What it is used for
- Slow symptomatic relief of pain from knee osteoarthritis in adults
- Reducing movement difficulty from knee osteoarthritis within a plan including activity, weight management and physiotherapy
How it is used
- Take the capsule or tablet as directed by the leaflet, doctor or pharmacist and with food if the pack advises
- Swallow the solid form whole with water and do not chew it if the leaflet prohibits this
- Do not expect rapid relief or replace a prescribed pain reliever or physiotherapy with it
- Check the amount and ratio of both extracts because different supplements are not equivalent to the studied preparation
- Review other ingredients in combination joint products before using them together
Possible side effects
- Diarrhoea or indigestion
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Taste change or belching
- Rash, itching or hives
- Rarely, liver disturbance or jaundice
Who should not use it
- Allergy to avocado, soya or any ingredient
- A child or adolescent because efficacy and safety are not established
- Severe liver disease without medical review
Before and while using it
- Jaundice, dark urine or generalised itching can indicate liver injury and requires stopping and assessment
- Rash, swelling or breathing difficulty can indicate avocado or soya allergy
- Sudden joint pain with swelling, redness or fever needs assessment and should not be assumed to be osteoarthritis
- Benefit can be delayed; do not continue indefinitely without review if there is no improvement
- The product does not stop joint damage or replace activity, physiotherapy and weight management
- Quality and composition of unlicensed supplements may differ from the studied medicinal preparation
Medicine interactions
- No important interaction is established, but tell the doctor and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement
- Review accompanying painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines to avoid duplication or stomach and kidney harm
- Combination products containing glucosamine or chondroitin have additional warnings and interactions
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety data are inadequate; ask the doctor about an alternative
How to store it
- Store as directed, protected from moisture and heat and away from children
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.