Duraflex (MSM)

Chondroitin is a natural substance made of sugar chains. It is thought to help the body keep joints fluid and flexible.

Glucosamine is a natural substance that is believed to help build and repair cartilage, which is the tough tissue mainly found on the ends of bones near joints, and to keep it lubricated for better movement and flexibility in the joints.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a natural form of sulfur that helps support muscles and tendons in the body.

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM is a combination medicine that has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective treatment for osteoarthritis, muscle damage from exercise, and other inflammatory joint disorders.

It is not clear if chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM is effective for any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This product should not replace any medications prescribed by your doctor.

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM is usually sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to contain harmful metals or other drugs. It is important to buy herbal/health supplements from a trusted source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, ask your doctor for advice. You may also want to talk to someone who is trained in herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not take more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

It may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. Contact your doctor if your condition does not get better after a few weeks of using chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM, or if your condition worsens while using this product.

Glucosamine may raise your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you might need to check your blood sugar more frequently while taking this medication. You may also need to adjust your insulin dose. If you are going to have surgery, you may need to stop taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM at least 2 weeks before the procedure. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without your doctor's guidance.

Keep the product at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to chondroitin, glucosamine, or methylsulfonylmethane.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• diabetes;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• asthma or allergies;
• prostate cancer;
• high cholesterol; or
• high blood pressure.

It is not known if chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known if chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Duraflex may include:

• gas, bloating, heartburn, stomach cramps, nausea;
• headache, drowsiness;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• swelling in your ankles or feet;
• itching, skin irritation; or
• puffy eyelids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take chitosan (often sold as a weight-loss product) while you are taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM. Chitosan can make it more difficult for your body to absorb chondroitin.

Do not take this product without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• a blood thinner--warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• cancer medicine--doxorubicin, etoposide.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.