Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication used for?
Glucosamine may help to provide relief in osteoarthritis, especially of the knees. Osteoarthritis is a condition caused by the wearing down of the cartilage, a substance that helps to cushion the ends of bones in your joints. Glucosamine reduces joint pain and stiffness by strengthening the cartilage and reducing friction around the joints.
Related: Finding Ease for Old Knees
How should I take the medication?
- Do not stop taking your medications without checking with your healthcare professional
- This medication may be taken with or without food
What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I follow when taking the medication?
Before starting on this medication, inform your healthcare professional if you:
- Are allergic to this medication, or any of the other ingredients in this medication
- Are allergic to shellfish (many products may contain shellfish)
- Are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), which may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with Glucosamine
What are some common side-effects of this medication?
Some side effects of Glucosamine may include stomach discomfort (e.g. nausea, passing out gas more often or heartburn), or headaches.
- You may reduce the stomach discomfort by taking medication with or after food
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
How should I store the medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. Throw away all expired medications.
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on December 2019
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