If you experience chronic joint pain or inflammation due to osteoarthritis, your doctor may recommend treatment with a supplement that contains glucosamine sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM. Joint health supplements with glucosamine sulfate and MSM are typically administered orally at least once daily. Discuss the side effects of glucosamine sulfate and MSM with your medical provider before beginning treatment.
Stomach Discomfort
Both glucosamine sulfate and MSM may irritate your stomach, leading to side effects of nausea, heartburn or bloating. Stomach discomfort may occur shortly after treatment and may contribute to a temporary loss of appetite. Consult your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain or if stomach discomfort does not subside. You may find that eating a small snack or meal before taking a dose of glucosamine sulfate and MSM help reduce or prevent stomach discomfort.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Intestinal irritation caused by supplements that contain glucosamine sulfate and MSM may induce changes in your normal bowel movements. You may experience infrequent or difficult bowel movements that yield unusually small or solid stools. Alternatively, you may excrete loose, watery stools several times a day. These bowel movement changes may exacerbate stomach discomfort or may cause bloating or cramping. Chronic bowel movement problems that are left untreated may result in dehydration or bowel impaction.
Insomnia, Fatigue or Headache
While receiving treatment with MSM, you may experience difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep throughout the night, RxList reports. Insomnia may cause increased daytime fatigue, which may affect your ability to focus or remain active during your normal daily activities. Both MSM and glucosamine sulfate may also cause headache pain during treatment. Persistent headache pain may be uncomfortable and may limit your attentiveness at work or home.
Skin or Allergic Reaction
You may develop a skin reaction following treatment with glucosamine sulfate or MSM. Inflamed, itchy patches of skin may appear across your body. People who are allergic to shellfish may develop hives or other allergy symptoms, such as facial swelling or breathing problems, after taking glucosamine sulfate. If these side effects emerge, seek prompt care from your medical provider. Without appropriate medical treatment, an allergic reaction may be life-threatening.
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