Can I buy a replacement Structum on the same prescription?

To @Krystyna K.:

The information you received at the pharmacy is partially true, but it requires some clarification and clarification.

Structum and Cartexan are not typical biological drugs in the sense of modern biotechnological therapies. Rather, these are preparations containing natural substances of animal origin.

Structum contains sulfate chondroitin of avian origin (most commonly from turkey trachea), while Cartexan contains sulfate chondroitin of bovine origin (most commonly from bovine cartilage). Both substances are used to treat osteoarthritis.

When it comes to saying that a lower dose does not mean a weaker effect, or perhaps quite the opposite, this is a simplification that can be misleading. It cannot be generalized that a lower dose always works the same or better.

For chondroitin-containing drugs (such as Structum and Cartexan), efficacy may depend on a number of factors, including the source of chondroitin, its purity, and bioavailability. Differences in origin (avian vs. bovine) can affect efficacy, but there is no conclusive evidence that one source is always better than another.

In conclusion, although Structum and Cartexan differ in origin, it cannot be conclusively stated that a lower dose of one will work better than a higher dose of the other. The effectiveness of therapy depends on many factors and should be assessed individually for each patient by the attending physician.

To @Anna Lewandowska
I also received formations in the pharmacy that these are biological drugs of completely different origin: Structum ptasi and Cartexan bovine and that in the case of such drugs, a lower dose does not mean a weaker effect, but perhaps quite the opposite. Is this true?

Up to @Ania N:

A dietary supplement will not be as effective as a drug. Drugs must go through a rigorous registration process, including clinical trials confirming their effectiveness and safety. Dietary supplements are treated as food and are not subject to such strict controls. In the case of a prescription issued by a doctor, you should not replace the prescribed drug with a dietary supplement yourself. Such a change requires consultation with a doctor.

We wrote more about it here:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/czym-roznia-sie-leki-od-suplementow

The replacement of Structum with Cartexan is similar. Both preparations are prescription drugs, contain the same active ingredient - chondroitin sodium sulfate and have similar indications in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Note, however, that Cartexan contains a lower dose of chondroitin, i.e. 400mg, while Structum contains 500mg. Such a change in therapy should also be consulted with the attending physician.

If you are not able to make a face-to-face visit, I attach a link to the online teleconsultation:
https://www.gdziepolek.pl/telekonsultacja/z-ortopeda

And will the supplement be as effective as the drug? A doctor usually prescribes a drug, can I buy Cartexan with the same prescription? I saw in your information that it is also a drug and a substitute for Structum?