Glucosamine is dietary supplement that presents amino sugar derived from shells of the shellfishes.
It can be prescribed for the patients with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine provides slowing in its progression, improving function of the damaged joint, rebuilding of the cartilage and pain relief.
Also it can be used for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency.
Side effects
According to recent data only about 1% of the patients who use Glucosamine experience some side effects.
Usually Glucosamine is well tolerated but sometimes it can cause such mild adverse effects as:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Swollen eyelids
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Gastralgia
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Softening of the stool
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Rash
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
As far as Glucosamine is a derivate of shellfish’s shells some people who have allergic reaction to shellfish will experience predicted allergy to this medicine. But as it is true for any other drug – in any person can develop allergic reaction that can manifest in:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, lips, throat and neck
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Angioedema
- Serum sickness
Serious side effects
Also Glucosamine can cause severe and serious side effects such as:
- Damage of the pancreatic cells
- Decreasing of the metabolic actions of insulin
- Increased risk of the diabetes and insulin resistance development
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in people with diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure
- High heart rate
- Heart palpitations
- Feeling of the skipped heart beat
- Increased risk of bleeding
Side effects in pregnant women
There were not held any long-term study that could provide clear data about safety of the Glucosamine for pregnant woman and fetus. Therefore pregnant woman shouldn’t use this medicine.
Side effects in children
Glucosamine seems to be safe for children but while we don’t have proven data about its safety it can’t be recommended for use in this age group.
Side effects of the Glucosamine Solution
Besides listed above side effects Glucosamine Solution can cause such adverse effects as:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diplopia
- Tongue and mouth numbness
- Tremor
- Euphoria
- Disorientation
- Heart conductivity abnormality.
Conclusions
You may never experience any of listed above side effects. And your doctor cannot predict reaction of your body to Glucosamine until you will try it. That’s why don’t forget to let your physician know if something in your health condition alerts you. So when it seems that anything going wrong ask your doctor for advice and he or she will diagnose if your problem is connected with medicine intake. And be careful because some of Glucosamine’s side effects require urgent medical help.