How do certain medications contribute to weight gain. What are the alternatives for managing medication-induced weight gain. Which common drugs are most likely to affect body weight. How can patients work with their doctors to minimize weight-related side effects.

Steroids and Their Impact on Body Weight

Steroids are a class of medications prescribed for various conditions, ranging from skin diseases to blood disorders and arthritis. However, they are notorious for their potential to cause weight gain. Dr. Agarwal, a medical expert, explains that steroids can lead to a “perfect storm” for weight gain due to their side effects:

• Insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Water retention

Dr. Hall, another medical professional, notes that approximately 75% of patients who take prednisone, a common prescription steroid, for an extended period experience weight gain.

Are all steroid formulations equally problematic?

While oral steroids are the primary concern, other forms of steroid medications have varying effects on weight:

• Steroid nasal sprays (e.g., Flonase)
• Inhaled steroids
• Suppository steroids
• Topical steroids

Dr. Kumar clarifies that these localized steroid treatments are not directly associated with the same weight gain concerns as oral steroids since they are not system-wide drugs. However, he adds that “they can still cause weight gain with high usage, but less than oral steroids.”

Managing Steroid-Induced Weight Gain

To minimize the risk of weight gain while on steroid medication, consider the following strategies:

1. Consult your doctor about the shortest, most effective dose possible.
2. Prioritize good sleep habits to combat steroid-induced insomnia.
3. Avoid screen time a couple of hours before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
4. Monitor your appetite and practice mindful eating.

Antidepressants and Weight Fluctuations

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are among the medications most commonly associated with weight gain. Popular SSRIs include:

• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Paxil

Dr. Agarwal explains the mechanism behind SSRI-related weight gain: “SSRIs work by blocking a receptor in the brain that reabsorbs serotonin, which makes more of this ‘feel-good’ chemical available to send messages between nerve cells. While that has a positive effect on mood, it also can affect appetite.”

How do SSRIs influence eating habits?

The primary way SSRIs contribute to weight gain is by increasing cravings for carbohydrates. As many forms of carbs are calorically dense, this can lead to an overall increase in calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.

Alternatives to Weight Gain-Inducing Antidepressants

If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking antidepressants, discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. Dr. Agarwal suggests bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) as a potential alternative that may have less impact on weight for many patients.

Antipsychotics and Their Effect on Body Weight

Antipsychotic medications, used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and psychosis, are known to cause weight gain in nearly all cases. Common antipsychotics associated with weight gain include:

• Olanzapine
• Clozapine
• Risperidone

A 2017 study published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment highlighted the significant impact of these medications on body weight. Patients often experience rapid weight gain in the first few weeks of treatment, with the potential for continued weight increase over the long term, sometimes lasting for years.

What causes weight gain in antipsychotic medications?

Researchers believe that the effect these drugs have on certain chemical receptors can disrupt a patient’s appetite control and metabolism, leading to weight gain. The complex interplay between the medication’s intended effects and its impact on metabolic processes contributes to this side effect.

Identifying and Managing Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain

To address weight gain associated with antipsychotic medications, consider the following steps:

1. Monitor weight changes closely, especially in the first month of treatment.
2. If you notice a 5% increase in weight after one month, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
3. Consider working with a therapist to manage symptoms through cognitive behavioral therapy.
4. Consult a dietitian to help manage lifestyle changes and dietary habits.

Birth Control and Its Impact on Body Weight

Certain contraceptives have been associated with weight gain, with some forms having a more significant impact than others. Dr. Agarwal identifies the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) as one of the primary culprits in contraceptive-related weight gain.

Why does the birth control shot cause weight gain?

The Depo-Provera shot contains a high dose of the hormone progesterone, which can increase appetite. This increase in appetite may lead to higher calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.

Do all forms of birth control cause weight gain?

While some forms of birth control may lead to weight gain, others may have minimal impact. Dr. Agarwal notes that weight gain associated with other contraceptives is often due to water retention rather than fat accumulation.

Alternatives to Weight Gain-Inducing Contraceptives

If you’re concerned about weight gain related to birth control, consider discussing the following options with your healthcare provider:

• Low-dose estrogen pills
• Hormone-free IUDs

Dr. Agarwal advises giving a new method one full cycle before discussing alternatives with your gynecologist if you notice unwanted weight gain.

Blood Pressure Medications and Weight Management

Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure and prevent migraines can contribute to weight gain. Two classes of drugs commonly associated with this side effect are:

• Beta blockers
• Angiotensin-receptor blockers

Dr. Agarwal notes that these medications typically cause a five- to seven-pound weight gain in patients. A 2016 study published in the journal Cell Reports found that angiotensin-receptor blockers can slow down metabolism and potentially contribute to obesity.

Why are these medications prescribed if they cause weight gain?

Dr. Agarwal explains that these medications are often prescribed when first-line treatments, such as diuretics, prove ineffective in managing high blood pressure. The benefits of controlling blood pressure may outweigh the potential for weight gain in many cases.

Managing Weight While on Blood Pressure Medications

If you’re taking beta blockers or angiotensin-receptor blockers for high blood pressure, consider the following strategies to manage your weight:

1. Focus on a plant-based, whole-food diet.
2. Engage in regular physical activity.
3. Monitor portion sizes and overall calorie intake.
4. Stay hydrated to help manage water retention.
5. Consult with a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Strategies for Mitigating Medication-Induced Weight Gain

While medication-induced weight gain can be challenging to manage, there are several strategies patients can employ to minimize its impact:

Open Communication with Healthcare Providers

Maintaining an open dialogue with your doctor about weight concerns is crucial. Consider the following discussion points:

• Express your concerns about potential weight gain.
• Ask about alternative medications with fewer weight-related side effects.
• Discuss the possibility of adjusting dosages to minimize side effects.
• Inquire about complementary treatments or lifestyle changes to support weight management.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help counteract medication-induced weight gain:

1. Follow a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
2. Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
3. Practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
4. Prioritize sleep hygiene to support overall health and metabolism.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustment

Keeping track of your weight and overall health can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions:

• Weigh yourself regularly and record the results.
• Keep a food and activity journal to identify patterns.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to assess your medication’s effectiveness and side effects.
• Be prepared to discuss alternative treatments if weight gain becomes significant or impacts your quality of life.

The Role of Nutrition in Managing Medication Side Effects

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in mitigating the weight-related side effects of various medications. By focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, patients can better manage their weight and overall health while on necessary medications.

Key Nutritional Strategies

Consider implementing the following nutritional approaches to support weight management:

• Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods in your diet.
• Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars.
• Incorporate healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
• Practice portion control to manage overall calorie intake.

Tailoring Your Diet to Specific Medications

Different medications may require specific dietary considerations:

1. For steroid-induced appetite increases, focus on low-calorie, high-volume foods to promote satiety.
2. If taking SSRIs, be mindful of carbohydrate cravings and choose complex carbs when possible.
3. For those on beta blockers, reduce sodium intake to help manage fluid retention.
4. With birth control-related water retention, ensure adequate hydration and consider natural diuretic foods.

By tailoring your nutritional approach to your specific medication regimen, you can better manage potential weight gain and support your overall health.

Exercise and Physical Activity: Combating Medication-Induced Weight Gain

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool in managing weight gain associated with various medications. Exercise not only helps burn calories but also improves metabolism, mood, and overall health.

Benefits of Exercise for Medication Users

Engaging in regular physical activity can provide numerous benefits for those taking weight gain-inducing medications:

• Increased calorie expenditure to offset potential weight gain
• Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
• Enhanced mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Better sleep quality, which can help manage medication side effects
• Increased muscle mass, which boosts overall metabolism

Tailoring Exercise to Your Medication Regimen

Consider the following exercise strategies based on your specific medication:

1. For those on steroids, focus on weight-bearing exercises to support bone health.
2. If taking antidepressants, incorporate mood-boosting activities like group fitness classes or outdoor exercises.
3. For blood pressure medications, include a mix of cardio and strength training to support cardiovascular health.
4. With antipsychotic medications, start slowly and gradually increase intensity to build a sustainable routine.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen, especially when taking medications that may affect your physical capabilities or health status.

8 Medications That Cause Weight Gain and What to Do About It

Steroids

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The key with this class of medications—which can be prescribed for skin diseases to blood disorders to arthritis—is to be on them for the shortest time possible to treat your condition, says Dr. Agarwal. “These medications tend to cause insomnia, increased appetite, and water retention,” she says—a perfect storm for weight gain. Dr. Hall adds that, in her experience, around 75 percent of patients who take prednisone (a common prescription steroid) for an extended period of time gain weight.

Many people also question the use of steroid nasal sprays, like Flonase (as well as other inhaled, suppository, or topical steroids). These are not directly associated with the same weight gain concerns as oral steroids, since they are not system-wide drugs. “They can still cause weight gain with high usage, but less than oral steroids,” Dr. Kumar says.

What to do: Ask your doctor to put you on the shortest, most effective dose you can take, says Dr. Agarwal. And while you’re taking a steroid, do what you can to prioritize good sleep (for example, avoid screen time a couple of hours before bedtime) so you have the best shot at sidestepping steroid-induced insomnia, which can prompt a big boost in your appetite.

Antidepressants

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Dr. Agarwal says selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil—are some of the biggest weight-gain offenders. Why? SSRIs work by blocking a receptor in the brain that reabsorbs serotonin, which makes more of this “feel-good” chemical available to send messages between nerve cells. While that has a positive effect on mood, it also can affect appetite. “What we find is that these drugs can really increase cravings for carbohydrates,” Dr. Agarwal says. And since many forms of carbs are calorically-dense, weight gain naturally follows.

What to do: Talk to your doctor about going on an antidepressant that’s known to cause the least amount of weight gain. Dr. Agarwal says bupropion (brand name, Wellbutrin) is a good option for many patients.

Antipsychotics

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Nearly all types of antipsychotic medications—such as olanzapine, clozapine, and risperidone—cause weight gain, according to 2017 research published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, which are used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis. And while patients will see pounds increase rapidly in the first few weeks after starting their meds, weight gain may continue for the long term—sometimes even years. Similar to antidepressants, the researchers believe the impact these drugs have on certain chemical receptors can mess with a patient’s appetite control and metabolism.

What to do: If you notice a 5% uptick in your weight after taking an antipsychotic medication for a month, that’s a good predictor that the drug could cause significant weight gain long-term, the researchers note. In this case, it’s best to work with your doctor to switch your meds. He or she can also recommend a therapist who can help you manage symptoms through cognitive behavioral therapy or a dietitian to help you manage certain lifestyle changes.

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Birth control

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Some contraceptives have been shown to cause weight gain, and Dr. Agarwal says the birth control shot (Depo-Provera) is chief among them. “Thanks to the dose of the hormone progesterone, it can increase appetite,” she says. Other forms of birth control can also cause weight gain, though this is often due to water retention, she says.

What to do: There are a plethora of options when it comes to birth control, says Dr. Agarwal. “Oftentimes, my patients find that low-dose estrogen pills or IUDs that don’t have hormones have no effect on their weight.” If you’re trying a new method, Dr. Agarwal suggests giving it one cycle and then talking to your gynecologist about another option if you’re noticing unwanted weight gain.

Beta blockers and angiotensin-receptor blockers

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These blood pressure and migraine-prevention medications are known to cause a five- to seven-pound weight gain, says Dr. Agarwal. In fact, one 2016 study published in the journal Cell Reports found that angiotensin-receptor blockers can cause your metabolism to become sluggish and may contribute to obesity.

What to do: “Typically, the first line of treatment for high blood pressure is a diuretic, so if you’ve been prescribed one of these medications, it’s probably because the diuretic didn’t work,” says Dr. Agarwal. If you’re on one of these prescription medications for high blood pressure, you may not have many other options for treating your condition, so it’s especially important to stay on top of the proven lifestyle tweaks that stave off weight gain, says Dr. Hall. “Eat a plant-based, low-sugar diet and get plenty of exercise and sleep,” she adds. Taking these steps can go a long way toward countering any potential weight gain these meds can cause.

Antihistamines

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If you pop an antihistamine every day to avoid allergies (whether they be seasonal or due to your pet), here’s reason to think twice: Research shows that chronic exposure to these over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications may cause weight gain—particularly in women. “While we don’t know why, exactly, this happens, we think it’s because blocking histamine production in the body can make us feel hungrier,” says Dr. Agarwal.

What to do: First, do what you can to avoid too much exposure to seasonal allergens in the first place, like brushing or wiping down your pet after walks, keeping windows closed, and washing your clothes right after you spend time outdoors. Of course, they can’t always be avoided, so Dr. Agarwal also recommends spot-treating your symptoms if it makes sense for you. “A lot of people take a pill when all they need is a nasal spray for their congestion,” she says. “Why give the entire body medicine when only one small part needs it?” Be sure to touch base with your allergist before making any major changes, though.

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Migraine-prevention medications

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There are a variety of medications given for migraine headache prevention, says Dr. Agarwal, and many of them cause weight gain (tricyclic antidepressants, along with antiseizure meds and blood pressure medications are the biggest culprits).

What to do: If you have such severe migraines that you require daily medication, ask your doctor if you might be able to take an as-needed alternative, says Dr. Agarwal. “However, if you do this, it’s even more important to figure out your triggers and steer clear of them completely,” she says. For example, if you know red wine can set off a bad migraine, cut it out of your diet. “Sure, it can be tough to make these lifestyle changes, but the upside is that you’re treating the root cause of the problem,” adds Dr. Hall.

Diabetes medications

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Certain medicines used to control diabetes—such as insulin, pioglitazone, and glipizide—can have weight gain as a side effect. But this is pretty normal, especially if you’re already experiencing weight issues. Glucose is better able to enter your cells after you take insulin (meaning the treatment is working), and when you eat more calories than you need, your body will take in excess glucose and turn it into fat.

What to do: The first step in any effective diabetes treatment plan is adjusting your caloric intake and revamping your exercise routine, per the Cleveland Clinic. But if that doesn’t seem to be keeping the scale in check, talk to your doctor about trying another type of insulin or diabetes medication. For instance, metformin (an oral drug) can be taken on its own or alongside insulin to keep your weight in a healthy place.

Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic

Tylenol and Weight gain, a phase IV clinical study of FDA data

Weight gain is found among people who take Tylenol, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month.

The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Tylenol and have Weight gain. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 185,254 people who have side effects when taking Tylenol from the FDA, and is updated regularly. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions.

Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. With medical big data and AI algorithms, eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV trials and makes the results available to the public. Our original studies have been referenced on 600+ medical publications including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature.

On Apr, 13, 2023

185,254 people reported to have side effects when taking Tylenol.
Among them, 6,152 people (3.32%) have Weight gain.

What is Tylenol?

Tylenol has active ingredients of acetaminophen. It is often used in pain. eHealthMe is studying from 189,583 Tylenol users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more.

What is Weight gain?

Weight gain is found to be associated with 3,944 drugs and 3,845 conditions by eHealthMe.

Number of Tylenol and Weight gain reports submitted per year:

Time on Tylenol when people have Weight gain *:

Click here to view

Gender of people who have Weight gain when taking Tylenol*:

Click here to view

Age of people who have Weight gain when taking Tylenol *:

Click here to view

Common drugs people take besides Tylenol *:

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Common side effects people have besides Weight gain *:

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Common conditions people have *:

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* Approximation only. Some reports may have incomplete information.

Do you take Tylenol and have Weight gain?

Check whether Weight gain is associated with a drug or a condition

How to use the study?

You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood.

Related publications that referenced our studies

• Eslami Shahrbabaki M, Nasirian M, Eslami Shahrbabaki P, “Extreme Weight Gain due to Short-term Use of Low-dose Propranolol”, Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2015 Jan .

Related studies

How severe was Weight gain and when was it recovered:

• Weight gain in Tylenol

Expand to all the drugs that have ingredients of

acetaminophen:

• Weight gain and drugs with ingredients of acetaminophen (9,029 reports)

Alternative drugs to, pros and cons of Tylenol:

• Tylenol (189,583 reports)

Common Tylenol side effects:

• Fatigue (feeling of tiredness): 19,344 reports
• Drug ineffective: 18,707 reports
• Pain: 16,419 reports
• Headache (pain in head): 15,040 reports
• Diarrhea: 13,399 reports
• Breathing difficulty: 12,950 reports
• Joint pain: 11,757 reports
• Weakness: 11,540 reports

Browse all side effects of Tylenol:

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Weight gain treatments and more:

• Weight gain (238,319 reports)

COVID vaccines that are related to Weight gain:

• Weight gain in Moderna COVID Vaccine
• Weight gain in Pfizer BioNTech Covid Vaccine
• Weight gain in Johnson and Johnson Covid Vaccine

Common drugs associated with Weight gain:

• Prednisone: 18,993 reports
• Lyrica: 12,245 reports
• Methotrexate: 11,836 reports
• Risperdal: 9,118 reports
• Aspirin: 8,715 reports
• Humira: 8,227 reports
• Metformin: 7,862 reports
• Synthroid: 7,760 reports
• Enbrel: 6,641 reports
• Abilify: 6,390 reports

All the drugs that are associated with Weight gain:

• Weight gain (3,944 drugs)

Common conditions associated with Weight gain:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: 16,063 reports
• Depression: 10,701 reports
• High blood pressure: 8,581 reports
• Pain: 7,919 reports
• Crohn’s disease: 7,365 reports
• Multiple sclerosis: 6,565 reports
• Birth control: 6,336 reports

All the conditions that are associated with Weight gain:

• Weight gain (3,845 conditions)

How the study uses the data?

The study uses data from the FDA. It is based on acetaminophen (the active ingredients of Tylenol) and Tylenol (the brand name). Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. generic drugs) are not considered. Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study.

Who is eHealthMe?

With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API).

WARNING, DISCLAIMER, USE FOR PUBLICATION

WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe. com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk.

If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date.

Recent studies on eHealthMe:

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Paracetamol overdose – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment recommended dose.

At initial presentation, patients are often asymptomatic or have only mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Left untreated, paracetamol poisoning can cause varying degrees of liver damage within 2 to 4 days of ingestion, including fulminant liver failure.

Rarely, with a significant overdose, coma and severe metabolic acidosis may initially occur. The manifestation of coma can also occur as a result of an overdose when taking paracetamol and opioids in combination or with an overdose of several drugs.

Among patients who received acetylcysteine ​​within 8 hours after an acute overdose of paracetamol, hepatotoxicity is extremely rare. The effectiveness of acetylcysteine ​​decreases after the first 8 hours after an acute overdose of paracetamol with a corresponding stepwise increase in hepatotoxicity with an increase in treatment delay from 8 to 16 hours.

Definition

The recommended adult dose of paracetamol is 4 g (or 75 mg/kg) for 24 hours. Any ingestion exceeding this dose is considered an overdose. However, when taking <75 mg/kg of paracetamol over a 24-hour period, toxicity is highly unlikely.

A single acute overdose is defined as an ingestion of >4 g (or >75 mg/kg) for <1 hour, usually in the context of self-harm. Toxbase Opens in new window

A persistent small overdose is the ingestion of several doses of paracetamol over a period of >1 hour, usually with the intent to harm oneself.
Toxbase
Opens in new window The Commission for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHM) no longer designates permanent mild overdose in mg/kg/day.

Paracetamol repetitive therapeutic overuse (supertherapeutic paracetamol use) means taking too much paracetamol for the purpose of treating pain and fever (i.e., with no intention of harming oneself). This may happen by accident or on purpose.

The National Toxicology Information Service in the UK recommends that the following be taken into account for purposes of calculating potentially toxic doses:
Toxbase
Opens in new window

1. For pregnant women, the toxic dose is calculated based on pre-pregnancy weight.

2. For patients weighing >110 kg, the toxic dose must be calculated using the maximum value of 110 kg instead of the patient’s actual weight.

The definition of hepatotoxicity after paracetamol overdose is a serum AST concentration of at least 1000 IU/L.

Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in some countries.

History and examination

Key diagnostic factors

• attempted self-harm
• repeated use of over-the-counter analgesics for pain relief
• asymptomatic
• nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• muscle pain or tension abdomen in the right upper quadrant
• jaundice
• confusion, low level of consciousness and/or asterixis

More key diagnostic factors

Risk factors

• history of self-harm
• history of frequent or repeated use of drugs to relieve pain
• glutathione deficiency 9004 0
• drugs that induce liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 inducers )

More risk factors

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Diagnostic testing

Primary testing

• serum paracetamol
• serum AST and ALT
• arterial pH and lactate
• urine wines and electrolytes or kidney function tests
• prothrombin serum time and INR

More studies that show up first

Studies to consider

• serum salicylate level
• urinalysis for drugs

More tests to consider

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Al treatment regimen

Acute

acute single overdose

oral paracetamol staging

repeated therapeutic paracetamol overdose: in case of signs of hepatotoxicity

repeated paracetamol therapeutic overdose: in the absence of signs of hepatotoxicity

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Authors

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Orthokine therapy | ORTHOKINE®

Find out the cost of the procedure

Orthokine – Therapy ORTHOKINE® has been used by orthopedists since the end of the last century and has been used to treat patients with osteoarthritis over the years in many leading clinics. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint pathology. It affects millions of people, according to statistics – every tenth person. An insidious pathology destroys cartilaginous tissue, changes the architectonics of the bone, and causes synovitis. The patient is worried about severe pain, deformity of the joints, which lose their functions up to the inability of a person to serve himself. Disability comes.

Against the background of the aging of the population, an even greater increase in the prevalence of the disease is expected, and against the background of large-scale physical inactivity and the tendency of people to gain weight, its “rejuvenation”. Even now, middle-aged people and even young people are turning to doctors with complaints of problems in the joints caused by arthrosis. Every year, the disability due to this disease is growing, the number of arthroplasty surgeries is increasing, since treatment, on the one hand, requires serious efforts, and on the other hand, does not give good results. Scientists are actively looking for new effective technologies for the treatment of joints that will directly affect cartilage tissue.

How is arthrosis usually treated?

Cartilage does not have blood vessels, so cartilage cells cannot receive nutrition (medication) from the bloodstream. The task of doctors is to deliver the elements necessary for cartilage. This can be done by injection directly into the joint.

The International Society for the Study of Osteoarthritis (OARSI) and its management recommend starting with non-pharmacological measures. In the first place is the fight against extra pounds, reducing weight by only 1 kg can reduce the load on the joints immediately by 4 kg. In second place is taking acetaminophen, and if it is not effective, NSAIDs are prescribed, despite all their disadvantages. The fact is that these drugs, although they relieve inflammation and relieve pain, provoke serious side effects and do not affect the disease itself. Doctors pinned great hopes on chondroprotectors and glucosamine, which have recently been widely practiced. But numerous studies on these drugs are ambiguous. Disputes of doctors about their effectiveness still do not subside.

By and large, until recently, there was no treatment that could radically improve the patient’s condition and restore cartilage. All measures were aimed only at alleviating the pain syndrome.

Ineffective treatment of osteoarthritis, the rapid spread of the disease among the population, the prevalence of pathology even among young people provoked the search for new effective means in the fight against arthrosis. A group of scientists has developed a safe therapy that allows, without radical intervention, without side effects and risks, to return the flexibility of the joints and a full life to the patient.

This is made possible thanks to whey (AKS), obtained in the course of a bioprocess using a special technology. It is prepared from the biological material of the patient himself and enriched with his own anti-inflammatory cytokines. This unique development has shown excellent results not only in research, but already in medical practice. The technique is available in well-known European centers (in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain), and more recently in certified clinics in Moscow.

What Orthokine is all about – Therapies

At the end of the 20th century, OA scientists noticed an imbalance in specific proteins that coordinate inflammation and repair of damaged tissues. These proteins are called cytokines. The first cytokine was obtained in the early seventies of the 20th century and was named interleukin-1 (IL-1). This cytokine is produced by its own cells in response to the introduction of a foreign agent and plays a major role in the body’s response process. It activates the body’s defenses, attracts leukocytes, that is, it is a key mediator of inflammation and forces the body to fight infection (the temperature rises, inflammation occurs in the affected area), but at the same time it provokes an increasing destruction of cartilage. Its antagonist cytokine IL-1Ra neutralizes the destructive effect of the main interleukin (IL-1).

But such a physiological process is possible when cytokines work in pairs in the required balance. In osteoarthritis, cooperation between them is disrupted. In 90% of patients, there is practically no antagonist in the synovial fluid, this causes the progression of the process and the destruction of cartilage.

The study of the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis has made it possible to propose innovative approaches to the therapy of this devastating pathology.

One of the German companies patented a molecular biological technology for obtaining their own cytokines. Under the influence of a number of factors, scientists received a unique substance – Ortokin, in addition, they developed the possibility of introducing it into the affected foci.

Orthokine – The therapy is adopted by orthopedists all over the world, it is actively used for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with various pathologies, greatly enhancing the body’s natural defenses.

Indications for the use of Orthokine-Therapy

Orthokine treatment is effective not only in osteoarthritis, therapy gives excellent results with complaints of pain in the neck, in the lumbar region, with infringement of the roots emerging from the spinal cord, with stretching of muscles and ligaments, with development bursitis. Not only large, but also small joints respond positively to therapy. But the treatment will be effective only if healthy cartilage cells are preserved. If the destruction of the joint has reached the stage when the bone surfaces are in contact with each other, then treatment is impossible, it is no longer possible to isolate one’s own cytokines. You have to turn to surgical plastic.

Benefits of Orthokine Therapy

Hundreds of thousands of patients with osteoarthritis have appreciated the benefits of Orthokine Therapy. Treatment is widely practiced in sports medicine. Well-known professional athletes have already used Orthokine injections and are back on the playing field. Serum is especially popular among football players, basketball players, where injuries are most frequent.

What are the advantages of the method?

1. The body’s own forces are involved.
2. Injections are well tolerated, since the serum is obtained from its own biomaterial.
3. Pain relief is often noted after the first injection.
4. Recovery of joint mobility is usually observed after the first course of treatment (after 5-6 weeks).
5. Persistent improvement continues for several years. The duration of remission depends on the stage of the process.
6. The technique is absolutely safe, if necessary it can be repeated.
7. Unique technology helps the patient avoid surgery and keep the joint functional.
8. No side effects. Adverse reactions from serum administration are mainly associated with intra-articular injection. At the injection site, there may be soreness, hyperemia, swelling.
9. No contraindications.

How ORTHOKINE® is treated

Serum is prepared individually for each patient in a laboratory of a certified clinic through several procedures. For the production of serum, a special syringe “EOT®II” is used with 200 glass beads coated with a certain composition. The syringe is filled with the patient’s blood (50-60 ml) and placed in an incubator at 37 degrees, the amount of anti-inflammatory components increases many times. Through 6-9hours, put the blood in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. As a result of rotation, serum is formed containing a high concentration of interleukin receptor antagonists and autologous proteins.

Serum is prepared on the same day the patient presents and can be stored for 7 months at -18°C -20°C. This is quite enough for a course of therapy. The course of treatment usually consists of 3-6 procedures. Thawed autologous serum is injected into the affected area in an amount of approximately 2 ml. The injection is carried out by a qualified experienced doctor, the conditions must be absolutely sterile.