What is chondroitin and glucosamine?
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance formed of sugar chains. Chondroitin is
believed to help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints.
Glucosamine is sugar protein that is believed to help develop and renew cartilage (the
hard connective tissue mainly located on bones near joints in the body), and keep it lubricated for
better joint movement and flexibility.
The combination of chondroitin and glucosamine is widely used to aid in maintaining
healthy joints. It is also used as a nutritional supplement in people with osteoarthritis or other
inflammatory joint disorders.
Not all uses for chondroitin and glucosamine have been approved by the FDA.
Chondroitin and glucosamine should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by
your doctor.
Chondroitin and glucosamine is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed
supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Chondroitin and glucosamine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chondroitin and glucosamine?
Before using chondroitin and glucosamine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or
other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chondroitin and glucosamine if you have:
-
diabetes;
-
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
-
if you have allergies to certain drugs;
-
if you are overweight; or
-
if you are on a low-salt diet.
Chondroitin and glucosamine may or may not be harmful to an
unborn baby. Do not use this product without talking to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether chondroitin and glucosamine can pass into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Ask your healthcare provider before using chondroitin and
glucosamine if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take chondroitin and glucosamine?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may
also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to take chondroitin and glucosamine, use it as directed on the package or as
directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of
chondroitin and glucosamine than is recommended on the label.
Chondroitin and glucosamine is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day. You may need to take
the medication 3 times per day for the first couple of months of treatment. Follow your doctor's
instructions.
Glucosamine may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. If you have diabetes,
you may need to check your blood sugar more often while taking this medication. You may also
need to adjust your insulin dosage. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without
advice from your doctor.
Chondroitin and glucosamine may be only part of a complete program of treatment that
also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise
routines very closely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose of chondroitin and glucosamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about chondroitin and glucosamine?
Your pharmacist has information about chondroitin and glucosamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of chondroitin and glucosamine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome
side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about chondroitin and glucosamine?
Not all uses for chondroitin and glucosamine have been approved by the FDA.
Chondroitin and glucosamine should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by
your doctor.
Chondroitin and glucosamine is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed
supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Before using chondroitin and glucosamine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or
other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chondroitin and glucosamine if you have
diabetes, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia, if you have allergies to certain
drugs, if you are overweight, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
Use chondroitin and glucosamine as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider
has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take chondroitin and glucosamine without the advice of a healthcare provider
if you are using insulin, or a blood thinner such as anisindione (Miradon) or warfarin
(Coumadin).
Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are
taking chondroitin and glucosamine. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb
chondroitin.
What should I avoid while taking chondroitin and glucosamine?
Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are
taking chondroitin and glucosamine. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb
chondroitin.
What other drugs will affect chondroitin and glucosamine?
Do not take chondroitin and glucosamine without the advice of a healthcare provider
if you are using any of the following medications:
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with chondroitin and glucosamine. Tell your healthcare provider about all your prescription and
over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your healthcare provider.
What happens if I have an overdose of chondroitin and glucosamine?
