to the components included in the drug. Also, children under 15 years old should not take Structum.

This is due to the fact that no significant clinical studies have been conducted regarding its use in children.

It is worth noting that in childhood, joint diseases associated with degeneration of cartilage and articular surfaces can rarely occur, so there is no need to take this drug in children.

A similar situation is observed for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In this regard, it is not recommended for this category of patients to take the drug.

The instructions for use recommend taking Structum in a daily dose of 1 g. That is, if these are capsules with a dosage of 500 mg, then it would be optimal to take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. Reviews note that this method of use is quite convenient.

Precautions when taking Structum

With the simultaneous use of Structum and the use of fibrinolytics, antiplatelet agents and indirect anticoagulants, there is a possibility of enhancing the effect of the latter. In this case, more frequent and careful monitoring of blood coagulation parameters is necessary.

Studies on the interaction of the drug with dietary supplements have not been conducted, but it is advisable to carefully use Structum with drugs containing calcium and by-products that promote its absorption (such as vitamin D3).

Reviews of Structum, when studying the drug, indicate its effectiveness and appropriateness of use. And, although official comparative tests on the effectiveness of Structum in relation to other drugs with chondrostimulating effects have not been carried out, we can conclude that at the moment the drug is very competitive and effective among its analogues.

Dispensed from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.

Method of administration and duration of treatment

The drug must be taken orally 500 mg 2 times a day in the morning and evening, with a sufficient amount of water - Structum capsule 500 mg or 2 250 mg capsules at a time.

The duration of the first course of treatment with the drug is at least six months.

For a month, 60 capsules of Structum 500 mg or 120 capsules of 250 mg are enough.

The therapeutic effect lasts for a long time, so a repeat course should be discussed with your doctor. The manufacturer guarantees a therapeutic effect for 3-5 months after discontinuation, but in fact the period is determined individually according to the patient’s condition.