Shark cartilage

Shark cartilage comes from the skeletal tissues of sharks caught mostly in the Pacific Ocean. Shark cartilage is also known as AE-941, Cartilage de Requin, Cartilago de Tiburon, Collagène Marin, Extrait de Cartilage de Requin, Liquide de Cartilage Marin, Marine Collagen, Marine Liquid Cartilage, Neovastat, Poudre de Cartilage de Requin, Sphyrna lewini, Squalus acanthias, and other names.

Shark cartilage has also been used to treat cancer. However, research has shown that shark cartilage is not likely to be effective in treating advanced cancer.

Other uses that have not been proven with research include treating osteoarthritis, Kaposi's sarcoma, psoriasis, macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), and other conditions.

A specific product (Neovastat) containing shark cartilage extract prolonged survival time in some people with kidney cancer.

It is not certain whether shark cartilage is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. Shark cartilage should not be used instead of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Shark cartilage 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 minimize the risk of contamination.

Shark cartilage may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

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

If you decide to use shark cartilage, 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.

Shark cartilage is considered possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 40 months, or when applied to the skin for up to 8 weeks.

Do not take topical (for the skin) shark cartilage by mouth. Topical forms of this product are meant only for skin use.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc.) of shark cartilage at the same time without medical advice. Using different types together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with shark cartilage does not improve, or if it worsens while using this product.

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

Follow all the 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.

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

• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).

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

It is not known whether shark cartilage 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 products to a child without medical advice.

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

Stop using shark cartilage and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss.

Common side effects of shark cartilage may include:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• constipation;
• dizziness;
• tired feeling; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

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 the time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra shark cartilage to compensate for the missed dose.

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

Avoid taking shark cartilage with a vitamin or mineral supplement that contains calcium.

Fruit juices that are acidic (orange, apple, grape, or tomato juices) can reduce the effectiveness of shark cartilage when mixed together. If you add shark cartilage to any of these juices, drink it right away. Do not save the mixture for later use.

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

• drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

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