Generic Name: chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane (kon DROI tin, gloo KOSE a meen, and METH il sul FON il METH ane)
Brand names: Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM, Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Complex, Osteo Bi-Flex Advanced, Osteo Bi-Flex Plus MSM, Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM
What is chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
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 a naturally occurring substance 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.
Methylsulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring form of sulfur that helps support muscles and tendons in the body.
The combination of chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane is 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, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane have been approved by the FDA. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane 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, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
What is the most important information I should know about chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
Not all uses for this product have been approved by the FDA. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane 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 this product, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane 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.
Do not take chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane without the medical advice if you are using insulin, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb chondroitin.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
You should not use this product if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product 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.
It is not known whether chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this product. It is not known whether chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
It may take up several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of treatment.
Glucosamine may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often while taking this medication. You may also need to adjust your insulin dosage. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb chondroitin.
Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild nausea, upset stomach;
heartburn; or
diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
insulin; or
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane resources
- Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane Drug Interactions
- Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane Support Group
- 1 Review for Chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane - Add your own review/rating
Compare chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane with other medications
- Dietary Supplementation
- Osteoarthritis
Where can I get more information?
- Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.
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