Chondroitin is a naturally occurring substance formed of sugar chains. Chondroitin is believed to help the body maintain fluid and flexibility in the joints.

Chondroitin has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating osteoarthritis pain.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating cataracts, bladder problems, heart disease, or osteoporosis.

Chondroitin may have been combined with other plants or extracts in a specific preparation to treat these conditions.

It is not certain whether chondroitin is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Chondroitin should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Chondroitin 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.

Chondroitin may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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 use chondroitin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different formulations of chondroitin at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of chondroitin.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with chondroitin does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to chondroitin.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• asthma;

• prostate cancer; or

• bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

It is not known whether chondroitin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Chondroitin may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra chondroitin to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, chondroitin is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 6 years.

Stop using chondroitin and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• irregular heartbeats; or

• swelling in your legs.

Common side effects of chondroitin may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, constipation;

• mild stomach pain;

• hair loss; or

• puffy eyelids.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not take chondroitin without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chondroitin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.