OptiFlex-C

OptiFlex-C is a natural substance made of sugar chains. This medicine is thought to help the body keep fluid and flexibility in the joints.

OptiFlex-C has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly helpful aid in relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Other uses that lack proven research include treating cataracts, bladder issues, heart disease, or osteoporosis.

OptiFlex-C may have been mixed with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.

It is unclear whether OptiFlex-C is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This medicine should not replace any medication prescribed by your doctor.

OptiFlex-C is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to contain toxic metals or other drugs. It is important to buy herbal/health supplements from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

OptiFlex-C may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who knows about herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use OptiFlex-C, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is suggested on the label.

Do not use different formulations of chondroitin at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together raises the risk of an overdose of chondroitin.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with OptiFlex-C does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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

You should not use this product if you are allergic to OptiFlex-C.

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

• asthma;
• prostate cancer; or
• bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

It is not known whether OptiFlex-C will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Chondroitin may pass into breast milk and may 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; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, OptiFlex-C is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 6 years.

Stop using OptiFlex-C and call your healthcare provider right away if you have:

• irregular heartbeats; or
• swelling in your legs.

Common side effects of OptiFlex-C may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• mild stomach pain;
• hair loss; 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.

Skip the missed dose if it is close to when you are supposed to take your next dose. Do not take extra OptiFlex-C to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Do not take OptiFlex-C without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

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