Two capsules contain: Chondroitin Sulfate 300 mg • Glucosamine Sulfate 280 mg • Quercetin (saphora plant) 260 mg • Rutin (saphora plant) 40 mg • Hyaluronate Sodium 20 mg. Other Ingredients: Gelatin (not from beef), Olive Kernel Extract (from seeds and leaves), Soy Lecithin, Beeswax, Glycerin, Purified Water, Titanium Dioxide, Carob Extract. Contains Fish (shark), Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), Soy.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product CystoProtek. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product CystoProtek. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Chondroitin sulfate has been used safely in doses of up to 2000 mg daily for up to 6 years (1955,2533,13579,17732,22212,42339,42343,42348,42389,42396)(42398,42463,42477,42513,42520,42536,42541,89516,89558,89592)(89596,94360,94381,95788,95792). However, since chondroitin is often derived from bovine cartilage, historically, there was concern about contamination with diseased animal parts (1825). So far, there are no reports of disease transmission to humans due to use of contaminated chondroitin preparations. ...when used topically and appropriately as an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). Various products containing chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate have been granted approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an adjunct to cataract surgery (89436,89437).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used intramuscularly (10149,42397). ...when used topically as eye drops, short-term. Eye drops containing chondroitin sulfate with xanthan gum or glucosamine have been used with apparent safety four times daily for up to 3 months (89591,104443). ...when administered intravesically under the supervision of a physician (42338,42371,42373,42385,42387,42473,42511,42517,42519,109649).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when glucosamine sulfate is used orally and appropriately. Glucosamine sulfate has been used safely in multiple clinical trials at a dose of 1000-1500 mg daily for 4 weeks to 3 years (2604,7026,8942,11340,12461)(14305,16717,89558,89567,94380,94382,95785).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when glucosamine hydrochloride is used orally and appropriately. Glucosamine hydrochloride has been used with apparent safety at a dose of 1400-1600 mg daily for up to 2 years (4237,13579,14809,18344,42477,89516,89519,95784). Glucosamine hydrochloride 2 grams daily has also been used with apparent safety for up to 3 weeks (103281). ...when N-acetyl glucosamine is used orally and appropriately. N-acetyl glucosamine 100 mg daily has been used with apparent safety for up to 24 weeks (95795). ...when N-acetyl glucosamine is applied topically and appropriately. A 2% N-acetyl glucosamine cream has been safely used for up to 10 weeks (92721). ...when N-acetyl glucosamine is used rectally and appropriately. N-acetyl glucosamine 3-4 grams daily in 2 divided doses has been safely used (10234). ...when glucosamine sulfate is used intramuscularly and appropriately, short-term. Intramuscular glucosamine sulfate seems to be well tolerated when given twice weekly for up to 6 weeks (2605).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Supplements standardized to contain hyaluronic acid 70%, in an 80 mg daily dose, have been used daily for up to 3 months with no reports of adverse effects (55742,91779). ...when used topically and appropriately. Hyaluronic acid, in a gel or impregnated gauze, has been safely applied to the skin in clinical trials (7889,7892,104389,108627,108640). ...when eye drop preparations containing up to 0.3% hyaluronic acid are used multiple times per day for up to 3 months (97885,97894,97895,110555).
PREGNANCY:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of hyaluronic acid; avoid using.
LACTATION:
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of hyaluronic acid.
It is not known if hyaluronic acid is excreted in breast milk (7890); avoid using.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately, short-term. Quercetin has been used with apparent safety in doses up to 1 gram daily for up to 12 weeks (481,1998,1999,16418,16429,16430,16431,96774,96775,96782)(99237,102539,102540,102541,104229,104679,106498,106499,107450,109620)(109621). ...when used intravenously and appropriately. Quercetin has been used with apparent safety in doses less than 945 mg/m2. Higher doses have been reported to cause nephrotoxicity (9564,16418). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of quercetin when used topically.
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used intravenously in large amounts. Doses greater than 945 mg/m2 have been reported to cause nephrotoxicity (9564,16418).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally in amounts found in foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally in medicinal amounts, short-term. Rutin has been used with apparent safety at doses of up to 600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks (6252,24560,91104,96766,105298). ...when applied topically as a cream (92236,99258,99260).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the use of supplemental rutin; avoid amounts greater than those found in foods.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product CystoProtek. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Taking chondroitin in combination with glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, the effect of chondroitin alone is unclear.
 Details
There have been multiple reports of increased international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin with glucosamine, with or without chondroitin. The lack of reports with chondroitin alone seem to suggest that the interactions occurring in these reports may have been due to glucosamine. In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in INR in patients previously stabilized on warfarin (11389,16130). Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin (16130). There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone, without chondroitin, to increased INR in patients taking warfarin (16131).
|
Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Details
Anecdotal reports suggest that adding glucosamine to an acetaminophen regimen might decrease pain control in patients with osteoarthritis (14806). Some research suggests that the sulfate portion of glucosamine sulfate might contribute to its effect in osteoarthritis. Since acetaminophen metabolism requires sulfur and reduces serum sulfate concentrations, acetaminophen could theoretically interfere with the action of glucosamine sulfate. Conversely, the administration of sulfate could theoretically decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen in sulfate-deficient people by increasing its clearance (10313).
|
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Details
In vitro and animal research has suggested that glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production (371,372,3406,18342,18343). This has raised concerns that taking glucosamine might worsen diabetes and decrease the effectiveness of diabetes drugs. However, clinical research suggests that glucosamine does not have adverse effects on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in healthy, obese, or type 2 diabetes patients (7026,7075,8942,10311,10317,15111).
|
Theoretically glucosamine may induce resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors.
Details
In vitro research suggests that glucosamine might induce resistance to etoposide (VP16, VePesid) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) by reducing inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme required for DNA replication in tumor cells (7639). This effect has not been reported in humans.
|
Glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Details
In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in patients previously stabilized on warfarin (11389,16130). In one case, the increase in INR occurred only after tripling the dose of a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from 500 mg/400 mg daily to 1500/1200 mg daily (16130). Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin (16130). There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone to increased INR in patients taking warfarin (16131). The mechanism of this interaction is unclear. Glucosamine is a small component of heparin, but is not thought to have anticoagulant activity; however, animal research suggests that it might have antiplatelet activity (16131).
|
Theoretically, concomitant use of quercetin and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Clinical research suggests that a combination of quercetin, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid reduce levels of fasting glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes agents (96779). The effect of quercetin alone is unknown. |
Theoretically, taking quercetin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Details
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of cyclosporine.
Details
A small study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine, possibly due to inhibition of p-glycoprotein or cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporin (16434). |
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C8 substrates.
Details
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.
Details
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac, a CYP2C9 substrate, increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5% (97931). Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar), a substrate of CYP2C9 (100968). Furthermore, laboratory research shows that quercetin inhibits CYP2C9 (15549,16433). |
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2D6 substrates.
Details
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
Details
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), a substrate of CYP3A4 (16434). Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) and quetiapine (Seroquel), substrates of CYP3A4 (100968,104228). Other laboratory research also shows that quercetin inhibits CYP3A4 (15549,16433,16435). However, one clinical study shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, a substrate of CYP3A4, and decrease serum concentrations of midazolam by about 24% in some healthy individuals, suggesting possible induction of CYP3A4 (91573).
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of diclofenac.
Details
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5%. This is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP2C9 by quercetin (97931). |
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of losartan and decrease the effects of its active metabolite.
Details
Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) while decreasing plasma levels of losartan's active metabolite. This metabolite, which is around 10-fold more potent than losartan, is the result of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9- and CYP3A4-mediated transformation of losartan. Additionally, in vitro research shows that quercetin may inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of losartan from the intestines, resulting in increased absorption of losartan (100968). These results suggest that concomitant use of quercetin and losartan might increase systemic exposure to losartan while also decreasing plasma concentrations of losartan's active and more potent metabolite. |
Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the levels and effects of midazolam.
Details
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, with a decrease in AUC of about 24% (91573). |
Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of mitoxantrone.
Details
In vitro research shows that quercetin increases the intracellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which mitoxantrone is a substrate (107897). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT1 substrates.
Details
In vitro research shows that quercetin is a strong non-competitive inhibitor of OAT1, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values less than 10 mcM (104454). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. |
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT3 substrates.
Details
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OATP substrates.
Details
In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit organic anion-transporting peptide (OATP) 1B1-mediated uptake of estrone-3-sulfate and pravastatin (91581). Furthermore, clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the AUC of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells (91581). |
Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.
Details
There is preliminary evidence that quercetin inhibits the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump, which might increase the bioavailability and serum levels of drugs transported by the pump (16433,16434,16435,100968,104228). A small study in healthy volunteers reported that pretreatment with quercetin increased bioavailability and plasma levels after a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) (16434). Also, two small studies have shown that quercetin might decrease the absorption of talinolol, a substrate transported by the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump (91579,91580). However, in another small study, several days of quercetin treatment did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir (Invirase) (16433). The reason for these discrepancies is not entirely clear (91580). Until more is known, use quercetin cautiously in combination with P-glycoprotein substrates. |
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of pravastatin.
Details
In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit OATP 1B1-mediated uptake of pravastatin (91581). Also, preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the maximum concentration of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells (91581).
|
Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of prazosin.
Details
In vitro research shows that quercetin inhibits the transcellular efflux of prazosin, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which prazosin is a substrate. BCRP is an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter in the intestines, kidneys, and liver (107897). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of quetiapine.
Details
Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin can increase plasma levels of quetiapine and prolong its clearance, possibly due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by quercetin. Additionally, the brain-to-plasma ratio of quetiapine concentrations increased, possibly due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier (104228). This interaction has not been reported in humans.
|
Theoretically, concomitant use might inhibit the effects of quinolone antibiotics.
Details
In vitro, quercetin binds to the DNA gyrase site on bacteria (481), which may interfere with the activity of quinolone antibiotics.
|
Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
Details
Animal research shows that quercetin increases the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of sulfasalazine, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which sulfasalazine is a substrate (107897). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
|
Theoretically, quercetin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with warfarin.
Details
Animal and in vitro studies show that quercetin might increase serum levels of warfarin (17213,109619). Quercetin and warfarin have the same human serum albumin (HSA) binding site, and in vitro research shows that quercetin has stronger affinity for the HSA binding site and can theoretically displace warfarin, causing higher serum levels of warfarin (17213). Animal research shows that taking quercetin for 2 weeks before initiating warfarin increases the maximum serum level of warfarin by 30%, the half-life by 10%, and the overall exposure by 63% when compared with control. Concomitant administration of quercetin and warfarin, without quercetin pre-treatment, also increased these measures, but to a lesser degree. Researchers theorize that inhibition of CYP3A4 by quercetin may explain these effects (109619). So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.
|
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Details
Animal research suggests that rutin has hypoglycemic effects (105299).
|
Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product CystoProtek. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally and topically, chondroitin sulfate is generally well tolerated.
Intramuscular and ophthalmic use also seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: There have been rare reports of hepatotoxicity.
Cardiovascular ...One case of congestive heart failure and another case of myocardial infarction has been possibly attributed to use of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (13579,42477). Also, a case of mesenteric occlusion in one patient was considered possibly related to treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine (89520).
Dermatologic ...Orally, chondroitin sulfate has been associated with skin symptoms, such as eyelid edema, lower limb edema, alopecia, and skin rash (42513). Combinations of chondroitin sulfate along with glucosamine hydrochloride may also be associated with rash, water retention around eyes and scars, and hives on face, chest, torso, and legs when taken orally (42436,110628). A case of photosensitization that was reproducible with rechallenge has been reported following treatment with oral glucosamine-chondroitin products. However, it is not clear if this effect was due to glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or contaminants in the product (10408). A case of rash following treatment with intravesical chondroitin sulfate has been reported to be possibly related to the product (42385).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, chondroitin might cause nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dyspepsia, and epigastric burning (42396,42436,42541,89561,110628,111647).
Genitourinary ...Intravesical chondroitin sulfate has been associated with cases of vulvar burning, vaginitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), dysuria, pelvic pain, and other bladder symptoms, such as increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence. However, these effects might be due to catheterization rather than chondroitin sulfate (42385,42387,42473).
Hematologic ...Concern has been expressed about possible anticoagulant activity of oral chondroitin sulfate. However, hematological changes have not occurred in patients taking chondroitin sulfate in clinical trials (760).
Hepatic ...Although relatively uncommon, combinations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been associated with acute liver injury that mimics autoimmune hepatitis. Two cases of elevated aminotransferase levels have been reported for patients taking glucosamine (form unspecified) and chondroitin sulfate at recommended doses. Aminotransferase levels, which were increased by four- to seven-fold, returned to normal following discontinuation of treatment (89515). Another case of abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes has been reported for a patient who used chondroitin sulfate (Condrosulf) for 2 years followed by a combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (Vita Mobility Complex) for 8 weeks. The patient required maintenance treatment with azathioprine to remain in remission (89518). A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis due to Glucosamine Forte, which contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, Devil's claw, and shark cartilage, has been reported (89522). It is unclear whether these adverse events were related to chondroitin sulfate, other ingredients, or the combination.
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, chondroitin has been associated with musculoskeletal and connective-tissue events and disorders (13579,42520,95516).
Neurologic/CNS
...Rare cases of headache have been reported following treatment with products containing a combination of oral chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate (42436,89561).
It is unclear if this effect was due to chondroitin, glucosamine, or the combination.
Patients should adhere to product directions when using chondroitin sulfate products that contain manganese. When taken at doses slightly higher than the recommended dose, these products can sometimes supply greater than the tolerable upper limit (UL) for manganese of 11 mg per day. Ingestion of more than 11 mg per day of manganese might cause significant central nervous system toxicity (7135).
Ocular/Otic ...A case of bilateral pinna chondritis (inflammation of the cartilage of the external ear) has been reported for a patient who received supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (42503).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...A case of asthma exacerbation has been reported occurred following use of an oral glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate combination product (10002).
General
...Orally, all forms of glucosamine seem to be well tolerated.
Topically and rectally, N-acetyl glucosamine also seems to be well tolerated. Intramuscularly, glucosamine sulfate seems to be well tolerated. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted for non-oral routes of administration.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Bloating, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: There have been rare reports of severe allergic reactions and hepatotoxicity.
Cardiovascular
...One case of mesenteric occlusion in a clinical trial was considered possibly related to use of oral glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate (89520).
Some observational research has found that glucosamine use in patients with osteoarthritis is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events when compared with non-use (109642). However, glucosamine users tended to be older, have multiple comorbidities, and be on antihyperlipidemic or antiplatelet therapy. Furthermore, other observational research in healthy adults has found that glucosamine use is associated with a reduced risk of fatal and non-fatal CVD events (99682). Higher quality, prospective research is needed to clarify the relationship, if any, between glucosamine and CVD risk.
Dermatologic ...Orally, glucosamine might cause skin reactions, including itching, rash, and erythema (2608,20084,89567,110628). Also, fingernail and toenail toughening, with an increased rate of growth, has been reported (89572). Topically, N-acetyl glucosamine 2% with niacinamide 4% cream might cause rare skin reactions (92721). Photosensitization that was reproducible with re-challenge was reported in a case report of an individual using glucosamine (form unknown) and chondroitin (10408).
Endocrine ...Orally, glucosamine does not seem to impact blood glucose. Preliminary research and anecdotal reports have found that various forms of glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production, increasing fasting plasma glucose levels (22,371,372,1203,3406,5059,7637,14810). This has raised concerns that taking glucosamine sulfate might worsen diabetes and decrease the effectiveness of diabetes drugs. However, clinical research suggests that various forms of glucosamine do not have adverse effects on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in healthy, obese, patients with type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (7026,7075,7638,8942,10311,10317,12107,14808,15111,89563).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, glucosamine has been associated with gastrointestinal problems, including epigastric and abdominal pain, cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, constipation, and flatulence (1520,2608,16717,20084,20104,20105,89561,89562,89567,89568)(108897,110628,111647). In older persons, use of glucosamine sulfate is associated with oral dryness (89564). In a clinical trial, a case of Helicobacter pylori gastritis was considered probably related to the use of glucosamine hydrochloride (89516).
Hepatic ...Although relatively uncommon, combinations of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been associated with acute liver injury that mimics autoimmune hepatitis. Of 151 patients at an outpatient clinic for liver diseases, 23 acknowledged use of products containing glucosamine (form unspecified) and/or chondroitin. However, only 2 cases had an apparent relationship between transaminase elevation and the use of recommended doses of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Aminotransferase levels, which were increased by four- to seven-fold, returned to normal following discontinuation of treatment (89515). In another case, a 65-year-old male presented to the hospital with signs and symptoms of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis. The patient had used Condrosulf, containing chondroitin sulfate, for two years, followed by Vita Mobility Complex, containing chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, for 8 weeks. The patient required maintenance treatment with azathioprine to remain in remission (89518). A case of acute cholestatic hepatitis due to Glucosamine Forte, which contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, Devil's claw, and shark cartilage, has been reported (89522). It is unclear whether these adverse events were related to glucosamine, other ingredients, or the combination.
Immunologic ...There is some concern that glucosamine products might cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. One review of glucosamine-related adverse events in Australia found that 72% of all reports involved hypersensitivity reactions. Of these reactions, 35% were mild, including pruritis, urticaria, and lip edema, 49% were moderate, including dyspnea, and 16% were severe, including gait disturbance, somnolence, and hypotension. Anaphylaxis was reported in 1.5% of cases (102115). Also, in one clinical trial, a single patient developed allergic dermatitis considered to be likely due to glucosamine hydrochloride (89516). Glucosamine is derived from the exoskeletons of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. However, it is unclear if these adverse reactions were due to a shellfish sensitivity or general atopy. Additionally, shellfish allergies are caused by IgE antibodies to antigens in the meat of shellfish, not to antigens in the exoskeleton. Regardless, it is possible that some glucosamine products might be contaminated by this allergen during production (102115).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, glucosamine has been reported to cause drowsiness and headache (2608,89561). Glucosamine plus chondroitin combination products that also contain manganese (e.g., CosaminDS) should always be taken according to product directions. When taken at doses slightly higher than the recommended dose, these products can sometimes supply greater than the tolerable upper limit (UL) for manganese which is 11 mg/day. Ingestion of more than 11 mg/day of manganese might cause significant central nervous system toxicity (7135).
Ocular/Otic ...In older persons, use of glucosamine sulfate has been associated with ocular dryness (89564). Increased intraocular pressure has occurred with glucosamine sulfate supplementation (89573,112460). Data from the FDA MedWatch adverse event reporting system shows that 0.21% of subjects taking glucosamine reported glaucoma, which is significantly greater than the 0.08% of subjects who reported glaucoma while using any other drug (112460).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Cases of asthma exacerbations associated with the use of glucosamine (form unknown)-chondroitin products have been reported (10002).
Renal ...Anecdotal reports have associated glucosamine with nephrotoxicity signals such as modestly elevated creatine phosphokinase and 1+ to 2+ proteinuria, but changes in kidney function have not been reported in long-term studies (7026,8942,10408,10409). It was also noted that effects may have been due to other concurrent medications or impurities in glucosamine-chondroitin products. Cases of acute interstitial nephritis induced by glucosamine (form unknown) have also been reported (89523).
Other ...There has been concern that glucosamine might increase the risk of metabolic disturbances resulting in increased cholesterol levels and blood pressure. However, glucosamine does not appear to increase the risk of these adverse effects. Taking glucosamine sulfate for up to 3 years does not significantly increase blood glucose or lipid levels, or cause any other disturbances in metabolism (7026,7075,8942,10311,10317).
General
...Orally and topically, hyaluronic acid appears to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Eczema, erythema, itching, wound hemorrhage, wound infection (e.g., erysipelas).
Dermatologic
...The use of needle-free devices to inject hyaluronic acid for cosmetic purposes has been reported to cause serious injury, and in some cases permanent harm, to the skin, lips, and eyes (108613).
Topically, hyaluronic acid application has been reported to cause eczema, erythema, itching, wound hemorrhage, and wound infection (e.g., erysipelas) (108628,108640).
Ocular/Otic ...Ocular pain has been reported rarely in patients using eye drops containing up to 0. 3% hyaluronic acid (97885).
General ...Orally and intravenously, quercetin seems to be well tolerated in appropriate doses. Topically, no adverse effects have been reported. However, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.
Gastrointestinal ...Intravenous administration of quercetin is associated with nausea and vomiting (9564).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, quercetin may cause headache and tingling of the extremities (481,111500). Intravenously, quercetin may cause pain at the injection site. Injection pain can be minimized by premedicating patients with 10 mg of morphine and administering amounts greater than 945 mg/m2 over 5 minutes (9564). In addition, intravenous administration of quercetin is associated with flushing and sweating (9564).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Intravenous administration of quercetin at doses as high as 2000 mg/m2 is associated with dyspnea that may persist for up to 5 minutes (9564).
Renal ...Intravenously, nephrotoxicity has been reported with quercetin in amounts greater than 945 mg/m2 (9563,9564,70304).
General ...Orally, rutin is generally well tolerated.
Dermatologic ...Orally, rutin may cause flushing and rashes in some people (313).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, rutin may cause gastrointestinal disturbance in some people (313).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, rutin may cause headache in some people (313).
