Glucosamine linked to liver failure
March 6, 2008 on 11:00 am | In Prescribing Extra - Drugs |
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According to a story in the Telegraph, glucosamine has been associated with liver failure and death of a patient in Scotland.
The article gives details of a fit and healthy man aged 64 who started top take a glucosamine supplement. Shortly after starting this medication he fell ill and died of liver failure. A Consultant Gastroenterologist who treated this patient is also aware of two other cases where patients taking glucosamine have suffered reactions.
A cause and effect cannot be demonstrated but the potential for a link between the use of glucosamine and liver failure cannot yet be dismissed and is cause for concern.
Recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for osteoarthritis has advised clinicians that glucosamine supplements should not be prescribed.
Action: Clinicians should reflect on their prescribing practices for glucosamine. NICE do not recommend this treatment and it may not be free from risk.
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I have been taking glucosamine for a while, with consultants knowledge, after being diagnosed with arthritis in one knee, and a cartilage problem in the other. After a recent routine blood test, it was discovered I had a liver problem (I do not know specific details) but was advised to stop taking the anti-inflammatory medication. It would appear it may well be my glucosamine supplement, not the anti inflammatories that are to blame.
Comment by JS — March 8, 2008 #
It may be either medication or the combination. Stopping the anti-inflammatories is a reasonable step but I think I would also consider stopping the glucosamine given this recent information.
Comment by Matthew Robinson — March 10, 2008 #
Following recent blood tests while suffering severe headaches it was discovered there was a problem with my liver. This co-incided with me changing to a new Glucosamine supplement called ChondroMax containing 400mg Marine Chondroitin and 500mg Optiflex Glucosamine HCI.
Cynthia Lawson - 21 April 2008
Comment by Cynthia Lawson — April 21, 2008 #