Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 5 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Triflex

Unknown Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM is a dietary supplement by GNC Triflex with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for replacing fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during exercise or illness, treating low blood sodium (under medical care).Based on those ingredients, 503 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Sodium, Glucosamine HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex

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 6 of its 6 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

GNC Triflex contains 6 active ingredients. Sodium supports electrolyte balance but comes in small amounts here.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen formation. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — a substance that helps retain moisture in skin and connective tissues.

MSM is included for joint support, though we hold no interaction data for it. Glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate, sodium are both structural components of cartilage and are used together to support joint flexibility and comfort.

The product also contains inactive ingredients: cellulose (a binder), titanium dioxide (a colorant), vegetable acetoglycerides, and ascorbic acid.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Joint health and cartilage support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Back pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Complex regional pain syndrome, Exercise-induced muscle damage, Exercise-induced muscle soreness, Fractures — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glucosamine is rated "Likely Effective" for Osteoarthritis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chondroitin Sulfate is rated "Possibly Effective" for Osteoarthritis.
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Effective" for Complex regional pain syndrome.

Glucosamine is likely effective for osteoarthritis — the main reason people take products like this one. Chondroitin sulfate is possibly effective for osteoarthritis and cataracts.

Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections. Hyaluronic acid is possibly effective for dry eye and venous leg ulcers.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for other conditions these ingredients are sometimes marketed for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Glucosamine 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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are generally well tolerated when taken orally, though some people report mild digestive side effects like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. Rare allergic reactions and asthma flares have been reported with glucosamine-chondroitin combinations.

Vitamin C is generally safe at normal doses but can cause digestive upset, headache, and kidney stones at high doses above 2 grams daily. Sodium should be kept to normal dietary amounts — excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain.

Hyaluronic acid appears well tolerated, though long-term safety of oral supplements isn't fully studied. There is not enough safety information about glucosamine or chondroitin in pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine, Vitamin C, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 503 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.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you use warfarin or other blood thinners (Major severity), blood pressure medications, lithium, corticosteroids, birth control pills or hormone therapy, thyroid medication, diabetes drugs, or chemotherapy agents (Moderate to Minor severity). If you take any regular medication, run it through the checker on this page with your exact drug names and doses.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This is a multi-ingredient joint supplement aimed at people with osteoarthritis. If you take warfarin, blood pressure medications, lithium, thyroid medication, birth control pills, or chemotherapy drugs, check with your pharmacist first — the interactions here are real and need attention.

The evidence supports glucosamine for osteoarthritis; the other ingredients have mixed or limited evidence. Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're on any regular medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 26, 2011.

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 Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Triflex
Barcode (UPC) 048107097295
Net contents 60 Caplet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 832
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Unknown
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex, 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:
3 Caplet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Caplet(s)
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
048107097295
IngredientAmount% DV
Sodium130 mg5%
Vitamin C30 mg50%
Hyaluronic Acid5 mg--
MSM900 mg--
Glucosamine HCl1500 mg--
Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, Vegetable Acetoglycerides, Ascorbic Acid

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.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

No Sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

CONTAINS: Crustaceans (Shrimp).

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

Conforms to USP <2091 > for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Lot No./Best By:

Maximum strength now with hyaluronic acid Promotes joint mobility & flexibility*

NEW & IMPROVED

General

CODE 281312 FLG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take three capsules daily preferably with meals.

See for yourself

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Caplet(s) Dosage formUnknown Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
130 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
30 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Hyaluronic Acid

No known
interactions
5 mg per serving

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body that helps hold water in the skin, joints, and eyes. Oral and topical products are popular for skin...

Hyaluronic Acid monograph & interactions

MSM

900 mg per serving

Glucosamine HCl

Interacts with
170 drugs
1500 mg per serving

Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of...

Glucosamine HCl monograph & interactions

Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium

Interacts with
2 drugs
1200 mg per serving

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

Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Titanium Dioxide, Vegetable Acetoglycerides, Ascorbic Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM?

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
503Drugs
2 Major 309 Moderate 192 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin C 207
Sodium 205

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C

Glucosamine HCl4 drug types · 170 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Glucosamine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In two individual case reports, glucosamine/chondroitin combinations were associated with a significant increase in international normalized ratio (INR) in patients previously stabilized on warfarin. In one case, the increase in INR occurred only after tripling the dose of a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement from 500 mg/400 mg daily to 1500/1200 mg daily. Additionally, 20 voluntary case reports to the U.S. 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 to increased INR in patients taking warfarin. The mechanism of this interaction is unclear. Glucosamine is a small component of heparin, but is not thought to have anticoagulant activity; however, animal research suggests that it might have antiplatelet activity.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Topoisomerase Ii Inhibitors

Theoretically glucosamine may induce resistance to topoisomerase II inhibitors.
In vitro research suggests that glucosamine might induce resistance to etoposide (VP16, VePesid) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin) by reducing inhibition of topoisomerase II, an enzyme required for DNA replication in tumor cells. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Anecdotal reports suggest that adding glucosamine to an acetaminophen regimen might decrease pain control in patients with osteoarthritis. Some research suggests that the sulfate portion of glucosamine sulfate might contribute to its effect in osteoarthritis. Since acetaminophen metabolism requires sulfur and reduces serum sulfate concentrations, acetaminophen could theoretically interfere with the action of glucosamine sulfate. Conversely, the administration of sulfate could theoretically decrease the effectiveness of acetaminophen in sulfate-deficient people by increasing its clearance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
In vitro and animal research has suggested that glucosamine might increase insulin resistance or decrease insulin production. This has raised concerns that taking glucosamine might worsen diabetes and decrease the effectiveness of diabetes drugs. However, clinical research suggests that glucosamine does not have adverse effects on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in healthy, obese, or type 2 diabetes patients.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Chondroitin Sulfate, Sodium1 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 Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM, from the product label.

GNC Triflex

See all GNC Triflex products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex: Common Questions

Does Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM by GNC Triflex interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM has a known interaction with 503 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Will this help my arthritis?
Glucosamine, one of the main ingredients, is likely effective for osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate is possibly effective for it as well. Results vary by person, and it typically takes weeks to months to notice a difference.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common ones are digestive: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. Rare allergic reactions and asthma flares have been reported with this type of combination product. Stop and contact your doctor if you develop hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or other unusual reactions.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on glucosamine or chondroitin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're pregnant or nursing — they can help you decide what's right for you.
Can I take this with my pain reliever?
If your pain reliever is acetaminophen (Tylenol), there's a minor interaction — acetaminophen may interfere slightly with how glucosamine sulfate works. Talk with your pharmacist about whether this product is a good fit alongside your other medications.
What's the sodium content for?
Sodium here is part of the chondroitin and helps with electrolyte balance in small amounts. Normal dietary sodium is fine, but avoid adding more sodium supplements on top of this product without medical advice, especially if you have high blood pressure or take blood pressure medications.
Is there a filler-free version?
This product contains inactive ingredients — cellulose (a binder), titanium dioxide (a colorant), vegetable acetoglycerides, and ascorbic acid — to hold the capsule together and maintain stability. There's no completely filler-free version of this type of supplement.

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

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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.

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM'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 173 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.

Sodium 38 references
  1. Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
  2. Food and Drug Administration Science Background: Safety of Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution. September 17, 2001. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/safety/sodiumphospate.htm
  3. Coton T, Mallaret C, Coilliot C, Carre D, Guisset M. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med 2009;38(3):499-500. PubMed
  4. Frings-Meuthen P, Buehlmeier J, Baecker N, et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J Appl Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. PubMed
  5. Frings-Meuthen P, Baecker N, Heer M. Low-grade metabolic acidosis may be the cause of sodium chloride-induced exaggerated bone resorption. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23(4):517-524. PubMed
  6. Alam S, Johnson AG. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) among healthy normotensive and essential hypertensive elderly patients to determine the effect of high salt (NaCl) diet of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(6):367-74.
  7. Boudville N, Ward S, Benaroia M, House AA. Increased sodium intake correlates with greater use of antihypertensive agents by subjects with chronic kidney disease. Am J Hypertens 2005;18(10):1300-5. PubMed
  8. Bennett WM. Drug interactions and consequences of sodium restriction. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65(2 Suppl):678S-681S. PubMed
  9. Okusa MD, Crystal LJ. Clinical manifestations and management of acute lithium intoxication. Am J Med 1994;97(4):383-9. PubMed
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10925. DOI
  11. D'Elia L, Rossi G, Ippolito R, Cappuccio FP, Strazzullo P. Habitual salt intake and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Clin Nutr 2012;31(4):489-98. PubMed
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Hyaluronic Acid 4 references
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Chondroitin Sulfate 22 references
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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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