Cartigen

• Osteoarthritis (OA):
  • Approved and widely used for symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis, primarily of the knee, hip, and hand joints.
  • Indicated to reduce joint pain, improve joint function, and possibly slow cartilage degradation in mild to moderate OA.
  • Recommended for patients seeking symptom relief or as an adjunct to conventional therapy.
• Other Clinically Accepted Uses:
  • May be used in other degenerative joint disorders or cartilage injury recovery to support joint structure.
  • Sometimes prescribed in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
• Not Indicated For:
  • Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Acute joint injuries requiring immediate anti-inflammatory or surgical intervention.

• Adults:
  • Typical oral dose:
  – Glucosamine sulfate: 1,500 mg daily, usually divided into one or two doses.
  – Chondroitin sulfate: 800 to 1,200 mg daily, divided doses.
  • Combination products usually provide these doses in fixed ratios.
  • Duration: Minimum 3–6 months continuous use is required to evaluate therapeutic benefit.
  • Administration route: Oral tablets or capsules.
• Elderly:
  • No dose adjustments typically required; monitor tolerability.
• Pediatrics:
  • Safety and efficacy not established; not routinely recommended.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment:
  • Caution advised; insufficient data to recommend specific dose adjustments.
• Administration Notes:
  • Can be taken with or without food.
  • Consistent daily intake recommended for optimal effects.

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are natural components of cartilage matrix. Glucosamine serves as a substrate for the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid, supporting cartilage repair and maintenance. Chondroitin sulfate provides structural support and elasticity to cartilage, inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes such as metalloproteinases, and may reduce inflammation by modulating cytokine activity. Together, they contribute to restoring cartilage integrity, reducing degradation, and alleviating symptoms of osteoarthritis through both structural support and mild anti-inflammatory effects.

• Absorption:
  • Glucosamine sulfate: Oral bioavailability approximately 20–30%.
  • Chondroitin sulfate: Poorly absorbed orally; bioavailability varies between 10–20%.
• Distribution:
  • Both compounds are distributed to connective tissues including cartilage and synovial fluid.
• Metabolism:
  • Glucosamine is minimally metabolized and largely incorporated into cartilage glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
  • Chondroitin sulfate undergoes partial enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Elimination:
  • Primarily renal excretion as unchanged or partially metabolized compounds.
• Half-life:
  • Estimated 15–20 hours for glucosamine; variable for chondroitin sulfate due to absorption variability.

• Pregnancy:
  • Classified as FDA Pregnancy Category B.
  • Animal studies show no teratogenicity; human data are limited.
  • Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed and after healthcare provider consultation.
• Lactation:
  • Limited safety data; use with caution during breastfeeding.
  • No evidence of harm but insufficient human studies.

• Primary Class: Dietary supplements / Nutraceuticals
• Subclass: Symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA)

• Known hypersensitivity to glucosamine, chondroitin, or any excipients.
• Allergy to shellfish (especially relevant for glucosamine sulfate sourced from shellfish).
• Severe renal impairment or renal failure.
• Pregnancy and lactation only with caution and medical advice.

• High-risk Groups:
  • Patients with shellfish allergy should avoid shellfish-derived glucosamine products or use purified non-shellfish formulations.
  • Caution in patients with diabetes due to potential alterations in glucose metabolism.
  • Patients on anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin) require monitoring due to bleeding risk.
• Potential Risks:
  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is common.
  • Rare allergic reactions reported.
• Monitoring:
  • Blood glucose monitoring in diabetic patients recommended.
  • Coagulation parameters if anticoagulants are used concomitantly.
• Serious Adverse Events:
  • Extremely rare; may include hypersensitivity reactions.

• Common:
  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia.
  • Central nervous system: headache, dizziness, fatigue.
  • Dermatologic: rash, pruritus.
• Rare:
  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and bronchospasm.
  • Possible elevation in blood pressure or glucose levels.
• Onset & Dose Dependence:
  • Side effects generally mild, transient, and dose-independent.

• Major Interactions:
  • May potentiate anticoagulant effect of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. INR monitoring advised.
  • Potential minor interaction with antidiabetic agents; monitor blood glucose.
  • No significant CYP450 enzyme involvement; minimal drug metabolism interactions expected.
• Food Interactions:
  • None significant; may be taken with or without food.
• Alcohol:
  • No significant interaction reported; use caution to avoid GI irritation.

• Clinical Guidelines:
  • Osteoarthritis guidelines recognize glucosamine sulfate plus chondroitin as options for symptomatic management, though evidence remains mixed regarding disease-modifying effects.
  • Some guidelines recommend a trial period (3–6 months) to assess individual patient response before long-term use.
  • Emphasis on safety and tolerability encourages use in patients preferring non-pharmacologic options.
• Regulatory Status:
  • Generally classified as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals; regulation varies by country.
• Safety Notes:
  • Recent data continue to support a favorable safety profile when used appropriately.

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Keep in original tightly closed container.
• Avoid freezing or exposure to high humidity.
• Keep out of reach of children.