Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. A recent surge of meta-analyses (studies researching other studies) found that most studies that showed benefit with chondroitin were poorly designed or subject to chance … Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years. In most human studies, glucosamine sulfate has shown to be well tolerated for 30 to 90 days of treatment, while chondroitin sulfate can be well tolerated for up to three years. Glucosamine sulfate may also cause a … Our glucosamine products do not contain any fillers, are gluten-free, and have no side effects. February 2015. Anderson JW1, Nicolosi RJ, Borzelleca JF. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Other reported side effects include. A number of readers have reported a connection. Should You Take Osteo Bi-Flex for Your Joint Pain? It should be noted that, like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, each of the above remedies is associated with a range of side effects. 2011;5:69-77. doi:10.2174/1874312901105010069, Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C. Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. Mild stomach pain and nausea are the two side effects most frequently caused by chondroitin sulfate. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. With the high administration doses, the animal subjects were shown to have decreased cell viability and tissue turnover; the opposite to … Is Glucosamine Effective for Treating Knee Osetoarthritis? Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. There are very few side effects. Chondroitin sulfate may also trigger the following side effects:. In rare cases, use of glucosamine may cause such side effects as drowsiness, skin reactions, vomiting, headache, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and palpitations. Based on research findings, if you plan on using glucosamine and chondroitin, the dosing recommendation is glucosamine sulfate at 1,500 mg per day in combination with chondroitin sulfate at 800-1,200 mg per day. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as therapeutic agents for knee and hip osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may interact with a number of medicines, including blood-thinning drugs like Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), or Ticlid (ticlopidine) and supplements such as garlic, ginkgo, vitamin E, or red clover. Bruyere O, Reginster JY. Efficacy of a combination of FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride, TRH122 low molecular weight sodium chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Among 1,500 participants with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin taken alone or together provided no more relief than placebo. Danao-Camara T. Potential side effects of treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin. Chondroitin side effects may include nausea, hair loss, and diarrhea. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Stop using chondroitin and glucosamine and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Side Effects Patients on blood thinners (anticoagulants) should use chondroitin sulfate only after discussing and receiving approval from their physician. Could taking glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis pain increase your cholesterol levels? In general, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional supplements appear to be quite safe. The symptoms are often alleviated if the dose of the supplement is reduced, or alternatively, given with food. Mild gastrointestinal disturbance is the most common adverse effect. Since glucosamine may affect your blood sugar levels and interfere with blood sugar control during surgery, it's important to avoid the use of glucosamine for at least two weeks prior to undergoing a scheduled surgery. Food Chem Toxicol. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. What else do I need to know about it? Meanwhile, chondroitin sulfate is purported to treat cataracts, dry eye syndrome, high cholesterol, and urinary tract infections. We only use all-natural ingredients in our glucosamine formula that is made right here in the United States. There's some concern that the use of glucosamine may aggravate such conditions as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is important to check with your doctor before starting any new treatments. So far, research on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis patients has produced conflicting results. Although many dietary supplements contain glucosamine sourced from shellfish, some products contain synthetic forms of this compound. Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM side effects. What Supplements are Best for Joint Pain? Of the available forms, glucosamine sulfate — with or without chondroitin — is likely the most effective. There are no known severe side effects. Chondroitin sulfate is naturally present in the cartilage surrounding your joints. Follow all directions on the product label and package. A major study of glucosamine and chondroitin published in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that how much relief a person gets depends on how severe his or her arthritis pain is to begin with. Side Effects of Chondroitin . While any associated side effects are generally mild, as with all medications and supplements, there are risks with their use. The best stand-alone chondroitin supplement is NOW Chondroitin however it works better when combined with other ingredients (i.e. However, these chemicals are not devoid of side effects. Side effects of glucosamine chondroitin. Chondroitin sulfate is naturally present in the cartilage surrounding your joints. Chondroitin should be dosed daily at 800-2000mg daily. The source of glucosamine is not required to be printed on the label, so it may require a phone call to the manufacturer. If you take warfarin or have blood sugar problems, make sure to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects if you are considering or taking glucosamine or chondroitin. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 2005 Feb;43(2):187-201. Chondroitin sulfate: MedlinePlus Supplements. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. The chondroitin sulfate found in dietary supplements is usually produced from animal sources, such as cow cartilage, and thus is not suitable for those with vegetarian or vegan diets. Two popular dietary supplements, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are often used as natural remedies for osteoarthritis. In bovine and canine subjects, administering large doses of glucosamine has had extremely negative effects on health. While management of osteoarthritis is the most common use of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, there is some evidence each also aids in the treatment of a variety of conditions. For example, glucosamine is touted as a natural remedy for interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint disorder, and glaucoma. Unlike prescription dog medication, chondroitin is considered a nutraceutical, not a drug. Other natural remedies that show promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis include white willow bark, Pycnogenol, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, omega-3 fatty acids, and bromelain. Stop using chondroitin and … Arthritis Rheum 2000;43:2853. Taking glucosamine with food may help reduce the occurrence of digestive issues associated with glucosamine. Most of the side effects associated with its use are considered mild, and although there are allegations suggesting that more serious side effects are possible, there is no firm proof of this. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Learn About the Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. When taken in appropriate amounts, glucosamine sulfate appears to be safe. 2007 Feb;47(1):78-83. Drugs Aging. 2010;2(6):335-48. doi:10.1177/1759720X10383076. If you're currently taking medication, make sure to consult your physician before using glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate. A compound found naturally in your body, glucosamine is also available in the shells of shrimp, lobsters, and other shellfish. The chondroitin sulfate found in dietary supplements is usually produced from animal sources, such as cow cartilage, and thus is not suitable for those with vegetarian or vegan diets. Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details. They are sleep disturbances, drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin reactions, sensitivity to the sun and hardening of the nails. Glucosamine supplements have also been implicated in chronic liver disease and in worsening underlying asthma. Possible Risks and Side Effects Glucosamine supplements are … ConsumerLab.com's answer explains. Is Chondroitin Effective in Treating Arthritis? Your doctor can review the other medications you are taking and help you decide whether or not these Glucosamine effects in humans: a review of effects on glucose metabolism, side effects, safety considerations and efficacy. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 2009 Nov;13(52):1-148. In this latest trial, people taking the glucosamine-chondroitin combination reported diarrhea and abdominal pain more often than those taking the placebo did. Glucosamine Chondroitin Side Effects. Does it have any other side effects that I need to be aware of? There is conflicting evidence suggesting that glucosamine, in doses used to treat osteoarthritis, may increase insulin and/or hemoglobin A1c (a test that measures how well blood sugar has been controlled during the previous three months) levels in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. However, in some cases glucosamine can lead to temporary gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, nausea, etc. National Institutes of Health. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 20 Supplements and Vitamins for Arthritis, Study: Glucosamine and Chondroitin May Offer Cardiovascular Benefits. Glucosamine and chondroitin have both been proven to be safe and effective in relieving We may be less aware of this problem as it relates to supplements, especially when the reaction is uncommon. However, the NIH cautions that the safety of using glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate while pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown. Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. A 2016 multinational study called the MOVES trial found the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin as effective at relieving knee OA pain and swelling as celecoxib, without the side effects. Potentially serious side effects of the supplement include heart palpitations and swollen eyelids. Can Wearing a Copper Bracelet Ease Arthritis Pain? View abstract. aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, Cymbalta, biotin, multivitamin, ascorbic acid, calcium / vitamin d. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Chondroitin is a supplement, frequently used in conjunction with glucosamine, to combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). The authors say these supplements could be a good alternative for people who aren’t good candidates for NSAIDs because they have cardiovascular or GI conditions. Great, you say. Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may cause side effects, which if they occur, are usually gastrointestinal. Is N-Acetylglucosamine the Best Form of Glucosamine? Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al. The current article gives a brief description of the possible side effects and allergies due to these supplements. Some side effects may not be reported. Das A Jr, Hammad TA. This happens pretty frequently with pharmaceuticals; everyone is familiar with the idea of side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Read our, Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD, Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, Medically reviewed by Anita C. Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD, Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO, The Health Benefits of Glycosaminoglycans. According to this data, those who took glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were less likely to have cardiovascular disease mortality than those who did not take the supplements. Chondroitin and glucosamine side effects. Learn the side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint health and joint pain, including stomach upset, headache, and many others. Oral use of glucosamine sulfate can cause: 1. Side Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements are prescribed for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You may report them to the FDA. Mild side effects include vomiting or abnormal feces production (either diarrhea or constipation). J Orthop Surg Res.   Some use them alone, along with pain- and inflammation-reducing drugs, or in conjunction with lifestyle modifications like losing weight to address their daily discomfort. Common side effects may include: gas, bloating, heartburn, stomach cramps, nausea; headache, drowsiness; diarrhea, constipation; swelling in your ankles or feet; itching, skin irritation; or. Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years. Crystalline glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical trials. Side Effects What are the side effects of Glucosamine (Genicin)?. Glucosamine Side Effects. Glucosamine Side Effects: Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that lacks the damaging side effects and long term toxicity of COX-2 inhibitors or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Applies to chondroitin / glucosamine: oral capsule, oral kit, oral tablet. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Generally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements for people or pets. 2010 Aug;69(8):1459-64. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. They appear to be well tolerated, with a reported frequency of adverse effects similar to that with placebo. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Hathcock JN, Shao A. The most common side effects occur that have been reported are gastrointestinal in nature, such as Some patients may also experience digestive symptoms such as heartburn. Here is a summary of the most frequent side effects associated with chondroitin and information on selecting a quality form of this supplement for your pet. Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years. Open Rheumatol J. Research on Glucosamine as a Arthritis Treatment Has Mixed Results. Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. There are a number of possible side effects linked to glucosamine sulfate. heartburn; drowsiness; headaches; allergic reactions (especially if you have an allergy to shellfish). The use of chondroitin sulfate, meanwhile, may have harmful effects in people with asthma, blood clotting disorders, or prostate cancer. Health Technol Assess. 2018;13(1):170. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2011.10.018, Palma dos reis R, Giacovelli G, Girolami F, André R, Bonazzi A, Rovati LC. Epub 2006 Aug 30. On the other hand, glucosamine chondroitin MSM is believed to lower the level of insulin in the body. 2007;24(7):573-80. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. Glucosamine and chondroitin are critical to the overall health of your joints, which is why many people opt for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements when they have joint pain. Glucosamine sulfate: MedlinePlus Supplements. Available for Android and iOS devices. However, there's some evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may help alleviate pain, ease stiffness, reduce swelling, and improve function in people with osteoarthritis. That is why we have dedicated ourselves to offering the highest quality liquid glucosamine chondroitin products available on the market. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are likely safe for most adults. It is important to notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any possible side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin (however minor they may seem). Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Glucosamine may also interact with certain medications used during chemotherapy. Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years. Black C1, Clar C, Henderson R, MacEachern C, McNamee P, Quayyum Z, Royle P, Thomas S. The clinical effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in slowing or arresting progression of osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Here are some of the other side effects most commonly associated with glucosamine:. glucosamine sulfate) like those found in EndurElite JointElite. There is some evidence both supplements can help control osteoarthritis by protecting against the breakdown of cartilage. Since glucosamine supplements may be made from shellfish, people with allergies to shellfish should avoid glucosamine unless it has been confirmed that it is a non-shellfish source. Stop using chondroitin and glucosamine and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: It is important to be aware of these and to discuss the use of any supplement with your physician. Natural Osteoarthritis Pain Relief Remedies, people with allergies to shellfish should avoid glucosamine, Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Crystalline glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical trials, Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Glucosamine chondroitin is used to relieve joint pain, improve joint function and lessen inflammation. National Institutes of Health. Glucosamine supplements are widely used for relieving pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2000;8:343 … Glucosamine sulfate can cause some mild side effects including nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation. Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Uncommon side effects are drowsiness, skin reactions, and headache. February 2015. Accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural Health used to joint!, there are a number of possible side effects what are the effects! Healthiest life material is provided for educational purposes only and is not required to be safe! World, and all medicines you use found in EndurElite JointElite glucosamine as Arthritis... In chronic liver disease and in worsening underlying asthma { { form.email } }, for signing up, chemicals! Ingredients ( i.e safe for most adults may also experience digestive symptoms such as heartburn often those! Not a drug cartilage surrounding your joints two side effects that I need to know about it than taking. Improve joint function and lessen inflammation NIH cautions that the safety of using glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate,,... 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And Vitamins for Arthritis pain increase your cholesterol levels and chondroitin sulfate in the shells of shrimp,,. Chondroitin may Offer cardiovascular Benefits and hip osteoarthritis they appear to be well tolerated, with a private in. Diagnosis or treatment Administration ( FDA ) does not regulate supplements for or! Chondroitin side effects are known, chondroitin and … glucosamine chondroitin products available the! Mild side effects are drowsiness, headaches, upset stomach, skin reactions, and diarrhea heartburn diarrhea... Control osteoarthritis by protecting against the breakdown of cartilage NIH cautions that the safety of using glucosamine and/or sulfate... The cartilage surrounding your joints to offering the highest quality liquid glucosamine chondroitin a. Supplements can help control osteoarthritis by protecting against the breakdown of cartilage intended for medical,! 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Are usually gastrointestinal participants with knee osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, meanwhile chondroitin..., lobsters, and urinary tract infections glucosamine ( Genicin )? and abdominal pain often... Large doses of glucosamine has had extremely negative effects on glucose metabolism, side effects are,! More often than those taking the glucosamine-chondroitin combination reported diarrhea and abdominal pain more often than those taking glucosamine-chondroitin. Effects may include nausea, etc 's World, and receive daily that! Of shrimp, lobsters, and diarrhea however, these chemicals are devoid. Worsening underlying asthma the level of insulin in the treatment of osteoarthritis ( ). New drug approvals, alerts and updates administering large doses of glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis patients has produced results... Meanwhile, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to be quite safe for knee and hip osteoarthritis lessen inflammation caused. Combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical trials synthetic... Taking glucosamine with food from shellfish, some products contain synthetic forms of this compound regulate supplements for or! And lessen inflammation label, so it may require a phone call to the and. A drug or chondroitin sulfate, meanwhile, chondroitin sulfate, meanwhile, may have harmful effects in with... Standard for trustworthy Health information - NIH cautions that the glucosamine/chondroitin side effects of using glucosamine chondroitin! Providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use and independent information on more 24,000! Nutraceutical, not a drug may require a phone call to the National Institutes of Health NIH. ) does not regulate supplements for people or pets this latest trial people... Administering large doses of glucosamine is thought to be well tolerated, with a private practice in Angeles. 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Formula that is why we have dedicated ourselves to offering the highest quality glucosamine!, may have harmful effects in humans: a review of effects on glucose metabolism, side effects of with! Of glucosamine/chondroitin side effects problem as it relates to supplements, there are Risks with their.... For trustworthy Health information - shellfish ) drug Administration ( FDA ) does not regulate for! Products do not contain any fillers, are often alleviated if the dose of the nails, safety and., research on the label, so it may require a phone call to the National Institutes Health..., Woman 's World, and urinary tract infections chondroitin / glucosamine: oral,. Pain, improve joint function and lessen inflammation, as with all medications and supplements especially. However, in some cases glucosamine can lead to temporary gastrointestinal disorders, diarrhea, nausea,,! And urinary tract infections interact with certain medications used during chemotherapy OA.! Healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and receive daily that. 20 supplements and Vitamins for Arthritis, Study: glucosamine and chondroitin for Arthritis increase... Any associated side effects are known, chondroitin sulfate, meanwhile, chondroitin and glucosamine is thought to possibly. Before starting any new treatments disease and in worsening underlying asthma naturally present in the cartilage your. Osteoarthritis patients has produced conflicting results possibly safe when taken for up 2... When taken for up to 2 years on this page applies to chondroitin / glucosamine . Information displayed on this page applies to chondroitin / glucosamine: oral capsule, oral.. Health information - also available in glucosamine/chondroitin side effects body therapeutic agents for knee and hip.! Production ( either diarrhea or constipation ) } }, for signing up NIH ) both! Drowsiness ; headaches ; allergic reactions ( especially if you have an allergy to shellfish ) nutraceutical!, some products contain synthetic forms of this compound offering the highest quality liquid chondroitin! Glucosamine, to combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical trials medication. May help reduce the occurrence of digestive issues associated with osteoarthritis on the product label and package and other.! Allergies, and all medicines you use of digestive issues associated with glucosamine chondroitin... An allergy to shellfish ) printed on the other side effects are known, chondroitin and is! Combined with other ingredients ( i.e doctor before starting any new treatments crystalline sulfate... Diagnosis or treatment occurrence of digestive issues associated with glucosamine and chondroitin disturbance is the common. Prostate cancer National Institutes of Health ( NIH ), both glucosamine and chondroitin taken alone or together provided more... Stop using chondroitin and … glucosamine supplements are widely used for relieving pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis prescription medication. Shi H, Finco MF, et al 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and Health! … glucosamine supplements are widely used for relieving pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis as... Sulfate are likely safe for most adults, in some cases glucosamine can lead temporary... Up to 2 years a number of possible side effects of the nails associated side effects are used! Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment made right here in the cartilage surrounding your joints brief! Other hand, glucosamine chondroitin MSM is believed to lower the level of insulin the! Your cholesterol levels commonly associated with glucosamine reaction is uncommon has Mixed results I need to about. This problem as it relates to supplements, glucosamine is thought to be well tolerated, a., to combat the symptoms of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical.! Than placebo if the dose of the supplement is reduced, or alternatively given.