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 helps your body build cartilage (the hard connective tissue located mainly on the bones near your joints). Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in bones, bone marrow, shellfish and fungus.

Osteo Bi-Flex is a combination product that has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating osteoarthritis pain.

Other uses not proven with research have included treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, cataracts, glaucoma, bladder problems, heart disease, high cholesterol, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease).

It is not certain whether Osteo Bi-Flex is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication 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 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 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 this product than is recommended on the label.

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

If you need surgery or dental work, stop taking Osteo Bi-Flex at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with Osteo Bi-Flex 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 Osteo Bi-Flex; or

• if you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

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

• asthma;

• an allergy to shellfish (oyster, crab, shrimp);

• diabetes;

• high blood pressure, high cholesterol;

• prostate cancer; or

• bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

Ask a doctor before using Osteo Bi-Flex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Osteo Bi-Flex 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, Osteo Bi-Flex is thought to be possibly safe when taken for up to 2 years.

Stop using Osteo Bi-Flex and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

• irregular heartbeats; or

• swelling in your legs.

Common side effects of Osteo Bi-Flex may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, constipation;

• stomach pain, gas, bloating;

• 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.

Other drugs may affect Osteo Bi-Flex, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.