glucosamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

glucosamine

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about glucosamine?

Glucosamine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of glucosamine may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

What is glucosamine?

The use of glucosamine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Glucosamine is also known as chitosamine.

Glucosamine has been used for the alleviation of the symptoms of arthritis.

It has been reported that glucosamine may be involved in the production of cartilage that is important for healthy joints.

Glucosamine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of glucosamine may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Glucosamine may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take glucosamine?

Before taking glucosamine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Glucosamine may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take glucosamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Do not take glucosamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. There is no information available regarding the use of glucosamine by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take glucosamine?

The use of glucosamine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take glucosamine, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

The sulfate form of glucosamine (e.g., glucosamine sulfate) may be better absorbed by your body. Also, glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin in the treatment of the symptoms of arthritis.

Different formulations of glucosamine are available to be used internally (orally).

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets and powder) of glucosamine at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of glucosamine.

Although glucosamine may be readily available for use, it is important to consult with your doctor regarding traditional treatments for arthritis, to maintain proper body weight, and to continue with an exercise regimen as directed.

Store glucosamine as directed on the package. In general, glucosamine should be protected from light and moisture and stored in a sealed container.