Side effects | Chondroprotectives

Side effects

Injected chondroprotective drugs are now relatively low in side effects. Newer preparations are manufactured as pure substances, so that allergic reactions only occur in exceptional cases. Orally ingested preparations in capsule form cause preferred complaints in the gastrointestinal tract such as

  • Stomach aches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite

The costs of a therapy with chondroprotective drugs are not covered by statutory health insurance to date (2015) and must therefore be paid for by the patient.

This is due to the fact that no effectiveness of the therapy has been proven in studies to date. In a scientific study from 2010, 3800 patients were treated with placebos and chondroprotective drugs over a longer period of time. The chondroprotective agents showed no demonstrable benefit.

In the course of this study, it was also criticised that sales of such preparations have increased by more than 60% in the last 10 years. However, other scientific studies have been able to prove their effectiveness. According to these studies, knee function was improved and pain was reduced. As is often the case, the camps are therefore divided. However, one thing is certain: therapy with chondroprotective drugs is not a “miracle cure”, although in the initial stages an improvement in symptoms can be achieved in combination with rehabilitation or physiotherapy.

Indication

Theoretically, a hyaluronic acid therapy/treatment with chondor protectives can be carried out on any damaged joint and benefit accordingly. Due to the anatomical conditions, the knee joint and ankle joint is particularly suitable for this form of therapy, as it can be easily reached with an injection. The hip joint is difficult to hit without X-rays or ultrasound control, even by experienced doctors.

The most favourable method is therefore to inject the hip joint under ultrasound control. Every knee joint that has been altered by arthrosis can theoretically benefit from chondroprotective therapy. However, the success varies greatly from person to person (from none to very good results).

In general, success is more favourable in the early stages of arthrosis. Good efficacy is particularly evident in arthrosis stages 1 (I) and 2 (II).