Osteo Bi-Flex

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.

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

Chondroitin and glucosamine 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 and glucosamine 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.

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

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

Chondroitin and glucosamine 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.

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 and glucosamine, 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 chondroitin and glucosamine at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.