Generic Name: chondroitin and glucosamine
(kon DROI tin and gloo KOE sa meen)
What is Osteo Bi-Flex?
Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance formed of sugar chains. Chondroitin is believed to help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints.
Glucosamine is sugar protein that is believed to help develop and renew cartilage (the hard connective tissue mainly located on bones near joints in the body), and keep it lubricated for better joint movement and flexibility.
The combination of Osteo Bi-Flex is widely used to aid in maintaining healthy joints. It is also used as a nutritional supplement in people with osteoarthritis or other inflammatory joint disorders.
Not all uses for Osteo Bi-Flex have been approved by the FDA. Chondroitin and glucosamine should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Osteo Bi-Flex is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Osteo Bi-Flex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Osteo Bi-Flex?
Not all uses for Osteo Bi-Flex have been approved by the FDA. Chondroitin and glucosamine should not be substituted for medications prescribed for you by your doctor.
Osteo Bi-Flex is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Before using Osteo Bi-Flex, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chondroitin and glucosamine if you have diabetes, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia, if you have allergies to certain drugs, if you are overweight, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
Use Osteo Bi-Flex as directed on the label, or as your healthcare provider has prescribed. Do not use this product in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take Osteo Bi-Flex without the advice of a healthcare provider if you are using insulin, or a blood thinner such as anisindione (Miradon) or warfarin (Coumadin).
Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are taking Osteo Bi-Flex. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb chondroitin.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Osteo Bi-Flex?
Before using Osteo Bi-Flex, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use chondroitin and glucosamine if you have:
- diabetes
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia
- if you have allergies to certain drugs;
- if you are overweight; or
- if you are on a low-salt diet.
Osteo Bi-Flex may or may not be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this product without talking to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Osteo Bi-Flex can pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask your healthcare provider before using chondroitin and glucosamine if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Osteo Bi-Flex?
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to take Osteo Bi-Flex, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of chondroitin and glucosamine than is recommended on the label.
Osteo Bi-Flex is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day. You may need to take the medication 3 times per day for the first couple of months of treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Glucosamine may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often while taking this medication. You may also need to adjust your insulin dosage. Do not change your dose or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
Osteo Bi-Flex may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do nottake extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Osteo Bi-Flex is not expected to produce life-threatening side effects.
What should I avoid while taking Osteo Bi-Flex?
Avoid taking chitosan (usually marketed as a weight-loss product) while you are taking Osteo Bi-Flex. Chitosan can make it harder for your body to absorb chondroitin.
What are the possible side effects of Osteo Bi-Flex?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild nausea, upset stomach
- heartburn; or
- diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Osteo Bi-Flex?
Do not take Osteo Bi-Flex without the advice of a healthcare provider if you are using any of the following medications:
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Osteo Bi-Flex. Tell your healthcare provider about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your healthcare provider.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider may have more information about Osteo Bi-Flex. You may also consult the National Academy of Sciences “Dietary Reference Intake” or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Dietary Reference Intake” listings for more information.
Consultation with a licensed healthcare professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all healthcare providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04. Revision Date: 4/12/2009.