What is Glucosamine?
The sugar-protein glucosamine helps build cartilage, which is the hard tissue that covers your bones and joints.The glucosamine found in shellfish, marrow, and bones is naturally occurring.Alternative medicine has used glucosamine to relieve joint discomfort and swelling caused by osteoarthritis.The FDA has not approved all uses of glucosamine. You should never use glucosamine in lieu of the medication that your doctor has prescribed.Many herbal supplements include glucosamine. Many herbal compounds are not manufactured to regulated standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated by toxic metals or drugs. To minimise contamination, herbal or health supplements must be bought from a reputable source.This product guide does not list all possible uses for glucosamine.
Side effects of Glucosamine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Side effects common to glucosamine include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Diarrhoea, constipation,
- Heartburn.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 and reporting.
Warnings
Please read all instructions on product labels and packaging. Informing doctors of allergies or medical conditions will enable them to treat you appropriately.Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
This product should be avoided if you have an allergy to glucosamine.
If you are suffering from:
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol (or triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood);
- Cancer;
- Liver disease
- Asthma other breathing disorders
- If you have an allergy to shellfish
- If you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin coumadin jantoven,
It's not clear whether glucosamine can harm an unborn child. If you are pregnant, do not use the product without consulting your doctor.The glucosamine in this product can pass through breast milk and harm nursing babies. If you are breastfeeding a child, do not use the product.Don't give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Glucosamine?
Consult your physician before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained to use herbal supplements.Use glucosamine as prescribed by the manufacturer or your physician, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. Use only the recommended amount of this product.Use different glucosamine formulations only after consulting a doctor. Combining various formulations increases the risk of overdose.The glucosamine may cause abnormal results in a blood sugar test. If you have diabetes, do not take this product without consulting your doctor.Tell the surgeon in advance if you will need surgery. Sometimes it may be necessary to temporarily discontinue taking certain medication.You may need to wait up to 8 weeks for your symptoms to improve. Use glucosamine according to the directions for best results.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen while taking glucosamine, call your doctor.Keep away from heat and moisture. Keep it at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for dietary supplements:
The product does not have a dosing schedule that is officially approved. Refer to the product labelling.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If the time for your next dose has arrived, skip any missed dosage.Use extra glucosamine instead of the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Manganese is also found in some glucosamine supplements. Manganese can be overdosed if you take too much. Take only as directed by the label.
Interaction with other drug
All medications, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal remedies, can interact with glucosamine. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
