Prescribing patterns of glucosamine in an older population: a national cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundGlucosamine is commonly prescribed as a disease modulating agent in osteoarthritis. However, the evidence to date suggests that it has a limited impact on the clinical symptoms of the disease including joint pain, radiological progression, function and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the prescribing patterns of glucosamine from 2002–2011 in an elderly Irish national population cohort using data from the Health Service Executive Primary Care Reimbursement (HSE-PCRS) General medical services (GMS) Scheme.MethodsPatients aged ≥ 70 years on the HSE-PCRS pharmacy claims database between January 2002 and December 2011 were included. ATC code M01AX05 (glucosamine) was extracted. Prevalence rates per 1000 eligible population with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all years and age groups (70–74 years, ≥75 years). A negative binomial regression analysis was used to determine longitudinal usage trends and compare prevalence rates across years, sex and age groups.ResultsThe annual patient rate of glucosamine prescribing increased significantly from 13.0/1000 eligible population (95% CI 12.6-13.4) in 2002 to 68.7/1000 population (95% CI 67.8-69.5) in 2009 before decreasing to 62.4/1000 population (95% CI 61.6-63.2) in 2011. The rate of prescribing of glucosamine varied with sex, with women receiving significantly more prescriptions than men. The cost of glucosamine also increased from 2002–2008. In 2008 total expenditure reached a high of €4.6 million before decreasing to €2.6 million in 2011.ConclusionThe national trend in prescribing of glucosamine increased significantly from 2002 to 2009 before decreasing in 2010 and 2011, in keeping with current international guidelines. There is a need for awareness among healthcare professionals and patients alike of the best available evidence to inform decision making relating to the prescription and consumption of such supplements.

Glucosamine promotes hepatitis B virus replication through its dual effects in suppressing autophagic degradation and inhibiting MTORC1 signaling

“…GlcN is frequently used as a dietary supplement to promote joint health or treat osteoarthritis [1,3], often without any medical judgment and/or in a poorly purified form [7]. Clinical trials have shown no serious adverse effects and toxicity in patients receiving GlcN treatment [2,4,5].…”

“…Hexosamines, including glucosamine (GlcN), mannosamine (ManN), galactosamine (GalN), and fructosamine (FruN), are amino sugars generated through the addition of an amine group to a hexose [1]. Among them, GlcN is a natural compound that is currently widely utilized as a dietary supplement to promote joint health, particularly in the elderly [2,3]. This dietary supplement has numerous biological and pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities [4].…”

Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

“…In recent years, changes in attitudes about the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of OA have been witnessed. For example, the Irish national trend in prescribing of glucosamine increased significantly from 2002 to 2009, but then started decreasing in 2010 and 2011 under the influence of the international guidelines 44 . Before 2010, all available guidelines supported the use of glucosamine and chondroitin in symptomatic relief, and indicated that glucosamine and chondroitin may have a structure-modifying effect 45 46 47 48 .…”

The Prescribing of Glucosamine Supplements in the Outpatient Setting in Alkharj

“…In contrast to this results, numerous studies showed that glucose amine is commonly prescribed. Galvin et al stated that glucosamine is frequently prescribed as a disease modulating agent in osteoarthritis [13]. Huskisson informed that two different salts of glucosamine (glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride) are frequently used for the treatment of osteoarthritis [14].…”