Glucosamine itself exists in humans and animals, helping to metabolism of joint cartilage. In recent years, glucosamine extracted from shellfish and animals, as well as glucosamine synthesized in the laboratory, has been increasingly used in the treatment of arthritis. It has the

glucosamine itself exists in humans and animals, helping to metabolism of joint cartilage. In recent years, glucosamine extracted from shellfish and animals, as well as glucosamine synthesized in the laboratory, has been increasingly used in the treatment of arthritis. It has the effect of alleviating joint pain, swelling and stiffness of . helps maintain joint spaces. has little side effects. However, in addition to the clinical effect, there are some issues that need to be paid attention to. Which one is better,

or anti-inflammatory painkiller

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is the main drug for the treatment of arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, such as celecoxib, meloxicam, ibuprofen , etc., has been published for more than a hundred years, and their efficacy can be confirmed. At the same time, there are also some side effects, such as the risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal bleeding, and a few patients with nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, gastric mucosa erosion, ulcers, etc.

According to some medical advice, patients who are not suitable for this type of drug can consider taking glucosamine as a substitute. Although there is still a lack of very clear clinical evidence of so far, it is still effective for a considerable number of patients. A 2002 study focused on the treatment effect of ibuprofen and glucosamine. 218 patients were divided into two groups and found that the efficacy of 1.2 g of ibuprofen and 1.5 g of glucosamine sulfate per day was comparable. In addition, 606 patients with knee osteoarthritis in European countries conducted a randomized trial of , comparing glucosamine with the arthritis drug celecosamine. took 3 doses of glucosamine and chondroitin per day, which was comparable to the effect of small doses of celecosamine .

glucosamine can be taken alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but not all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are suitable. must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. , such as , , acetaminophen , , taking glucosamine sulfate and acetaminophen may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

medications that need to be taken with caution

When preparing to take glucosamine, please consult your doctor if you are taking the following medications.

Anticoagulant Warfarin: Glucosamine may increase the blood dilution effect of warfarin and may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding.

Lowering blood sugar drugs or Insulin : Glucosamine may change the dose required for lowering blood sugar drugs and insulin. If you are taking these drugs to treat diabetes , you should take glucosamine with caution.

Anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin , etoposide and teniposide: Glucosamine may have a negative effect on these drugs. Increase cell growth.

Who needs to take glucosamine

In a large open trial, 1208 participants were participants, and the most common adverse reactions to oral glucosamine sulfate (1.5 grams per day) were upper abdominal pain or tenderness (3.5%), heartburn (2.7%), diarrhea (2.5%) and nausea. It is best to consult a doctor before taking glucosamine. For example, some patients may interact with glucosamine by taking Chinese medicine or health products. The following groups should also take caution.

    • Use it with caution for people who are allergic to seafood shellfish or iodine, because some sugars are extracted from shellfish, and you can choose sugars synthesized by other materials, such as cereal fermentation. Use
    • active bleeding patients or perioperative patients with caution, because it will increase the risk of bleeding.
    • Asthma , diabetes, bleeding complications, hypertension and high cholesterol are used with caution, which may aggravate the symptoms.
      • Use with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children.

      Medical science popularization, for reference only.

      Reference:

      Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are really effective for arthritis? 》, Harvard Health, 2022.

      "Comparison between glucosamine therapy and ibuprofen for joint pain treatment", Pubmed, 2002.

      "Glucosamine", AAFP, 2008.