There are supplements that claim to contain glucosamine sulfate, said to help treat the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), especially pain.
Studies, however, continue to back the true OA medication, which is the disease-modifying drug called crystalline glucosamine sulfate (CGS) or Viartril-S, manufactured by Rottapharm and exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Pharmalink. A double blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that glucosamine sulfate, given once a day at 1,500 mg, is able to slow down the progression of the disease process by preventing early wear and tear of the cartilage. After the treatment period of three years, patients treated with CGS enjoyed a significant improvement of their symptoms.
Two orthopedic surgeons – Dr. Jose Flordelis, founding chairman of the Cebu Orthopedic Institute, and Dr. Raul Grageda, former chief orthopedic surgeons of Veterans Memorial Medical Center – discussed the latest trends in the management of OA, particularly glucosamine sulfate and its promisinf efficiency for long-term treatment.
An orthopedic consultant practicing in Cebu City, Dr. Flordelis said that their institute serves as the orthopedic referral center for patients from the Visayas and Mindano regions.
"Osteoarthritis is a universal problem and its treatment is a never-ending challenge. The disease process comes with aging, regardless of your health condition. It’s also interesting to note that the disease has no difinitive treatment until now. Most of the therapeutic regimens are purely supportive," said Flordelis.
Total knee and hip replacement surgeries are usually advised for advanced cases of OA, but Dr. Flordelis acknowledge that not all patients are prepared for it, financially, psycologically or otherwise, medically. This is why they recommend other options, such as Rottapharm’s drugs Viartril-S (glucosamine sulfate) and Go-on (hyaluronic acid).
"It’s human nature for patients not to immediately go for surgery so we look for other options. Drugs like Viartril-S and Go-on come as an option with all the hope that they can delay the surgery for patients with OA," he added.
Dr. Flordelis also emphasized the importance of screening patients who would benefit from these drugs. "If the joints are badly damaged (advanced stage), then they should undergo surgery. However, if patients are in the early to moderate stage of OA, medications like hyaluronic acid (Go-on) and glucosamine sulfate (Viartril-S) should strongly be considered.
Dr. Grageda, chief orthopedic surgeon of Veterans Memorial Medical Center, is also actively involved in the treatment of elderly OA patients. He has proven the long-term efficacy of glucosamine sulfate in OA management for more than two decades. He then became an advocate for glucosamine sulfate in the form of Viartril-S, as a treatment not only symptomatically, but as a reparative medication for destroyed cartilage.
"We prescribe Viartril-S to patients who are in the early stage of the disease because they are ver amenable to treatment and respond better. But for those with advanced OA, it will be more difficult and sometiomes there would be failure, but the drug still has a positive effect for them because it takes care of the other joints," he said.
As for supplements purporting to contain the benefits of glucosamine sulfate, Dr. Grageda said, "Before taking any food supplements, it is best to consult your doctor and ask for a drug that has been tested and proven effective like Viartril-S by Rottapharm, which is synthesized to have pure quality crystalline glucosamine sulfate. You get exactly 1,500 mgs. As indicated on the label."
Crystalline glucosamine sulfate (Viartril-S), the only one of its kind for the treatment of osteoarthritis worldwide, is available in capsule and powder sachet. It is exclusively distributed by PL Asia Pacific (Phils) Inc., the licensed distributor of Rottapharm products in the Philippines.
Source: Philippine Star
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