Chondroitin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 20, 2024.
What are other common names?
- Calcium Chondroitin Sulfate
- CDS
- Chondroitin 4- and 6-Sulfate
- Chondroitin 4-Sulfate
- Chondroitin Polysulfate
- Chondroitin Sodium Sulfate
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Chondroitin Sulfuric Acid
- Chondroitin Sulphate
- Chondroïtine
- Chondroïtine Sulfate A
- Chondroïtine Sulfate B
- Chondroïtine Sulfate C
- Chonsurid
- CPS
- CS
- CSA
- CSC
- GAG
- Galactosaminoglucuronoglycan Sulfate
- Shark Chondroitin Sulphate
- Structum
What is this product used for?
Chondroitin is a natural part of cartilage. Chondroitin, used either by itself or with another natural product called glucosamine, may help improve pain and movement in people with a certain type of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Science does not support the use of chondroitin by itself for any other health problem.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
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Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
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Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.
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Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests. Stop taking this product at least 14 days before any surgery.
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This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These can also increase your risk of bleeding. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
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Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.
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Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
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Asthma
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Blood clotting problems
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Cancer
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What should I watch for?
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Upset stomach
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Hard stools
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Heartburn
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Hair loss
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Rash
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When do I need to call the doctor?
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Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
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Signs of bleeding problems. These include bruising or bleeding that is not normal; blood in your stools or dark, tarry colored stools; changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
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Very bad belly pain
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Very bad loose stools
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Swelling of the eyelids, legs, or feet
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Extra heart beats or flutters
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Worsening of asthma
Last Reviewed Date
2024-03-26Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
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