What is the most important information I should know about glucosamine?
Glucosamine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of glucosamine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
What is glucosamine?
The use of glucosamine in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts
accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal/health supplements,
consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with
a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and
coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Glucosamine is also known as chitosamine.
Glucosamine has been used for the alleviation of the symptoms of arthritis.
It has been reported that glucosamine may be involved in the production of cartilage that
is important for healthy joints.
Glucosamine has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All
potential risks and/or advantages of glucosamine may not be known. Additionally, there are no
regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances
where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or
other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize
the risk of contamination.
Glucosamine may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take glucosamine?
Before taking glucosamine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if
you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Glucosamine may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take glucosamine without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant.
Do not take glucosamine without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
There is no information available regarding the use of glucosamine by children. Do
not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
Print
Email
Save
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
