Glucosamine Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Glucosamine is an over the counter (or OTC) supplement made from natural cartilage, which suggests to some researchers that the substance can help osteoarthritis and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis patients by helping to rebuild damaged cartilage.^[1] A few studies have shown that glucosamine may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.^[2]

Common side effetcs of Glucosamine include heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. These are usually minimal. In rare cases, glucosamine can cause drowsiness, headaches and skin reactions.^[3]

Despite significant research, there is still no conclusive evidence that glucosamine, alone or in combination with chondroitin, actually rebuilds cartilage. However, there is a strong probability that it does, and the NIH rates it as "likely effective" as an osteoarthritis treatment and "possibly effective" as a TMJ treatment. Glucosamine may also relieve pain from osteoarthritis as well as Tylenol in some cases. However, the analgesic effects do not work for everyone, and take longer to set in.^[3]

Contents 1 Glucosamine Common Side Effects 2 Glucosamine Allergic Reactions 3 Glucosamine Precautions and Warnings 4 Drug Side Effects 5 References

Glucosamine Common Side Effects

Patients might experience upset stomach, sleeplessness, drowsiness, headache, sun sensitivity or skin reactions. Less common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn or gas.^[1] Some reports suggested that glucosamine might affect blood sugar levels in diabetics and others. Other research indicates that the substance has no effect on blood glucose levels, metabolism, or insulin sensitivity when take by mouth by adults, whether diabetic, pre-diabetic, or healthy.^[4]

Glucosamine Allergic Reactions

Glucosamine may be manufactured from shrimp or crabs, so patients with shellfish allergies or sensitivities should be extremely cautious with this supplement. A serious allergic reaction with throat swelling, rash, breathing difficulties, itching and dizziness requires immediate medical attention. There is a slight possibility of allergic reactions to the glucosamine itself, as well as any other ingredients in proprietary formualations.^[5]

Glucosamine Precautions and Warnings

• In one case, glucosamine was a possible trigger for an asthma attack. While there is no evidence that glucosamine was responsible for the attack, asthma sufferers are advised to be cautious when using glucosamine supplements.^[3]
• Glucosamine is not recommended for use in pregnant women; nursing mothers should contact their health care professional before taking this supplement, since scientists do not know if it is passed to the infant through breast milk.^[5]
• Liquid forms of glucosamine may contain alcohol, so patients with liver disease or alcohol dependence should use caution.^[5]
• Preliminary research suggested a possible link between glucosamine and increased blood sugar. While further research revealed that there is likely no link at all, diabetes patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar carefully while taking glucosamine supplements.^[5]
• It has been theorized that glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding. This may affect patients at risk of bleeding due to disorders or blood-thinning medications. Therefore, patients taking warfarin (Coumadin) may not safely take glucosamine supplements.^[1]

Drug Side Effects

Also See: Chondroitin Side Effects, GNC Coupons, Nature Made Coupons, Fish Oil Coupons, Prednisone Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucosamine/NS_patient-glucosamine/DSECTION=safety
2. ↑ http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Patients_Visitors/patientresources/patienteducation/patientguides/osteoarthritis.aspx
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/807.html
4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042150/<
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3} http://www.medicinenet.com/glucosamine-oral/article.htm