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.
Back to Top
What are the possible side effects of glucosamine?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to glucosamine have been reported. Stop
taking glucosamine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your
lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other less serious side effects of glucosamine have not been reported. Talk to your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you experience any side effects from glucosamine.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
What happens if I miss a dose?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of glucosamine. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Back to Top
What other drugs will affect glucosamine?
Interactions between glucosamine and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional before taking glucosamine if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
Back to Top
Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
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.
Back to Top
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a glucosamine overdose are not known.
Back to Top
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.
Back to Top
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Back to Top
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
Back to Top
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
