Glucosamine and condroitin

[phillliph]

My daughter has had Lupus for perhaps 15 years. She is now 27. Some days she has joint problems and pain, which appear arthritis like, particularily her knees. We were wondering if medication such as Glucosamine and Controitin could help in easing the symptoms. I think it is worth a try, but, would like to know first if there would be anything in there which could promote a flare up of her Lupus. She is always concerned about taking anything which boosts the bodies auto immune system. We don't know the answer, and hoped somebody who is knowledgable could give us some guidance. Thanks

[Lily]

Hi and welcome, I'm glad you decided to post here.

I dont have any personal experience with the product but hopefully someone who has will be along with their story. I'd also be interested to see what the top Lupus docs have to say about it. Karen has a copy of Daniel Wallace's latest book, I wonder if he mentions it?

Here's a fairly well balanced article by a pain clinic on it and another from a good site we often use for drug interactions and a general rundown on pharmaceuticals, herbals etc. Glucosamine is mainly used for osteoarthritis, which is not the same as Lupus arthralgia. As with all supplements too its hard to tell if you are getting the dosage stated on the bottle, the complimentary therapies are generally very unregulated, but things are improving as more trials are being done and more interest shown . So a consideration is making sure you are getting it from a reliable source. Also be aware that on those who are diabetic or have other insulin related problems, those taking Warfarin or other anti-clotting agents there could be interactions and also anyone who is allergic to shellfish.

http://www.coventrypainclinic.org.uk/joint...glucosamine.htm (http://www.coventrypainclinic.org.uk/jointpain-glucosamine.htm)

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTake...osamine,00.html (http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTake/0,3927,4055|Glucosamine,00.html)

What meds is your daughter currently on for her Lupus? It's possible if she is experiencing new or worsening pain that the disease is revving up a little, so a visit to her doc to review her current meds may be in order.

love
Lily

[raggedyann1]

Hi,

Lily has given you links to some good articles. I looked thru my Daniel Wallace Lupus Book and find no mention of either of those supplements. I believe other members here have taken them before.

You might also want to look at the Lupus Foundation Website they may have information on them as well.

Also the main page here
http://www.thelupussite.com

Enter the supplement name into the search bar and see if anything for this site shows up, the search engine will also list articles on sites other than this one here.

I hope you find some answers.

Take care,
Karen

[jude mack]

Hi I take glucosamine and msm, it does tend to help knee pain, a bit, I don't really notice a big difference until I stop taking it. I have also taken glucosamine with condroitin which wasn't as effective for me. I really don't think it contains anything
that would cause a flare and it doesn't boost the immune system. Hope this helps a bit. Take care Jude.