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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- NCCAM: Questions & Answers: Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial; Oct. 2008
- MedlinePlus; Chondroitin Sulfate; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Gout; Nov. 2009
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Side Effects of Chondroitin Sulphate Glucosamine for Gout
Gout attacks are extremely painful and do not get any easier to endure. Your physician may prescribe certain medications to help control your gout -- or at least to help you get through the 5 to 10 days of each severe attack. You may be looking for virtually any other type of substance that may offer help in your chronic illness. For this reason, you may consider taking chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, a combination of substances that may help your condition 1. Do not start such a treatment until you consult with your doctor.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Gout
Several types of arthritis exist including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, among others. All of them cause pain in your joints due to inflammation. Unlike other forms of arthritis, gout does not usually cause continual pain. When you consume certain foods that contain high levels of purines, your kidneys may have trouble removing all the uric acid, which is the waste product of these substances. Uric acid can build up in your body, primarily in your joints. As it concentrates in certain areas, it turns to sharp crystals. These can produce inflammation in your joints, making it very difficult to move them without severe pain. You may take daily medications to eliminate or decrease your gout attacks, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to reduce the pain during attacks. All these medications can produce side effects.
- Several types of arthritis exist including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout, among others.
- You may take daily medications to eliminate or decrease your gout attacks, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to reduce the pain during attacks.
Chondroitin Sulphate and Glucosamine
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Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine are forms of sugar 1. When you take them as a combined supplement, they may help to lubricate your joints. Some people use the combination to treat forms of arthritis, specifically to reduce the inflammation that causes pain. For this reason, you may want to use chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine supplements in place of NSAIDs, but you should consult with your doctor first 1.
Diabetes Side Effects
Because chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine are forms of sugar, taking them when you suffer from diabetes can cause problems 1. These substances can elevate your blood sugar levels, which may cause hyperglycemia. Your practitioner will want you to monitor your glucose levels carefully and probably more often if you do take this combination supplement. If chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine do raise your glucose levels, your doctor may change your diabetes medications, increase doses or recommend you stop using the supplement 1.
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Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine supplements also may cause side effects if you have cardiovascular problems 1. These substances can interfere with medications that help prevent blood clots such as warfarin. You should only use the supplement with your physician’s permission.
- Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine supplements also may cause side effects if you have cardiovascular problems 1.
Other Side Effects
The use of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine supplements may produce some non-serious side effects when you begin your regimen 1. These kinds of side effects typically end as your body grows accustomed to them. You may feel nauseous when you start using chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, or you may develop a short bout of diarrhea 1. You may also feel the uncomfortable sensation of indigestion or heartburn due to the supplement. These side effects should feel mild, but consult your doctor if they worry you.
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References
- Drugs.com: Chondroitin and Glucosamine
- NCCAM: Questions & Answers: Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial; Oct. 2008
- MedlinePlus; Chondroitin Sulfate; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Gout; Nov. 2009
- Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):170. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.10.018
- Palma dos reis R, Giacovelli G, Girolami F, André R, Bonazzi A, Rovati LC. Crystalline glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: evidence of long-term cardiovascular safety from clinical trials. Open Rheumatol J. 2011;5:69-77. doi: 10.2174/1874312901105010069
- Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C. Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2010;2(6):335-48. doi: 10.1177/1759720X10383076
- Anderson JW1, Nicolosi RJ, Borzelleca JF. Glucosamine effects in humans: a review of effects on glucose metabolism, side effects, safety considerations and efficacy. Food Chem Toxicol. 2005 Feb;43(2):187-201.
- Black C1, Clar C, Henderson R, MacEachern C, McNamee P, Quayyum Z, Royle P, Thomas S. The clinical effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in slowing or arresting progression of osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2009 Nov;13(52):1-148.
- Bruyere O, Reginster JY. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as therapeutic agents for knee and hip osteoarthritis. Drugs Aging. 2007;24(7):573-80.
- Hathcock JN, Shao A. Risk assessment for glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007 Feb;47(1):78-83. Epub 2006 Aug 30.
- National Institutes of Health. Chondroitin sulfate: MedlinePlus Supplements. February 2015.
- National Institutes of Health. Glucosamine sulfate: MedlinePlus Supplements. February 2015.
- Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, their combination, celecoxib or placebo taken to treat osteoarthritis of the knee: 2-year results from GAIT. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010 Aug;69(8):1459-64.
Writer Bio
Carole Anne Tomlinson is a registered nurse with experience in rehabilitation, nutrition, chemical dependency, diabetes and health problems related to the elderly. Tomlinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and is presently working on her master's degree in nursing. Her screenplays have been viewed by Merchant Ivory, Angela Lansbury and Steven King's associates.