Glucosamine is generally considered safe, but it can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects include:
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
* Bloating
* Gas
* Heartburn
* Headache
* Drowsiness
* Skin rash
Drug interactions
Glucosamine can interact with certain medications, including:
* Warfarin (Coumadin): Glucosamine can increase the effects of warfarin, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
* Insulin and oral diabetes medications: Glucosamine can lower blood sugar levels, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
* Methotrexate: Glucosamine can decrease the effectiveness of methotrexate, a medication used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Preexisting medical conditions
People with certain preexisting medical conditions should talk to their doctor before taking glucosamine, including:
* Diabetes
* Kidney disease
* Liver disease
* Bleeding disorders
* Seafood allergies
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It is not known if glucosamine is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Children
Glucosamine is not recommended for children under the age of 18.
Consult a doctor
If you experience any side effects from glucosamine, talk to your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine if you have any preexisting medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.