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Glucosamine

Information about Glucosamine

Glucosamine Uses

Glucosamine is used in osteoarthritis.

How Glucosamine works

Glucosamine is a proteoglycan synthesis stimulator which relieves osteoarthritis symptoms. It helps in the formation of cartilage (the soft tissue that cushions the joints) and keep the joints lubricated for better movement and flexibility.

Common side effects of Glucosamine

Nausea1a, Heartburn, Upset stomach

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

18 Feb 2020 | 11:51 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Glucosamine

Expert advice for Glucosamine

Do not take glucosamine, if you are allergic to glucosamine or shell fish.
Avoid taking glucosamine, if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Doctor’s advice should be considered in case of patients with following history of disease conditions: diabetes; high cholesterol or triglycerides; cancer; liver disease; asthma or breathing disorder.
Do not continue the glucosamine, if you are having surgery.

Frequently asked questions for Glucosamine

Glucosamine

Q. Does Glucosamine actually work in joint pain?

The evidence on the effectiveness of Glucosamine in reducing pain is controversial. Some patients report that Glucosamine has helped reduce arthritis pain, stiffness, and mild to moderate osteoarthritis pain. In fact, there is some evidence that Glucosamine has beneficial effects on the cartilage by slowing down the cartilage breakdown in the joints.

Q. Can Glucosamine cause liver damage?

In research studies, Glucosamine has not been found to raise the liver enzymes or cause any damage. However, there are few recent reports of liver injury while using the products containing Glucosamine. The chances of liver injury are more if the patient has been suffering from chronic liver disease.

Q. Is Glucosamine bad for kidneys?

The effect of Glucosamine on kidneys is not confirmatory. Glucosamine is mostly metabolized and broken down by the liver. However, there are some reports of kidney damage caused due to Glucosamine, but there is a lack of conclusive evidence. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with kidney damage and kidney function should be regularly monitored. Do consult your doctor before you start using this medication. Also, inform your doctor if you have any kidney disease.

Q. What are the precautions I should follow while taking Glucosamine?

Do consult your doctor before you start taking this medication and ensure to be cautious if you have diabetes or high blood glucose levels, high risk of heart disease or asthma. You should also be cautious if you are allergic to shellfish or are taking blood-thinning medicines like warfarin. Do tell your doctor if you have any of the above conditions before he prescribes you this medication.

Q. Is it safe to take Glucosamine while taking blood-thinning medication?

No, it is not safe to take Glucosamine while taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin or coumadin. The reason being, this medication interacts with the blood thinners and boosts the effect of the blood-thinning medication, thereby reducing the blood’s ability to form a clot in case of bleeding episodes. Therefore, patients taking any blood-thinning medicine should consult their doctor before starting this medication.