What is Chondroitin and glucosamine?
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance made of sugar chains. Chondroitin helps the body maintain fluidity and flexibility in joints. Glucosamine helps build cartilage in your body (the connective tissue that is primarily found on your bones near the joints). Glucosamine occurs naturally in shellfish, fungus, and bone marrow. In alternative medicine, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Research has not proved that other uses can be made of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or other conditions such as glaucoma. There is no way to know if chondroitin or glucosamine will treat any medical condition. The FDA has not approved the use of this product for medical purposes. You should not use glucosamine and chondroitin in place of the medication prescribed by your doctor. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and other herbal supplements are often sold. Many herbal compounds do not adhere to regulatory standards when being manufactured and some supplements sold on the market have been discovered containing harmful drugs or metals that pose serious risks to consumers. To minimize the risk, herbal or health supplements must be purchased from a reputable source. This product guide does not list all possible uses for glucosamine and chondroitin.
Side effects of Chondroitin and glucosamine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately! While not all side effects have been identified, it is believed that chondroitin and glucosamine can be taken safely for up to two years. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using chondroitin or glucosamine immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
- Heartbeat irregularities;
- Swelling in your legs.
Side effects of chondroitin or glucosamine include:
- Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation;
- Stomach pain, gas, bloating;
- Hair loss;
- Eyelids that puff up
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; otherwise you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 and report side effects directly.
Warnings
Please read and heed all instructions included with your product's package or label. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
This product should not be used if you have an allergy to glucosamine or chondroitin.
- If you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
If you are suffering from:
- Asthma;
- Allergy to shellfish, including oysters, crabs, and shrimp
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol.
- Prostate cancer;
- Haemophilia is characterised by bleeding or blood-clotting disorders.
Consult your doctor before taking chondroitin or glucosamine while pregnant or nursing. Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Chondroitin and glucosamine?
Consult your doctor before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained in herbal supplements. Use chondroitin-glucosamine as directed on the label or by your doctor or pharmacist. Use only the recommended amount of this product. Use different formulations of both chondroitin (glucosamine) and chondroitin (chondroitin) only under medical supervision. Combining different formulations increases the risk of a glucosamine and chondroitin overdose. Stop taking glucosamine and chondroitin at least two weeks before you need dental or surgical work. If the condition that you are treating using chondroitin-glucosamine doesn't improve or worsens while using this product, call your doctor. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. Use extra chondroitin or glucosamine, but not to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor has prescribed any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can affect chondroitin or glucosamine. These include vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
