Optimum Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Genacol
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Optimum against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Optimum is a dietary supplement by Genacol with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for skin health and wrinkles, joint pain and osteoarthritis, bone health.Based on those ingredients, 170 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Optimum by Genacol
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Optimum by Genacol — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimum by Genacol
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Genacol Optimum contains 4 active ingredients. The product centers on hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides)—a protein your body can break down and use to support joint and skin structure.
It's combined with two ingredients commonly used for joint health: glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which are building blocks found naturally in cartilage. The fourth ingredient is MSM, a sulfur compound sometimes included in joint-support formulas.
The product also contains several inactive ingredients—sodium carboxymethylcellulose, silicon dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate, hypromellose, and polyethylene glycol—which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the tablet.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence for each ingredient varies. Hydrolyzed collagen is possibly effective for aging skin and dry skin, though the evidence is mixed.
Glucosamine sulfate is likely effective for osteoarthritis—the strongest claim in this product—but the evidence for skin aging and back pain is insufficient. Chondroitin sulfate is also possibly effective for osteoarthritis and possibly effective for cataracts, but the data on its other uses is weak or absent.
We hold no effectiveness data for MSM. Overall, if joint support is your goal, the evidence supports glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis specifically; for general aging or skin health, the collagen evidence is weaker.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Hydrolyzed collagen and glucosamine are generally well tolerated, though a small number of users report mild stomach upset—nausea, bloating, diarrhea, heartburn, or constipation. Chondroitin is also generally well tolerated for short-term use, with similar digestive side effects possible.
Rare cases of allergic reactions to glucosamine (including rash, swelling, or in uncommon cases, difficulty breathing) have been reported. There are also rare reports of liver problems with chondroitin and of asthma flare-ups with glucosamine-chondroitin combinations.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are limited: chondroitin and glucosamine should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Hydrolyzed collagen hasn't been well studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding either—talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using if you're pregnant or nursing.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin—glucosamine can increase bleeding risk. If you're on cancer drugs like etoposide or doxorubicin, cancer medications in that class, diabetes drugs, or regular acetaminophen for pain, ask your pharmacist to review this product with your full medication list.
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.
Genacol Optimum is worth considering if you're looking for osteoarthritis support, where glucosamine and chondroitin have the strongest evidence. If you take warfarin or other blood thinners, cancer drugs, or manage diabetes with medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product—the interactions can be significant.
The same goes if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of allergic reactions to glucosamine. Your own healthcare provider can weigh whether this supplement fits your situation.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 18, 2021.
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
General information
Key facts about Optimum, straight from the product 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 Optimum by Genacol, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 5 Calorie(s) | -- |
| MSM | 400 mg | -- |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen | 1.2 Gram(s) | -- |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | 500 mg | -- |
| Glucosamine Sulfate | 1.5 Gram(s) | -- |
Other ingredients: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Polyethylene Glycol/Macrogol
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formulation
4-in-1 Joint solution Genacol Optimum is one of the most complete joint formula available! AminoLock Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM helps to lubricate and protect joints and to maintain joint health.
Unlike other hydrolyzed collagen supplements that the body struggles to absorb, Genacol's exclusive AminoLock Collagen peptides are 3x smaller! Smaller molecules bring superior absorption for better results!
#1 absorbable form of collagen
Helps to maintain healthy joints Helps to lubricate and protect joints
Made in Canada
Formula
An exclusive collagen peptide for better results!
AminoLock Collagen + Glucosamine chondroitin MSM
General Statements
We are committed to offering reliable and effective science-backed dietary supplements. More info at genacol.com
3 Clinical studies
Questions about our products? We are here to help! Contact our team. 1 888 514-3622 or [email protected]
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommended dosage: As a dietary supplement, take 3 tablets once daily or as directed by your health care practitioner. Take with food. Use for at least 1 month to see beneficial effects.
Precautions
Caution: Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18 and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.
Caution: Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18 and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.
Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.
Keep out of reach of children.
The desiccant pouch should remain in the bottle.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Optimum by Genacol label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Optimum by Genacol
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size3 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 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.
MSM
Hydrolyzed Collagen
No knowninteractions
Collagen peptides are a well-absorbed form of protein that may modestly improve skin elasticity and joint comfort for some people, though evidence is...
Hydrolyzed Collagen monograph & interactionsChondroitin Sulfate
Interacts with2 drugs
Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring building block of cartilage that is widely taken, often with glucosamine, for osteoarthritis joint pain....
Chondroitin Sulfate monograph & interactionsGlucosamine Sulfate
Interacts with170 drugs
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 Sulfate monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose, Polyethylene Glycol/Macrogol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Optimum by Genacol Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Genacol Optimum interacts with medications through its glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content.
The most serious concern is with blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin: glucosamine may significantly increase warfarin's blood-thinning effects and raise your bleeding risk. Chondroitin may have a similar effect, though the data on chondroitin alone is less clear.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Glucosaminecan also interact with cancer drugs called topoisomerase II inhibitors (like etoposide and doxorubicin) — lab research suggests it might reduce their effectiveness, though this hasn't been confirmed in patients. Additionally, glucosamine may interfere with acetaminophen (Tylenol) pain relief, and there's a theoretical concern with diabetes medications, though the evidence suggests that risk is low.
We could not check MSM for interactions, as we hold no data for it. Hydrolyzed collagen has no documented interactions in our database.
Altogether, these interactions span 170 individual medications. Use the medication checker below to see if any of your prescriptions are affected before you start this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Optimum?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Optimum interact with 170 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 4 ingredients in Optimum interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Glucosamine Sulfate Chondroitin Sulfate
Codeine, ParacetamolCo-codamol
How Codeine, Paracetamol interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Codeine, Paracetamol interactionDapagliflozinFarxiga
How Dapagliflozin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dapagliflozin interactionDapagliflozin Propanediol, MetforminXigduo XR
How Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Metformin interactionDapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQtern
How Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dapagliflozin Propanediol, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interactionDapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin HydrochlorideQternmet XR
How Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dapagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride, Saxagliptin Hydrochloride interactionDasiglucagon HydrochlorideZegalogue
How Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dasiglucagon Hydrochloride interactionDulaglutideTrulicity
How Dulaglutide interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Dulaglutide interactionEmpagliflozinJardiance
How Empagliflozin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Empagliflozin interactionEmpagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin HydrochlorideTrijardy XR
How Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Empagliflozin, Linagliptin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionEmpagliflozin, MetforminSynjardy
How Empagliflozin, Metformin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Empagliflozin, Metformin interactionEmpagliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSynjardy XR
How Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionErtugliflozinSteglatro
How Ertugliflozin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Ertugliflozin interactionErtugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
How Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionExenatideBydureon, Byetta
How Exenatide interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Exenatide interactionExenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
How Exenatide Synthetic interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Exenatide Synthetic interactionGliclazideDiamicron
How Gliclazide interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Gliclazide interactionGlimepirideAmaryl
How Glimepiride interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glimepiride interactionGlipizideGlucotrol, Glucotrol XL
How Glipizide interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glipizide interactionGlipizide, MetforminMetaglip
How Glipizide, Metformin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glipizide, Metformin interactionGlucagonBaqsimi, Glucagon
How Glucagon interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glucagon interactionGlucoseIV Glucose
How Glucose interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glucose interactionGlyburideAlbert Glyburide, Diabeta, Glycron, Glynase, Glynase PresTab, Micronase +1 more
How Glyburide interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glyburide interactionGlyburide, MetforminGlucovance
How Glyburide, Metformin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Glyburide, Metformin interactionIbuprofen, AcetaminophenAdvil Dual Action
How Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
Acetaminophen might interfere with the activity of glucosamine sulfate by interacting with the sulfate portion.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen interactionInhaled InsulinExubera
How Inhaled Insulin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Inhaled Insulin interactionInsulinNovoRapid Insulin
How Insulin interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Insulin interactionInsulin (bovine)Hypurin Bovine Neutral
How Insulin (bovine) interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Insulin (bovine) interactionInsulin (human)Afrezza, Novolin 70/30, Novolin L, Novolin N, Novolin R
How Insulin (human) interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Insulin (human) interactionInsulin (pork)Hypurin Porcine Neutral, Lente Iletin II, NPH Iletin, NPH Iletin II, Pork Actrapid, Regular Iletin +1 more
How Insulin (pork) interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Insulin (pork) interactionInsulin (rdna)Actrapid, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humulin 50/50, Humulin 70/30, Humulin L +8 more
How Insulin (rdna) interacts with Optimum — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Glucosamine SulfateAntidiabetes Drugs Minor
Interaction Summary
Despite initial concerns, it is unlikely that glucosamine will interfere with the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Read the full Glucosamine Sulfate + Insulin (rdna) interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Optimum 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.
Glucosamine Sulfate
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chondroitin Sulfate
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Optimum, from the product label.
Genacol
See all Genacol products- Name
- Genacol
- Street Address
- 1229, 38th Ave N #240
- City
- Myrtle Beach
- State
- SC
- ZipCode
- 29577
- Phone Number
- 1 888 514-3622
- Web Address
- genacol.com
Optimum by Genacol: Common Questions
Does Optimum by Genacol interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
What is hydrolyzed collagen, and what does it do in this product?
Will this help my joint pain?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
What side effects might I experience?
Does this product contain any fillers?
Is there data on MSM in this product?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Optimum is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Optimum’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen peptides are a well-absorbed form of protein that may modestly improve skin elasticity and joint comfort for some people, though evidence is still developing and results vary. They...
Read the full Collagen Peptides monograph → Herb & supplement monographChondroitin Sulfate
Interacts with 2 drugsChondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring building block of cartilage that is widely taken, often with glucosamine, for osteoarthritis joint pain. The evidence is mixed—some people report...
Read the full Chondroitin Sulfate monograph → Herb & supplement monographGlucosamine
Interacts with 170 drugsGlucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage and joint fluid, and it is one of the most popular supplements for osteoarthritis, especially of the knee. The evidence is mixed, with so...
Read the full Glucosamine monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Optimum'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 82 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.
Collagen Peptides 2 references
- Trc T, Bohmová J. Efficacy and tolerance of enzymatic hydrolysed collagen (EHC) vs. glucosamine sulphate (GS) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Int Orthop. 2011;35(3):341-8. PubMed
- Evans M, Lewis ED, Zakaria N, Pelipyagina T, Guthrie N. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(3):825-834. PubMed
Chondroitin Sulfate 22 references
- 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.
- Tallia AF, Cardone DA. Asthma exacerbation associated with glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. J Am Board Fam Pract 2002;15:481-4..
- Danao-Camara T. Potential side effects of treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin. Arthritis Rheum 2000;43:2853. PubMed
- Rozenfeld V, Crain JL, Callahan AK. Possible augmentation of warfarin effect by glucosamine-chondroitin. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2004;61:306-307. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- Yue QY, Strandell J, Myrberg O. Concomitant use of glucosamine potentiates the effect of warfarin. Jan 2006. Drug Safety 29(10):911-1010. DOI
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