TOP 19 analogues of the drug Teraflex: list of inexpensive substitutes for joints

Teraflex is a drug belonging to the group of chondroprotectors. The active ingredients of the drug are glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. Available in capsule form for oral administration. Thanks to its composition, Teraflex promotes the restoration of cartilage tissue, minimizes the risk of cartilage damage and its further destruction. The drug stimulates the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans. Indications for prescribing Teraflex are symptoms of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. These include:

• stiffness of movements;
• pain in the joints;
• limited mobility;
• swelling in the area of ​​the affected joint;
• crunch.

The medicine should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation, under the age of 15 years, with individual intolerance to the components of the drug and the presence of severe renal failure. Selection of the dosage, frequency of administration of the drug, as well as the duration of the course of treatment is made on an individual basis. On average, you need to take 1-2 capsules 3 times a day for 3-6 months. The cost of the drug depends on the region of residence. The price varies from 500 to 1300 rubles. depending on the number of capsules in the package.

Treatment of degenerative diseases of cartilage tissue

Pain in the back and joints - especially after 40 years - can be signs of serious illnesses. Osteochondrosis affects intervertebral discs, osteoarthritis affects joints; in all cases, the patient’s quality of life gradually deteriorates, and unpleasant symptoms do not go away for a long time.

In such conditions, Theraflex is often prescribed as a support: the medicine has a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, protects cartilage and stimulates its restoration, thereby increasing the effectiveness of other treatments. The product is expensive, and the course of taking it is long; Often for this reason, patients think about replacing the drug with analogues. Among the wishes there is often a desire to buy domestically produced medicine.

Features of Teraflex

Before moving on to analogues, for clarity, it is worth paying attention to Teraflex itself and noting the features that help it remain prescribed. The first thing that catches your eye is the ease of taking the capsules; They are sold in packs of 30, 60, 100, 120 or 200 pieces. Thanks to this, the patient can compare his budget with the remaining course of treatment and make a reserve.

For the first 3 weeks, take 1 capsule three times a day, and then switch to twice a day for 3-6 months.

The product is well tolerated. From time to time, patients experience headaches, sleep and digestion problems, as well as allergy attacks and leg pain. If the gastrointestinal tract reacts poorly to the dose, the dosage is halved; if there is no effect from this measure, the drug is discontinued. Sometimes capsules cause tachycardia.

The small number of side effects also reduces contraindications. First of all, the ban on treatment concerns children under 15 years of age and pregnant women: little is known about the effect of active substances on their bodies. Other contraindications include:

• severe renal failure;
• hypersensitivity to components;
• breastfeeding the baby.

In case of heart failure and bronchial asthma, the patient’s condition must be monitored. Diabetes mellitus requires glucose control. You should also take this medicine with caution if you are allergic to seafood.

Vitanorm plus

Vitanorm plus is a natural plant complex. The supplement contains:

• dandelion;
• burdock;
• ginger;
• alfalfa.

In addition, Vitanorm contains iodine, inulin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, sulfur, boron, copper, chromium, vitamins A, D, C, E, group B, fatty oils, acid glycerides. This composition allows the use of a bioactive additive for various conditions. Vitanorm relieves pain in the joints, reduces the severity of inflammation in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and normalizes blood circulation. The dietary supplement increases the body's protective functions and has an antioxidant effect. Included in the treatment of arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, and consequences of injuries. Available in capsule form. Take 1 capsule 2 times a day. The natural composition of Vitanorm ensures its safety.

General information about analogues

All products that can replace Teraflex contain either chondroitin sulfate or glucosamine. Often both of them are combined, and in some cases additional substances are added to the medicines: from an anesthetic to a complex of vitamins and minerals. Chondroitin sulfate is a natural component of cartilage, so it slows down its destruction and speeds up recovery; the substance improves the exchange of calcium and phosphorus, inhibits the activity of enzymes that damage cartilage and, thanks to all this, gradually improves joint mobility. Glucosamine affects metabolism, accelerates the formation of synovial fluid in the joint, improves its nutrition and restores function.

Indications for the use of such agents include osteochondrosis, osteoarthritis and recovery from injury. The properties of the compounds make it possible to use them to prevent the destruction of cartilage tissue and fractures. In all these cases, medications are used in combination with others.

Like Teraflex, most of the substitutes offer a choice of packaging of different capacities, so the table shows average prices without depending on the number of units in the pack. In some cases, medications come in capsule form, but they can also come in tablets, powders, and ointments for external use. In addition to medications, Teraflex can also be replaced with dietary supplements.

Additional forms of Teraflex

Teraflex itself cannot do without other dosage forms and compositions. Teraflex Advance capsules additionally contain ibuprofen: the substance relieves pain and fever, and also serves as an anti-inflammatory. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride enhance the analgesic effect; Thanks to a combination of several actions, the capsules quickly relieve pain and generally work more effectively than the original capsules.

Teraflex chondrocream forte is a cream based on sodium chondroitin sulfate and meloxicam. The first component works for recovery, and meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that serves as one of the painkillers. The cream is used as part of complex therapy, rubbing into the skin over the affected joint 2-3 times a day. The substances are absorbed slowly enough to have a therapeutic effect with a minimum of undesirable consequences, but the cream should not be applied to wounds. Avoid getting the product into the eyes.

Prices for the drug and main analogues?

Teraflex analogues are in different price categories, and their cost directly depends on the country of manufacture. Foreign generics can cost even more than Teraflex, while Russian medications are several times cheaper.

Dona is a drug with a simple composition

One of the substitutes for Teraflex can be Dona. Of the active ingredients in its composition, only glucosamine is listed. Many drugs, such as Dona or Theraflex, contain this substance, which is best remembered when comparing them. In terms of composition, the one-component product is inferior; However, Dona has a choice of dosage forms and some cost-effectiveness on her side.

• The tablets are taken twice a day after meals, washed down with one glass of water.
• Powder for preparing a solution for oral administration is absorbed faster. The contents of the sachet are drunk once a day after dissolving in 200 ml of water.
• The solution for intramuscular administration has the best bioavailability of all dosage forms. You can inject it less often: 3 times a week for 3-4 weeks. Sometimes injections are combined with powder ingestion.

In all cases, Dona is easily tolerated and can only cause digestive problems and allergic reactions. Lidocaine in solution for intramuscular administration can lead to nausea, headache, tremor, numbness of the tongue and cardiac conduction disturbances.

The effect of taking the drug Dona is noticeable from the second or third week, and the minimum treatment is continued for 1.5-2 months.

The drug is approved for use earlier than Teraflex: from 12 years of age. Otherwise, the contraindications are similar. A solution with lidocaine should not be injected in cases of acute heart failure, liver failure, or in case of a history of seizures.

Contraindications

Before you start taking it, it is important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications, which include:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;

• serious problems with the liver and kidneys;

• bronchial asthma, nasal polyposis, diseases of the paranasal sinuses;

• hemophilia, hyperkalemia and hemorrhagic diathesis.

It is also necessary to take into account individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Persons with heart failure, arterial hypertension, gastritis, enteritis and other diseases can use Teraflex only after consulting a specialist and additional research. It is worth remembering that the drug should not be taken by persons under 15 years of age. Theraflex Advance is contraindicated under 18 years of age.

Special Recommendations

The use of Theraflex may have side effects. If the patient feels that the condition has not improved after using this drug, the drug should be discontinued. After discontinuation of the drug, the side effects disappear.

Theraflex and chronic diseases

Diabetics should take Theraflex with caution. If your doctor has given you permission to use Theraflex, you should always keep your glucose levels under close monitoring. Patients with heart failure, bronchial asthma and kidney problems should be wary of taking this drug and, at the first sign of edema, stop taking it and consult a specialist for discontinuation.

Teraflex and alcohol

Ethyl alcohol increases blood flow in the kidneys, so the active substance will be excreted at an accelerated pace, without having time to have a therapeutic effect.

It is strongly recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol during treatment with the drug. People who have ulcers and erosions in the digestive tract should be especially attentive to this warning.

Arthra is an analogue of Teraflex

Arthra tablets contain the same chondroitin and glucosamine, but the difference lies in the dosage: the content of the second component is higher here. Tablets are sold in bottles of 30, 60, 100 or 120 pieces.

It is believed that Teraflex capsules are more reliable, since they are not destroyed in the stomach and transport the drug directly to the intestines. Due to their similar composition, both drugs are used in similar cases, have the same contraindications and are well tolerated. Artra is taken less frequently and is therefore more convenient for the patient; however, the course of treatment itself is longer.

For the first 3 weeks, take the medicine 1 tablet twice a day, then switch to 1 tablet a day for at least six months.

Sometimes enhanced formulas of the drugs Artra or Teraflex are prescribed, which more effectively helps relieve the symptoms of the disease. The anesthetic component in the drug Artra MSM forte is methylsulfonylmethane, which is part of connective tissue proteins and hormones. The drug also contains a natural component of joint fluid - hyaluronic acid. The more complex composition of this medicine and its complex action give it an advantage over Teraflex Advance.

Popular Russian-made substitutes

Russian Teraflex substitutes are much cheaper than the original product, but relieve pain in joints, bones and muscles with the same effectiveness as Teraflex.

Menovazin

The Russian medication Menovazin based on menthol, procaine and benzocaine is an antipruritic medication with a selective and cooling effect. The use of the drug causes reflex changes in skin receptors, affects the surface of the epidermis and deep inside the arterial membranes, producing an anesthetic effect.

Menovazine is prescribed for:

• neuralgia of various etiologies;
• myalgia and arthralgia;
• dermatoses, which are accompanied by severe itching.

Menovazin is not used in therapy in these situations:

• allergy to a medication;
• impaired skin integrity;
• patients under 12 years of age.

Menovazin should be prescribed with caution to women who are breastfeeding and during pregnancy.

Menovazin is applied locally to the site of the pathology 2-3 times a day and rubbed with light massage movements. This drug is intended for topical use, applied to the surface of the skin with the exception of places where the integrity of the skin is compromised. To achieve an analgesic effect, it should be applied 2-3 times a day. The drug can be used in monotherapy, as well as in combination treatment. Menovazine rarely shows side symptoms, but sometimes patients complained of the following signs of negative effects:

• skin allergies in the form of hives, redness and rash;
• irritation and swelling at the site of application of the medicine.

Chondroxide

Most often, Chondroxide is used in the treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, as well as joints of peripheral organs. You need to apply the gel or ointment 2-3 times a day for 14-90 days. The duration of the treatment course is prescribed by the doctor.

Tablets are used in the treatment of degenerative pathologies of the spine, as well as small and large joints.

Prescribed with great caution during pregnancy and lactation. It is recommended to suspend lactation at the time of therapy.

The tablets are intended to be taken orally, without being tied to meals. Dosage – 500 mg (1 tablet) twice a day. Duration of taking tablets is up to 6 months.

If Chondroxide is taken in therapeutic dosages, then there are no negative effects at all.

Elbona

Elbona is a chondroprotector with anti-inflammatory properties and analgesic effect based on glucosamine sodium chloride sulfate. Elbona is prescribed for joints with the following diseases:

• osteoarthritis and spondyloarthrosis;
• osteoarthritis and coxoarthrosis.

It is prohibited to prescribe for:

• personal drug intolerance;
• cardiac pathologies and phenylketonuria;
• history of seizures;
• severe pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
• GW and pregnancy.

Elbona therapy can be carried out with restrictions in the following cases:

• hypotension and myocardial failure;
• asthma of bronchial etiology;
• diabetes mellitus

The solution is administered intramuscularly (intravenous administration is prohibited). To prepare the solution, mix 2 components A + B. 3 times a week you need to administer 3 ml. Therapy can last 1-1.5 months.

Among the adverse reactions to Elbona are:

• nausea, diarrhea, bloating and vomiting;
• headache, tongue numbness and dizziness;
• disorientation and hallucinations;
• tremor of the limbs;
• arrhythmia;
• anaphylactic shock.

Structum - a product with chondroitin

Another imported substitute could be Structum: sodium chondroitin sulfate capsules. They are available in dosages of 250 and 500 mg; while the larger dosage is sold in 60, 80, 100, 120, 140 or 200 capsules per package. The patient can choose the right number of capsules depending on how long he needs to continue treatment.

Structum is inferior in composition, but also helps joints become more mobile as part of complex therapy and when performing physical exercises. Its side effects and contraindications do not differ from those of drugs with chondroitin.

Structum is not prescribed for children under 15 years of age; Patients with a tendency to bleed should also be careful. The first course of treatment lasts six months, and during it the patient must take 1 g of the drug daily (500 mg twice a day). Take the capsules with water. The effect after stopping use lasts up to 5 months, depending on the severity of the disease. The treatment can be repeated in the future.

Chondrogard

Chondroguard belongs to the pharmacological group of chondroprotectors. The drug has a regenerating, chondrostimulating effect. Available in the form of a solution for intramuscular administration. The active component of the drug is chondroitin sulfate. Chondroguard is prescribed in the presence of symptoms of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine and joints, as well as during the recovery period after fractures. The drug helps accelerate the formation of callus. The dosage, frequency of administration and duration of treatment are selected individually. On average, therapy takes about 1 month. The cost of 1 package of Chondrogard is 700-1000 rubles. depending on the volume of ampoules and their quantity. For the full course you will need 3 packs. This allows us to consider the drug not the most budget-friendly among chondroprotectors.

Domestic substitutes

The long course of treatment required by Teraflex and its analogues causes serious damage to patients’ wallets. Fortunately, Russian manufacturers often produce cheap products with a similar composition. Among them there are dietary supplements and medications.

The simplest of these medications is Glucosamine; the product is ideal for those who want to find something with an effect similar to Teraflex, but cheaper (less than 1000 rubles). It is available in the form of 750 mg tablets or powder, one sachet of which contains 1.5 g of the active substance with the same name. The composition of this product is close to Don's drug, but costs less. Take 1 packet of powder or 2 tablets per day, and the recommended course is 1.5 months. Like other drugs with similar effects, Glucosamine works best when the course of treatment is repeated periodically. The interval between courses is 2 months.

The same substance contains an injection solution called Elbona: the concentration is 200 mg/ml, and 6 ampoules will cost 1,440 rubles. Injections of sodium chondroitin sulfate are also possible with the help of Artradol. The average price of 10 ampoules with it is 760 rubles.

Biologically active additives

In search of an analogue of Theraflex for joints that is cheap and effective, you can pay attention to food supplements. Thus, Glucosamine-Maximum becomes even more beneficial for the wallet. In one tablet, the dietary supplement contains 750 mg of glucosamine hydrochloride and 250 mg of chondroitin sulfate: the ratio of substances differs from Teraflex, but the effect of the tablets is generally similar. One pack contains 30 or 60 tablets; it is recommended to take 1 tablet per day.

Glucosamine-Maximum can be taken for pain in the spine, as well as for pain, inflammation or stiffness of the joints.

More components are contained in Glucosamine-maximum Advance 1500 powder.

This supplement promises comprehensive support for the body during illness; in addition to large dosages of glucosamine hydrochloride (1.5 g) and chondroitin sulfate (1.2 g), vitamins and microelements are included in the composition. Among them:

• ascorbic acid - stimulates collagen synthesis, reduces inflammation, strengthens capillaries;
• hyaluronic acid and collagen are natural components of cartilage tissue; hyaluronic acid is present in synovial fluid;
• quercetin;
• manganese;
• selenium.

One pack contains 14 sachets. Before use, the contents of the sachet are diluted in water at room temperature and drunk once a day with meals. The packaging is designed for one full course of administration.

Chondroxide

Chondroxide in the form of a gel or ointment can be used instead of Teraflex when it comes to topical application. It contains sodium chondroitin sulfate, and among the excipients is dimethyl sulfoxide. Due to the latter, the active substance is quickly absorbed and selectively penetrates into the joint. The result is a decrease in pain and inflammation, as well as a slowdown in the rate of disease progression.

The ointment cannot become the only drug for the treatment of diseased joints, however, the analgesic effect reduces the dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs for oral administration. Apply the product 2 or 3 times a day to the skin over the sore spot, rubbing until completely absorbed; if Chondroxide is chosen in gel form, rubbing should be accompanied by patting. The course of treatment ranges from a couple of weeks to 3 months; The gel is used longer.

Sometimes the ointment causes allergies, and you should not allow it to penetrate the wounds. Pregnant women and children should be treated with Chondroxide with caution, although there are no direct contraindications. A stronger version of the same product is Chondroxide Maximum cream, one gram of which contains 80 mg of active substance - about a third more than simple Chondroxide. Also called Chondroxide are sodium chondroitin sulfate solution for intramuscular administration and 250 mg tablets. All of them are produced in Russia and cost around 1000 rubles.

Popular substitutes in ointment/cream form

Among the Teraflex analogues there are also medications that are produced in the dosage form of an ointment/cream for application to the skin in the affected area. The therapeutic effect of these analogues is similar to Teraflex.

Artiflex

The drug contains the following active ingredients: glucosamine hydrochloride, ibuprofen and allantoin. Artiflex has the following properties on the body:

• analgesic and antioxidant;
• chondroprotective and membrane stabilizing;
• antiphlogistic and antiexudative.

Artiflex cream is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:

• arthropathy and osteochondrosis of the back;
• osteoarthritis and diseases of the articular system, which are accompanied by swelling.

For kidney pathologies, the drug is prescribed with great caution and under the supervision of a doctor. Do not use Artiflex in the following situations:

• allergy to the composition of the cream;
• dermatoses and weeping eczema;
• asthma;
• up to 12 years;
• trophic open wounds;
• lactation and pregnancy.

The cream is applied twice or thrice a day locally to the areas of the disease. It is necessary to rub the cream into the skin for 2-3 minutes. Therapy can last 2-3 weeks.

The body's reactions to the use of cream in therapy:

• the digestive organs react with the following symptoms - severe nausea ending with vomiting, constipation, flatulence and diarrhea, epigastric and abdominal pain;
• skin allergies - hives, redness and itching at the site of application of the medicine;
• Signs of a negative effect of the drug in the genitourinary organs may appear - urinary retention.

Vipratox

Vipratox is a medication for topical use and has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the human bone, joint and muscle systems. The medicine nourishes tissues affected by trophic disease. Included:

• viper venom extract;
• synthetic analogue of camphor;
• fir emulsion;
• salicylic acid;
• sodium chloride.

The ointment is used to treat pathologies of bone and muscle tissue, which are accompanied by severe pain:

• rheumatism and sciatica;
• neuralgia and myalgia;
• lumbago and arthralgia;
• radiculitis and osteochondrosis.

Do not use ointment for the following reasons:

• hypersensitivity;
• pregnancy (1st and 3rd trimester);
• age up to 12 years;
• lactation.

Vipraktox is used only for application to the skin - apply 5-10 ml of cream to the site of inflammation and slowly rub in. The procedure should be carried out 2-3 times a day. It is important to avoid getting the cream on mucous membranes and open wounds. For children over 12 years of age, the dosage should be halved and not used more than 2 times a day, in order to avoid the development of allergies. The duration of application is determined personally by the doctor, based on the pathology and the degree of its progression.

Side symptoms are observed infrequently, only 2-3% of patients report skin irritation and itching at the sites of application. Also, at the site where the cream gets on the epidermis, a rash and redness may appear.

Chondroitin ointment

Chondroitin ointment is a medication based on chondroitin sulfate that relieves inflammation and also has a chondroprotective effect. The ointment is prescribed for patients with joint and muscle pain, as well as for degenerative damage to the bones of the spine - osteoporosis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis of the spine.

Do not prescribe ointment if the patient:

• hypersensitivity to the constituent agents;
• age under 12 years;
• acute form of inflammation at the site of application.

The ointment is prescribed with caution to women during pregnancy, patients with thrombophlebitis and a predisposition to subcutaneous bleeding.

The area where the ointment is applied must be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and dried. Apply the ointment in a thin layer (on average 1-3 cm) and slowly rub into the area of ​​inflammation. Carry out the procedure for applying the ointment every 8 hours, and after removing severe symptoms - after 12 hours. The average duration of a medication course is up to 3 weeks.

Chondroitin ointment, when used in therapeutic dosages, does not cause side symptoms, only sometimes the patient may feel a burning sensation after application.

Diclofenac

Diclofenac is manufactured in various forms with the main ingredient diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac ointment or gel is used to treat the following pathologies:

• degenerative changes in bone and muscle tissue;
• inflammatory processes in the musculoskeletal system;
• painful symptoms of rheumatic and non-rheumatic etiology;
• joint pain and pain in muscle fibers;
• post-traumatic inflammatory processes and pain after a dislocation, sprain or bruise;
• arthritis and spondyloarthritis;
• bursitis and tendovaginitis;
• osteochondrosis and osteoarthrosis;
• sciatica and lumbago.

Diclofenac is not used if you are allergic to its composition, as well as in children under 6 years of age and if the integrity of the skin is compromised - wounds, burns.

You should take the ointment with caution in the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy (it is strictly prohibited in the 3rd trimester), during the lactation period and in case of kidney dysfunction.

For children twice a day, and for adults 3-4 procedures per day - apply a thin layer of ointment to the source of pain. A single dosage should be within 2 mg. The minimum course of therapy is 2 weeks, after which you need to consult a doctor.

Side effects:

• formation of eczema and papules on the body;
• dermatitis, peeling and vesicles;
• skin redness and swelling;
• rash, bronchospasms and urticaria.

Artiflex

This product is not always cheap, but it is suitable as a replacement. Medicines with this name differ not only in forms of use, but also in composition. All of them are aimed at accelerating joint regeneration and combating the symptoms of the disease.

• Artiflex is a powder that works due to glucosamine. Take it once a day, dissolving the contents of the sachet in a glass of warm water.
• Artiflex chondro is an injection solution with chondroitin sodium sulfate. Injections are given every other day, 1 ml each and the dose is increased to 2 ml if the medicine is well tolerated.

• Artiflex plus is a film-coated tablet, similar in composition to Teraflex. They contain sodium sulfates of both chondroitin and glucosamine; Treatment begins with 3 tablets per day and goes to 1 tablet per day.
• Artiflex Ultra is a capsule containing ibuprofen as an additional active ingredient. As in similar products, the addition of a new component is designed to reduce pain from lesions of cartilage tissue. Dosage per dose: 2 capsules 3 times a day.

Courses of treatment for each type also take considerable time and can be repeated. You need to take Artiflex Ultra for the shortest possible time. Treatment should not exceed 20 days.

Chondrolone

Chondrolone is one of the chondroprotectors. The drug stimulates regenerative processes in cartilage tissue. The active ingredient in the drug is chondroitin sulfate. Available in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of solution and gel for external use. The main indications for prescribing Chondrolon are degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The course of treatment takes on average 6 months. The cost of the drug is 750-1000 rubles. for a month of use.

Cheap domestic analogue

Most of the Teraflex substitutes are produced abroad, and even in this case, not all of them fully replicate its composition. If you want to replace the medicine with any other, it is more effective to choose the drug Artra; if intramuscular administration is needed, the choice can be made with products called Dona or the Artiflex variety.

Among domestic products, the composition of the analogue in terms of active ingredients is more fully replicated in the dietary supplement Glucosamine Maximum - a cheap substitute. It is filled with beneficial compounds by Glucosamine Maximum Advance, which has a complex effect due to microelements and vitamins. Among the medications, you can choose Glucosamine for oral administration or Chondroxide for external use. According to indications, they can even be used in combination, which will bring the resulting effect closer to Teraflex treatment. Domestic manufacturers also produce forms with better bioavailability: Elbona or Artradol are optimal for injections.