Glucosamine+chondroitin
About
Glucosamine+chondroitin is a combination medicine primarily used to treat 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. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and reduced locomotion. Glucosamine+chondroitin relieves pain, thereby improving joint function and restoring quality of life. It also increases the cushioning and lubrication of joints.
Glucosamine+chondroitin contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Glucosamine is used by the body to produce various chemicals responsible for building ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the thick fluid surrounding joints. Chondroitin restricts the action of a protein responsible for causing inflammation and destruction of cartilage in osteoarthritis. It also provides elasticity. Both in combination help in the formation of cartilage (the soft tissue that cushions the joints) and make the joints lubricated for better movement and flexibility.
Take Glucosamine+chondroitin as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Glucosamine+chondroitin for as long as your doctor has prescribed based on your medical condition. In some cases, 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 and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Avoid taking Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have impaired glucose tolerance, kidney or liver dysfunction, heart (cardiovascular) disease, or asthma. Glucosamine+chondroitin is not recommended for children younger than 18 years. Consult with your doctor if you have ever had blood clots or circulation problems in your legs, if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding. People with joint infection or skin disease in the affected area should consult a doctor before taking Glucosamine+chondroitin.
Uses of Glucosamine+chondroitin
Medicinal Benefits
Glucosamine+chondroitin has anti-inflammatory (reduce pain and inflammation) properties and relieves pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine+chondroitin compromises two medicines, namely Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Glucosamine is used by the body to produce various chemicals responsible for building ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and the thick fluid surrounding joints. Chondroitin restricts the action of a protein responsible for causing inflammation and destruction of cartilage. It also provides elasticity. Both in combination help 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glucosamine+chondroitin
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Wind (flatulence)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Glucosamine+chondroitin if you are allergic to any of the components. Inform your doctor if you have impaired glucose tolerance, kidney or liver dysfunction, heart (cardiovascular) disease, asthma, or if you are allergic to shellfish. Glucosamine+chondroitin is not recommended for children younger than 18 years. Consult with your doctor if you have ever had blood clots or circulation problems in your legs, if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding. People with joint infection or skin disease in the affected area should consult a doctor before taking Glucosamine+chondroitin.
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
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Glucosamine+chondroitin to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult 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/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionGlucosamine+chondroitin to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeGlucosamine+chondroitin is not recommended for children below 18years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Turmeric and fish oils can help in reducing inflammation in the tissue.
- Please do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase your joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching, low impact aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bike riding, and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscle by lifting light weights.
- Include fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines. These fishes are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that contain the minimum level of a chemical called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.
- Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation conditions. Try to sit little as possible. Use back support like a rolled-up towel at the back of your curve to minimize pain. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can use a footrest if required.
- To achieve the best results, it is strongly recommended to remain physically active as much as your condition allows.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle coupled with a high proteins diet is the mainstay of managing arthritic conditions.
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 hands, fingertips, knees, hips, 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 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.
