Recent media reports have raised concern over the use of glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. \u00a0These reports appear to be based on two unrelated recent events:<\/p>\n
In October 2019 the ACR updated their guidelines for the management of osteoarthritis from a longstanding conditional<\/em> recommendation against the use of glucosamine for osteoarthritis (on the basis that it probably does not help), to a strong<\/em> recommendation against the use of glucosamine for osteoarthritis (on the basis that it convincingly does not help). \u00a0They did not cite new safety concerns.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 \u00a0A recent paper highlighting the known risks associated with glucosamine, particularly in people with shellfish allergy [2]<\/strong><\/p>\n This paper reviewed 366 glucosamine related adverse drug reactions reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration between 2000-2011, including 43 classified as severe, possibly related to the known risks of glucosamine in those with shellfish allergy. \u00a0This highlights a valid concern but the number of adverse events needs to be considered in the context of the many hundreds of thousands of people who took glucosamine during that period. This suggests that severe adverse reactions are very uncommon.<\/p>\n Many other osteoarthritis treatment guidelines make conditional recommendations against the use of glucosamine on the basis that it probably does not help, including The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guideline for the management knee and hip OA [3].<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Arthritis Australia and Australian Rheumatology Association comment:<\/strong><\/p>\n This information highlights growing evidence that glucosamine does not help people with osteoarthritis and is a reminder that people with shellfish allergy should not take glucosamine (which is commonly derived from shellfish). \u00a0It does not identify any new safety concerns and should not cause undue alarm in people already taking glucosamine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Comment from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP):<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr Harry Nespolon, President of the RACGP stated \u201cThe RACGP does not recommend the use of glucosamine as a way of preventing osteoarthritis. If you have concerns about using glucosamine or treatment for osteoarthritis I recommend you have a chat with your local GP about the options available to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n [1] https:\/\/www.rheumatology.org\/Portals\/0\/Files\/Osteoarthritis-Guideline-Early-View-2019.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n [2] https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/31597786<\/a><\/p>\n [3] https:\/\/rheumatology.org.au\/gps\/clinical-guidelines.asp<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Media Contacts:<\/strong><\/p>\n Australian Rheumatology Association \u2013 T:\u00a0 02 9252 2356 \u00a0E:\u00a0 admin@rheumatology.org.au<\/a><\/p>\n Arthritis Australia \u2013 T:\u00a0 02 9518 4441\u00a0 E:\u00a0 info@arthritisaustralia.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners \u2013 T: 03 8699 0939\u00a0| E: John.Ronan@racgp.org.au<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n