Glucosamine Chondroitin Advanced (MSM)

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

Glucosamine is a natural substance that is believed to aid in the development and renewal of cartilage, the tough connective tissue mainly found on bones near joints, and to help keep it lubricated for better joint movement and flexibility.

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

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

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

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM is commonly sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal products do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

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

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a practitioner who specializes 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 the condition you are treating with chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM does not get better after a few weeks, or if your condition worsens while using this product.

Glucosamine may raise the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more frequently while taking this medication. You may also need to adjust your insulin dosage. If you are having surgery, you may need to stop taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM at least 2 weeks beforehand. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without consulting your doctor.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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 whether 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 whether 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 Glucosamine Chondroitin Advanced 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 make up for the missed dose.

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

• Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are taking chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM.
• Chitosan can make it harder 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 methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.