Questions and Answers
My query is that I am taking Ultradol tablets to ease the pain of rhumatism in my left thigh. Just last week I learned about Glucosamine Sulfate(GLS) and have been taking those.
What I would like to know is whether GLS are being wasted by still having to take Ulradol(NSAIDS) or if after six or eight weeks then I will be able to stop taking the NSAIDS.
I would appreciate your answer very much,
There is no acceptable evidence of its efficacy as claimed - there have been no properly designed or controlled trials - such evidence as there is, is derived from anecdotal accounts and not from properly acquired scientific data.
Its popularity is not surprising . If you check in any herbal text, you will find many natural preparations described as effective in such painful conditions as arthritis. And without question some people will benefit from one or another. The explanation is not in any real pharmacological action of these ( some people will swear the effectiveness of wearing pure copper bracelets ), but rather the very subjective nature of pain and its perception. The so-called placebo effect is very real and will influence a fair proportion of any population.
Ultradol (etodolac), is a recently introduced NSAID - it has the same analgesic efficacy as the older, and less expensive, NSAIDS - it is reputed to be less hard on the gastrointestinal tract, but more evidence is needed on this.
The only way to find out if the glucosamine is working for you is to take it at the recommended dose along with your etodolac for a few weeks, then very gradually reduce the daily dose of the NSAID and see what the response is. If you can reduce your dosage of NSAID significantly without an increase in the degree of discomfort and pain, then it works for you.
If you decide to try this, please get back to me - I'd be interested in your report.
Best wishes.