Glucosamine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Supplements		Adult

Glucosamine - What is it for

Glucosamine may help to provide relief in osteoarthritis, especially of the knees. Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the wearing down of the cartilage, a substance that helps to cushion the ends of bones in your joints. Glucosamine reduces joint pain and stiffness by strengthening the cartilage and reducing friction around the joints.

Glucosamine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Glucosamine cause?

Common side effects of Glucosamine may include stomach discomfort (e.g. nausea, passing out gas more often or heartburn), or headaches.

You may reduce the stomach discomfort by taking medication with or after food

Rare but serious side effects include drug allergy.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Glucosamine , what precautions must I follow?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

You are allergic to this medication, or any of the other ingredients in this medication
You are allergic to shellfish (many products may contain shellfish)
You are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), which may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with Glucosamine

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Glucosamine ?

Glucosamine - Dosage and How to Use

How should Glucosamine be used?

Do not stop taking your medications without checking with your healthcare professional.
This medication may be taken with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.