Glucosamine+chondroitin
About Glucosamine+chondroitin
Glucosamine+chondroitin is primarily taken to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis (OA) in specific large and small joints. Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. It causes friction between the bones, leading to wear and tear (damage) of the joint tissues.
Glucosamine+chondroitin contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine is used by the body to produce various chemicals responsible for building ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the thick fluid surrounding joints. Chondroitin inhibits the action of a protein responsible for causing inflammation and cartilage destruction, commonly associated with osteoarthritis.
Sometimes, you may experience certain common side effects, such as headache, tiredness, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, and wind. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these undesirable effects persistently.
Avoid taking Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are allergic to any of its components. Glucosamine+chondroitin is not allowed to be used by children younger than 18. Consult your doctor if you have ever had blood clots or circulation problems in your legs or if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, as this may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while taking Glucosamine+chondroitin.
Uses of Glucosamine+chondroitin
Medicinal Benefits
- Glucosamine+chondroitin has anti-inflammatory (reduces pain and inflammation) properties and slows the deterioration of cartilage (joints) and pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
- This combined medicine also has cartilage-protecting effects, helping to maintain the cartilage structure.
- Glucosamine+chondroitin comprises two medicines, namely Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate.
- Glucosamine sulfate is a natural protein found in the body used by the body to produce various chemicals responsible for building ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the thick fluid surrounding joints.
- Taking Glucosamine+chondroitin may either enhance the cartilage and fluid surrounding the joints or prevent the breakdown of both components.
- Chondroitin restricts the action of a protein responsible for causing inflammation and destruction of cartilage or osteoarthritis. It also provides elasticity by helping cartilage to retain water.
- In combination, both help form cartilage (the soft tissue that cushions the joints) and make the joints lubricated for better movement and flexibility.
- Glucosamine+chondroitin relieves pain, thereby improving joint function and helping individuals restore their quality of life.
- Glucosamine+chondroitin also increases the cushioning and lubrication of joints, relieves pain and makes it easy to do physical activity.
Directions for Use
- Glucosamine+chondroitin can be taken with meals to enhance absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset.
- It is to be taken once or twice daily, or as recommended by the physician.
- Swallow Glucosamine+chondroitin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Glucosamine+chondroitin
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Wind (flatulence)
Drug Warnings
- Avoid taking Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are allergic to any of its components
- Consumption of alcohol should be avoided during the treatment with Glucosamine+chondroitin as it may lead to an increased risk of liver damage.
- Patients with blood clots or leg circulation problems should not take Glucosamine+chondroitin.
- Although it is generally a safe medicine, it should be avoided in patients with liver and kidney disease as the Glucosamine+chondroitin may harm the liver and renal functions.
- Use caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Do not self-administer Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are pregnant or are nursing.
- Although Glucosamine+chondroitin provides symptomatic relief in conditions like arthritis and may reduce the inflammation caused by these conditions, it is strongly recommended to remain physically active as much as your condition allows to achieve the best results.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle and a diet containing high proteins is the mainstay for managing arthritic conditions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Glucosamine+chondroitin may interact with medicines such as blood thinner (e.g. warfarin), medications for cancer (e.g. paclitaxel), painkillers (e.g. acetaminophen), antidiabetes drugs (e.g. glimepiride, pioglitazone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid intake of Vitamin E, St. John’s wort (antidepressant), and Ginkgo Biloba with Glucosamine+chondroitin.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have impaired glucose tolerance, kidney or liver dysfunction, heart (cardiovascular) disease, or asthma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Glucosamine+chondroitin to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before starting Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Glucosamine+chondroitin affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionGlucosamine+chondroitin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionGlucosamine+chondroitin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases.
Children
unsafeGlucosamine+chondroitin is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy body weight because obesity can lead to joint pain.
- Please avoid strenuous exercise as it may aggravate your arthritis-related joint pain. Instead, you can engage in low-impact aerobic activities, such as walking on a treadmill, biking, or swimming. Lifting light weights can also help to improve your muscle strength.
- Increase your intake of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, vitamin D, and calcium-rich supplements. Aside from that, turmeric and fish oils can help to reduce tissue inflammation.
- Include fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines in your diet if you have arthritis or joint pain. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the reduction of inflammation (redness and swelling) and protect the heart.
- Your sitting posture is critical, especially if you suffer from pain or inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible and only for a short period of time (10-15 min). Place a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve to alleviate pain. In addition, if necessary, a footrest can be used.
- Follow heat or cold therapy by applying a cold or hot compress to the joints on a regular basis for 15-20 minutes.
- Relax by meditating, reading, taking a nice bubble bath, or listening to calming music.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and quitting smoking.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering called cartilage. It causes friction between the bones, leading to wear and tear (damage) of the joint tissues. This disease can occur in any joint, but commonly affected areas of the body are the hands, fingertips, knees, hips, and spine, typically at the neck or lower back. The most common osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, tenderness (discomfort when pressing on the area with fingers), stiffness, and inflammation.
FAQs
Glucosamine+chondroitin is used to treat osteoarthritis and its associated symptoms.
Glucosamine+chondroitin helps‚ in the formation of cartilage (the soft tissue that cushions the joints) and make the joints lubricated for better movement and flexibility. Glucosamine+chondroitin relieves pain, thereby improving joint function and helping an individual restore their quality of life. It also increases the cushioning and lubrication of joints.
You are advised to tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), cancer, high blood pressure, liver disease, asthma/breathing disorder, if you are allergic to shellfish, or if you are taking a blood thinner.
Glucosamine in Glucosamine+chondroitin may affect antidiabetic drugs; it can also increase the blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are diabetic before starting Glucosamine+chondroitin. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is advised.
Glucosamine might be derived synthetically from shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Therefore, if you are allergic to shellfish, inform your doctor before starting Glucosamine+chondroitin.
If you have glaucoma, inform your doctor before starting Glucosamine+chondroitin. Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of intraocular pressure while taking Glucosamine+chondroitin.
Taking Glucosamine+chondroitin with blood thinners like warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor if you are on blood thinner medications.
Glucosamine+chondroitin contains a combination of ingredients that help support joint health and alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. The primary ingredients in Glucosamine+chondroitin are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These ingredients work together to reduce pain and inflammation, enhance joint flexibility, and support healthy cartilage.
It may contain ingredients derived from animal sources, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are typically sourced from shellfish and animal cartilage. Please check with your healthcare professional if you have any questions.
Glucosamine+chondroitin is generally well-tolerated and may cause some mild side effects, such as headache, tiredness, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation. The good news is that these side effects are usually temporary and will resolve on their own over time. If you experience any persistent discomfort, it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor for personalised guidance.
Storage: Glucosamine+chondroitin should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, ideally at temperatures between 10°C and 25 25°C. Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets. Disposal: Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or local waste disposal company.
$Name is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any supplement, indigestion may occur. To help manage indigestion, try taking Glucosamine+chondroitin with food to reduce stomach upset. Avoid lying down after taking it, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and limit or avoid spicy or fatty foods that can exacerbate indigestion. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
