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 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 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 tell 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.