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Dietary supplement

Chondroitin Sulfate Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Karuna

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chondroitin Sulfate is a dietary supplement by Karuna with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for osteoarthritis joint pain, joint stiffness, cartilage support.Based on those ingredients, 2 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chondroitin Sulfate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: chondroitin sulfate, a natural compound found in cartilage. The inactive ingredients are rice flour and stearate, which are used to form and stabilize the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Cartilage and joint support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Osteoarthritis, Kashin-Beck disease, Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia, Joint pain, Joint stiffness — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chondroitin Sulfate is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chondroitin Sulfate is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), Kashin-Beck disease, Aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia.

Chondroitin sulfate is possibly effective for cataracts and osteoarthritis, based on available evidence. For aging skin, osteoporosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and colorectal adenomas, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate how well it works.

If you're considering it for one of those latter conditions, talk with us about what the current research actually shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chondroitin Sulfate

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chondroitin sulfate is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though the quality of supplements varies and benefit isn't guaranteed. The most common side effects are digestive — abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea.

Rarely, skin symptoms like swelling around the eyes, lower leg swelling, hair loss, or rash have been reported; a few cases of worsened asthma or a sun sensitivity reaction have also been described in the medical literature. There isn't enough safety information to recommend it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chondroitin Sulfate

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Chondroitin Sulfate.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 2 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you're on warfarin (Coumadin) or any other blood thinner, double-check with your pharmacist before taking this product — chondroitin may increase how much your blood thinner works.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Chondroitin sulfate may help with osteoarthritis or cataracts, though results vary. If you take warfarin or any blood thinner, you'll want to check with us first.

Digestive upset is the most likely side effect. It's generally well tolerated, but talk with your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or on other medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chondroitin Sulfate, straight from the product label.

Brand Karuna
Barcode (UPC) 018647081122
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2025
DSLD ID 327084
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
018647081122
IngredientAmount% DV
Chondroitin Sulfate400 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Purified Chondroitin Sulfate

Brand IP Statement(s)

Karuna Responsible Nutrition

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use for adults: One capsule two times a day, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Formulation

This product contains no yeast, wheat, soy, corn, milk, salt, sugar, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

Precautions

This product is intended for professional use and is manufactured under strict quality control to ensure the optimum in purity, potency and reliability.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place tightly capped.

See for yourself

Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Interacts with
2 drugs
400 mg per serving Form: Bovine

Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring building block of cartilage that is widely taken, often with glucosamine, for osteoarthritis joint pain....

Chondroitin Sulfate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chondroitin Sulfate?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
2Drugs
2 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chondroitin Sulfate with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chondroitin Sulfate1 drug type · 2 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Taking chondroitin in combination with glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, the effect of chondroitin alone is unclear.
There have been multiple reports of increased international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking warfarin with glucosamine, with or without chondroitin. The lack of reports with chondroitin alone seem to suggest that the interactions occurring in these reports may have been due to glucosamine. In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in INR in patients previously stabilized on warfarin. Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have linked glucosamine plus chondroitin with increased INR, bruising, and bleeding in patients who were also taking warfarin. There have also been 20 additional case reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) that link glucosamine alone, without chondroitin, to increased INR in patients taking warfarin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chondroitin Sulfate, from the product label.

Karuna

See all Karuna products
Name
Karuna Corporation
Street Address
42 Digital Drive #7
City
Novato
State
CA
ZipCode
94949
Phone Number
800-826-7225
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna: Common Questions

Does Chondroitin Sulfate by Karuna interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chondroitin Sulfate has a known interaction with 2 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chondroitin Sulfate contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on chondroitin during pregnancy or breastfeeding to say it's okay. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you during these times.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people have no trouble, but some experience upset stomach — bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or heartburn. Rarely, skin symptoms like rash or swelling around the eyes can happen. If you notice anything unusual, stop and let us know.
Does chondroitin actually work for arthritis?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis, but results vary from person to person. It's worth trying if your doctor thinks it's right for you, but don't expect a guarantee.
Is there anything else in this capsule besides chondroitin?
The capsule contains rice flour and stearate to hold it together. Those are just inactive fillers — the active ingredient is the chondroitin sulfate itself.
Why do I need to check with my pharmacist about blood thinners?
Chondroitin may make warfarin and similar blood thinners work even stronger, which could change how much your blood is thinned. Your pharmacist can make sure the combination is safe for you or adjust your dose if needed.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Chondroitin Sulfate is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chondroitin Sulfate label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chondroitin Sulfate's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 22 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chondroitin Sulfate 22 references
  1. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
  2. Tallia AF, Cardone DA. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract 2002;15:481-4..
  3. Danao-Camara T. Potential side effects of treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthritis Rheum 2000;43:2853. PubMed
  4. Rozenfeld V, Crain JL, Callahan AK. Possible augmentation of warfarin effect by glucosamine-chondroitin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2004;61:306-307. PubMed
  5. Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med 2006;354:795-808. DOI
  6. Knudsen J, Sokol GH. Potential glucosamine-warfarin interaction resulting in increased international normalized ratio: Case report and review of the literature and MedWatch database. Pharmacotherapy 2008;28:540-8. PubMed
  7. Yue QY, Strandell J, Myrberg O. Concomitant use of glucosamine potentiates the effect of warfarin. Jan 2006. Drug Safety 29(10):911-1010. DOI
  8. Nordling, J. and van, Ophoven A. Intravesical glycosaminoglycan replenishment with chondroitin sulphate in chronic forms of cystitis. A multi-national, multi-centre, prospective observational clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung. 2008;58(7):328-335. PubMed
  9. Nickel, J. C., Egerdie, B., Downey, J., Singh, R., Skehan, A., Carr, L., and Irvine-Bird, K. A real-life multicentre clinical practice study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravesical chondroitin sulphate for the treatment of interstitial cystit
  10. Oliviero, U., Sorrentino, G. P., De Paola, P., Tranfaglia, E., D'Alessandro, A., Carifi, S., Porfido, F. A., Cerio, R., Grasso, A. M., Policicchio, D., and . Effects of the treatment with matrix on elderly people with chronic articular degeneration. Drug
  11. Crowley, D. C., Lau, F. C., Sharma, P., Evans, M., Guthrie, N., Bagchi, M., Bagchi, D., Dey, D. K., and Raychaudhuri, S. P. Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial. Int.J.Med.Sc PubMed
  12. Nickel, J. C., Egerdie, R. B., Steinhoff, G., Palmer, B., and Hanno, P. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group pilot evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intravesical sodium chondroitin sulfate versus vehicle control in patients with
  13. Sawitzke, A. D., Shi, H., Finco, M. F., Dunlop, D. D., Harris, C. L., Singer, N. G., Bradley, J. D., Silver, D., Jackson, C. G., Lane, N. E., Oddis, C. V., Wolfe, F., Lisse, J., Furst, D. E., Bingham, C. O., Reda, D. J., Moskowitz, R. W., Williams, H. J.
  14. Wildi, L. M., Raynauld, J. P., Martel-Pelletier, J., Beaulieu, A., Bessette, L., Morin, F., Abram, F., Dorais, M., and Pelletier, J. P. Chondroitin sulphate reduces both cartilage volume loss and bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis patients starti
  15. Pavelka and et al. Double-blind, dose effect study of oral cs 4 & 6 1200mg, 800mg, 200mg against placebo in the treatment of femorotibial osteoarthritis. Wular Rheumatol Liter 1998;27(suppl 2):63.
  16. Cerda C, Bruguera M, Parés A. Hepatotoxicity associated with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in patients with chronic liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(32):5381-4. PubMed
  17. von Felden J, Montani M, Kessebohm K, Stickel F. Drug-induced acute liver injury mimicking autoimmune hepatitis after intake of dietary supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2013;51(3):219-23. PubMed
  18. Provenza JR, Shinjo SK, Silva JM, Peron CR, Rocha FA. Combined glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, once or three times daily, provides clinically relevant analgesia in knee osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2015;34:1455-62. PubMed
  19. Ossendza RA, Grandval P, Chinoune F, Rocher F, Chapel F, Bernardini D. [Acute cholestatic hepatitis due to glucosamine forte]. Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 2007 Apr;31(4):449-50.
  20. Greenlee H, Crew KD, Shao T, Kranwinkel G, Kalinsky K, Maurer M, Brafman L, Insel B, Tsai WY, Hershman DL. Phase II study of glucosamine with chondroitin on aromatase inhibitor-associated joint symptoms in women with breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 201 PubMed
  21. Chu EC, Huang KHK, Cheung G, Ng G, Lin A. Delayed Skin Allergy to Glucosamine Chondroitin Supplement. Cureus 2023;15(3):e36310. PubMed
  22. Lila AM, Alekseeva LI, Baranov AA, et al. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine combination in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis: A long-term observational study in Russia. World J Orthop 2023;14(6):443-457. PubMed

See these in context on the Chondroitin Sulfate monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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