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. 

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. 

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. 

How should I take 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. 

If you choose to take glucosamine, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. 

The sulfate form of glucosamine (e.g., glucosamine sulfate) may be better absorbed by your body. Also, glucosamine is often combined with  chondroitin in the treatment of the symptoms of arthritis. 

Different formulations of glucosamine are available to be used internally (orally). 

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets and powder) of glucosamine at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by  a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk  of an overdose of glucosamine. 

Although glucosamine may be readily available for use, it  is important  to consult with your doctor regarding traditional treatments  for arthritis, to maintain proper body weight, and to continue with an exercise regimen as directed. 

Store  glucosamine as directed on  the package. In general,  glucosamine should be protected from light  and moisture and stored  in a sealed container. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

No information is available regarding a missed dose of glucosamine. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information. 

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a glucosamine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking glucosamine? 

There are no known restrictions  on food, beverages,  or activity while taking glucosamine, unless otherwise directed by your health care professional. 

Glucosamine side effects 

Although uncommon, allergic reactions to glucosamine  have been reported. Stop taking glucosamine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms  of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. 

Other less serious side effects  of glucosamine  have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you experience any side effects from glucosamine. You  may report side effects  to FDA 

What other drugs will affect glucosamine? 

Interactions between  glucosamine and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements have not  been reported. Talk  to your doctor, pharmacist,  or health care professional before taking  glucosamine if you are taking any other medicines or supplements. 

Where can I get more information? 

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about glucosamine. 
• Consultation with  a licensed health care professional  is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. 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. Remember, keep  this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children. 
• Every effort has been made  to ensure that  the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for  use by healthcare practitioners and consumers  in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of  the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients  or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information  is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service  as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge  and judgment  of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug  or drug combination in no way  should be construed to indicate that  the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect  of healthcare administered  with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,  or adverse effects. If you  have questions about the drugs you are taking, check  with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.