Glucosamine

What is this medication for?

Glucosamine is a supplement which may help relieve symptoms of 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. However, the evidence for glucosamine's effectiveness varies, and it may not work for everyone. Glucosamine is thought to reduce joint pain and stiffness by strengthening the cartilage and reducing friction around the joints.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take only the recommended dose. Do not exceed the amount recommended by your healthcare professional.
• This supplement may be taken with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or 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 Glucosamine to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this supplement, or any of the other ingredients in this supplement
• You are allergic to shellfish (many glucosamine products are made from shellfish)
• You are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. aspirin, warfarin), which may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with Glucosamine
• You have risk factors for heart disease (e.g. high blood pressure) as long-term consumption of Glucosamine may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease in those with osteoarthritis

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.

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do 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.

What else should I know about this medication? 

Glucosamine typically requires 4-12 weeks of regular use before you may notice improvement in joint pain and stiffness. Some people may need up to 6 months to see the full benefits, while others may not see any benefits at all. If you do not notice any improvement after this period, your healthcare professional may advise stopping Glucosamine to avoid unnecessary long-term use and explore alternative treatments. 

Read these next:

• Knee Pain: Findng Ease for Old Knees
• Ankle Conditions
• Knee Arthritis
• Frozen Shoulder​