Glucosamine is used on its own or together with other medicines to help relieve the symptoms associated with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (joint pain and swelling due to bone damage or deterioration).
Take Glucosamine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet, effervescent tablet, capsule, or powder for oral solution.
If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.
If you are taking the effervescent tablet, dissolve it in at least 100 mL of water then drink the solution immediately.
Glucosamine also comes as a powder for oral solution. Empty the entire contents of the sachet in at least 250 mL of water. Stir to disperse the powder evenly in the water then drink the solution immediately.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition.
Glucosamine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Glucosamine and seafood such as shrimp, crab, or any other shellfish.
Do not give this medicine to children unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- risk factors for heart disease
- asthma
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Glucosamine is not intended for the treatment of sudden painful symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking Glucosamine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar or cholesterol levels) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Glucosamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach wind, indigestion, stomach pain, tiredness, flushing, and skin rash, redness or itching.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth, or eyes, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, acenocoumarol
- tetracycline (certain antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Glucosamine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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