Optiflex-G

Optiflex-G is a sugar protein that helps your body build cartilage, which is the hard connective tissue mainly found on the bones near your joints.

Optiflex-G is a naturally occurring substance found in bones, bone marrow, shellfish, and fungus.

Optiflex-G has been used in alternative medicine to help relieve joint pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis.

Not all uses for Optiflex-G have been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used instead of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Optiflex-G is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal compounds, and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Optiflex-G may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult with someone who is trained in herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use Optiflex-G, 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 recommended on the label.

Do not use different types of glucosamine at the same time without medical advice. Using different types together increases the risk of taking too much glucosamine.

Optiflex-G can cause unusual results in a blood glucose (sugar) test. Do not use this product without a doctor's advice if you are diabetic.

If you are having surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you are using Optiflex-G. You may need to stop using it for a short time.

It may take up to 8 weeks for your symptoms to improve. For the best results, continue using Optiflex-G as directed.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen while using Optiflex-G.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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 Optiflex-G.

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

• diabetes;
• high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
• cancer;
• liver disease;
• asthma or other breathing disorder;
• if you are allergic to shellfish; or
• if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

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

Glucosamine 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 any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Optiflex-G may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• heartburn.

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's nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra Optiflex-G to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Some Optiflex-G products also contain manganese. Taking too much of this combination can cause a manganese overdose. Do not take more than directed on the medicine label.

Other drugs may interact with glucosamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or stop using.