Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring sugar involved in maintaining the health of cartilage and connective tissues within the body. This substance is available as a dietary supplement, which may help manage inflammatory symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. The safety and efficacy of glucosamine have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Before beginning treatment with this natural supplement, patients should discuss the potential side effects of glucosamine with a doctor.
Stomach Upset
Patients taking glucosamine can develop stomach upset side effects during treatment. These stomach-related symptoms can include nausea, vomiting or gas, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Certain patients may also experience unusual sensations of burning or pain within the chest--a side effect called heartburn. Use of this natural supplement can also result in bowel movement changes, such as constipation or diarrhea. These bowel changes may occur in conjunction with abdominal bloating, cramping or discomfort. UMMC warns that patients who have peptic ulcers should only take glucosamine after eating a small snack or meal. Patients who develop severe or persistent upset stomach side effects while taking glucosamine should contact a doctor.
Insomnia or Drowsiness
While taking glucosamine, patients can experience sleep-related side effects, according to MayoClinic.com. Affected patients may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night, a condition called insomnia. If this occurs, these patients can experience increased daytime drowsiness or fatigue. As a result, patients may be unable to remain alert and focused while at work or school.
Increased Sun Sensitivity
Glucosamine can increase a patient's sensitivity to sunlight. As a result, affected patients may be more susceptible to sustaining sunburn while spending time outdoors. Sunburn can appear as red, irritated patches of skin across body regions exposed to sunlight. Patients can experience sensations of burning, warmth or discomfort at the affected skin site. Within a few days of sunlight exposure, the damaged skin can begin to itch, flake or peel. While receiving treatment with glucosamine, patients should be sure to protect their skin with clothing or sun block before going outside.
Allergic Reaction
Patients who are allergic to shellfish should be cautious when using glucaosamine. Certain types of glucosamine are made from shellfish and may trigger an allergic reaction in these patients, explains MayoClinic.com. Side effects of an allergic reaction are serious and can include breathing difficulties, hives, confusion, dizziness, headache or swelling of the face, throat, lips or tongue. A patient who develops any of these allergic reaction side effects after taking a dose of glucosamine should be taken to the hospital immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening medical complications.
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