Osteo Bi-Flex Plus (MSM)

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

Glucosamine is a natural substance that is believed to help build and repair cartilage, the tough tissue found on bones near joints, and 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.

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

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 your doctor has prescribed for you.

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM are often sold as herbal supplements. Many herbal products do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with harmful metals or other drugs. Buy herbal/health supplements from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM may also be used for other 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 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. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM does not get better after a few weeks of treatment, or if your condition worsens while using this product.

Glucosamine can 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 might also need to change your insulin dosage. If you are having 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 consulting your doctor.

Store 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 using.

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 Osteo Bi-Flex Plus 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 happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the 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 help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take chitosan (usually 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 consulting your doctor 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 medications 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.