Public Assessment Report 36549 Con493429

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Public Assessment Report

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
PL 36549/0001

Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets
PL 36549/0002

CF Pharma Limited

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

LAY SUMMARY
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets
(glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride)
This is a summary of the public assessment report (PAR) for Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg
and 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets (PL 36549/0001-0002). (Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and
1500 mg Film-coated Tablets will be referred to as Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg
tablets throughout this report). It explains how Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg
tablets were assessed and their authorisation recommended, as well as their conditions of use.
It is not intended to provide practical advice on how to use Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and
1500 mg tablets.
For practical information about using Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets,
patients should read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or contact their doctor or
pharmacist.
What are Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets and what are they used for?
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets are medicines with a ‘well-established use’.
This means that the medicinal use of the active substance of Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and
1500 mg tablets has been well-established in the European Union (EU) for at least ten years,
with recognised efficacy and an acceptable level of safety.
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets are used for the relief of symptoms in mild
to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a type of joint degeneration that
causes symptoms such as stiffness (after sleep or long rest) and pain at motion (e.g. when
climbing the stairs or walking along uneven surfaces).
How do Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets work?
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets contain the active substance glucosamine
sulfate (as glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride), which belongs to a group of medicines
called ‘anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs’.
This active substance is a naturally occurring chemical within the body, where it is present
within the joint connective tissue. The mechanism by which this active substance exerts antiinflammatory and anti-rheumatic action in the human body is not fully understood.
How are Glucosamine sulfate 750mg and 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets used?
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
The dosage will depend on the strength of the tablet prescribed. If the patient has been
prescribed Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets, one tablet should be taken twice
daily or two tablets should be taken once daily. If the patient has been prescribed
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets, one tablet should be taken once daily.
Please read Section 3 of the PIL for detailed information on dosing recommendations, the
route of administration, and the duration of treatment.
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets can only be obtained with a prescription.

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What benefits of Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets have been shown in
studies?
As glucosamine sulfate is a well-known substance, and its use in the relief of symptoms in
mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee is well-established, the applicant presented data
from the scientific literature. The literature provided confirmed the efficacy and safety of
glucosamine sulfate in the relief of symptoms in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
What are the possible side effects of Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets?
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
For information about side effects that may occur when using Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg
and 1500 mg tablets, please refer to the PIL or the Summary of Product Characteristics
(SmPC) available on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
website.
Why are Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets approved?
It was considered that the benefits of Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets
outweigh the risks, and the grant of these marketing authorisations was recommended.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safe and effective use of Glucosamine
sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets?
A risk management plan has been developed to ensure that Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and
1500 mg tablets are used as safely as possible. Based on this plan, safety information has
been included in the SmPC and the PIL for Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets,
including the appropriate precautions to be followed by healthcare professionals and patients.
Known side effects are continuously monitored. Furthermore, new safety signals reported by
patients and healthcare professionals will be monitored and reviewed continuously as well.
Other information about Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets
The marketing authorisations for Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets were
granted in the UK on 30 October 2014.
The full PAR for Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets follows this summary.
For more information about treatment with Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets,
read the PIL or contact your doctor or pharmacist.
This summary was last updated in December 2014.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I
II
III
IV
V
VI

Introduction
Quality aspects
Non-clinical aspects
Clinical aspects
User consultation
Overall conclusion, benefit/risk assessment
and recommendation

Page 5
Page 6
Page 8
Page 9
Page 14
Page 15

Table of content of the PAR update

Page 26

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I

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Introduction

Based on the review of the data on quality, safety and efficacy, the Medicines and Healthcare
products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) considered that the applications for Glucosamine
sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets (PL 36549/0001-0002) could be approved on 30 October
2014. These prescription-only medicines (POM) are indicated for relief of symptoms in mild
to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.
These marketing authorisations have been granted pursuant to Article 10a of Directive
2001/83/EC, as amended, claiming to be applications for products containing an active
substance of well-established use. Therefore the evidence provided to demonstrate the safety
and efficacy of these products is bibliographic in nature, which is appropriate for applications
of this type.
The medicinal products contain the active ingredient glucosamine sulfate (as glucosamine
sulfate sodium chloride). Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino-monosaccharide within
the human body, where it is synthesised from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It is the
normal constituent of the polysaccharide chains of cartilage matrix and synovial fluid
glucosaminoglycans. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown glucosamine stimulates the
synthesis of physiological glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans by chondrocytes, and the
synthesis of hyaluronic acid by synoviocytes. It has been demonstrated that supply of
glucosamine to chondrocytes causes an increased anabolism and an inhibited catabolism,
where adjustment upwards or downwards of the cells' mRNA apparently plays an important
part. Furthermore, glucosamine is mildly anti-inflammatory, probably also due to an
inhibition of the mRNA encoding the expression of various enzymes involved in
inflammation. No animal experimental studies on the relation between dose and response are
available. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of glucosamine sulfate relevant to symptom
modification in human osteoarthritis is unknown.
No new non-clinical or clinical efficacy studies were performed for these applications, which
is acceptable given that these are bibliographic applications for products containing an active
ingredient of well-established use. The retrospective clinical and non-clinical bibliography
adequately demonstrates the efficacy and safety, respectively, of the active ingredient in the
proposed indication.
The MHRA has been assured that acceptable standards of Good Manufacturing Practice
(GMP) are in place for these product types at all sites responsible for the manufacture and
assembly of these products.
For manufacturing sites within the Community, the RMS has accepted copies of current
manufacturer authorisations issued by inspection services of the competent authorities as
certification that acceptable standards of GMP are in place at those sites.
For manufacturing sites outside the Community, the RMS has accepted copies of in-date
manufacturing authorisations issued by the inspection services of an EU competent authority.
A Risk Management Plan (RMP) and summary of the pharmacovigilance system have been
provided with these applications, and are satisfactory.
Glucosamine sulfate is a salt of a natural amino-monosaccharide, glucosamine, which is
physiologically present in the human body. An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) is,
therefore, not required.
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II

Quality aspects

II.1

Introduction

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These applications are submitted according to Article 10a of Directive 2001/83/EC, as
amended, claiming to be applications for products containing an active substance of
well-established use.
Both Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets are formulated as off-white, oblongshaped, film-coated tablets; the 750 mg strength tablet having dimensions of 8 x 19 mm, and
the 1500 mg strength tablet having dimensions of 9.5 x 21 mm.
Each Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablet contains 942 mg of glucosamine
sulfate sodium chloride, which is equivalent to 750 glucosamine sulfate.
Each Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablet contains 1884 mg of glucosamine
sulfate sodium chloride, which is equivalent to 1500 mg glucosamine sulfate.
The excipients present in the tablet are microcrystalline cellulose 101, microcrystalline
cellulose 102, lactose monohydrate, pregelatinised maize starch, crospovidone, stearic acid
and poly(vinyl) alcohol. The excipients present in the Opadry white film-coating are titanium
dioxide (E171), talc (E553b), lecithin soya (E322) and Macrogol 3350.
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg and 1500 mg tablets are each presented in either
polyvinylidene-coated, polyvinylchloride/aluminium foil blisters or high-density
polyethylene containers fitted with a tamper-evident, high-density polyethylene screw cap.
Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated tablets are available in pack sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, 20,
28, 30, 56, 60, 112, 120, 168, 180, 336 and 360 film-coated tablets.
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated tablets are available in pack sizes of 7, 10, 14, 20,
21, 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 168 and 180 film-coated tablets.

II.2

Drug Substance

Glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride
INN:
No INN has been specifically assigned for glucosamine sulfate sodium
chloride
Chemical name:
Bis(D-Glucose, 2-amino-2-deoxy-), sulfate sodium chloride complex;
Bis(2-Amino-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranose) sulfate sodium chloride
complex (-,-) ;
D-Glucosamine Sulfate 2NaCl.
Structure:

Molecular formula:
Molecular weight:

(C6H14NO5)2SO4·2NaCl
573.3 g/mole
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Appearance:
Solubility:

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white or almost white, crystalline powder
freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol, practically
insoluble in acetone

An Active Substance Master File (ASMF) has been provided by the active substance
manufacturer, covering the manufacture and control of the active substance glucosamine
sulfate (as glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride).
Synthesis of the drug substance from the designated starting materials has been adequately
described, and appropriate in-process controls and intermediate specifications are applied.
Satisfactory specification tests are in place for all starting materials and reagents, and these
are supported by relevant certificates of analysis.
Appropriate proof-of-structure data have been supplied for the active pharmaceutical
ingredient. All potential known impurities have been identified and characterised.
An appropriate specification is provided for the active substance. Analytical methods have
been appropriately validated and are satisfactory for ensuring compliance with the relevant
specifications. This specification is in-line with the European Pharmacopoeia monograph for
glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride.
Satisfactory certificates of analysis have been provided for all working standards. Batch
analysis data are provided and comply with the proposed specification.
Suitable specifications have been provided for all packaging used to contain the active
substance. The primary packaging has been shown to comply with current guidelines
concerning contact with food.
Appropriate stability data have been generated supporting a suitable retest period when stored
in the proposed packaging.

II.3

Medicinal Product

Pharmaceutical development
The objective was to develop tablets that meet the basic pharmaceutical requirements of a
tablet and are suitable for a daily supplement of 1500 mg of Glucosamine sulfate.
All the excipients used in the manufacture of the proposed formulation, other than the filmcoating, comply with their respective European Pharmacopoeial monographs. The Opadry
white film-coating complies with a satisfactory in-house specification.
None of the excipients are sourced from animal or human origin, except for lactose
monohydrate. A declaration has been provided by the supplier of lactose stating that the
lactose used in the manufacture of lactose monohydrate is of animal origin and is derived
from milk that has been collected from healthy animals in the same way as milk for human
consumption. This satisfies the requirements of the Note for Guidance (NfG) on the reduction
of transmission of spongiform encephalopathy (EMA/410/01 rev.3), which is acceptable.
No genetically modified organisms (GMO) have been used in the preparation of these
products.

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Manufacture of the product s
Satisfactory batch formulae have been provided for the manufacture of both strengths of
product, along with an appropriate account of the manufacturing process. Suitable in-process
controls are in place to ensure the quality of the finished products.
The manufacturing process has been validated and has shown satisfactory results.
Finished Product Specifications
The finished product specifications are acceptable. Test methods have been described and
have been adequately validated. Batch data have been provided and comply with the release
specifications. Certificates of analysis have been provided for all working standards used.
Stability of the products
Stability studies were performed in accordance with current guidelines on batches of both
strengths of finished product, in the packaging proposed for marketing. The data from these
studies support a shelf-life of 3 years for both the blister packaging and the tablet container.
Additionally, after first opening of the tablet container the medicinal product should be used
within 6 months. The data also support special storage conditions for both strengths of “Store
in the original package in order to protect from moisture” and “This medicinal product does
not require any special temperature storage conditions”.
Suitable post approval stability commitments have been provided.
II.4 Discussion on chemical, pharmaceutical and biological aspects
The grant of these marketing authorisations is recommended.

III Non-clinical aspects
III.1 Introduction
The pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of glucosamine sulfate
are well-known. Novel non-clinical information has not been provided on the basis that:
(i) the active ingredient, glucosamine, is a naturally occurring amino-monosaccharide
compound in animals and human beings, where it is synthesised from glucose and the amino
acid glutamine, and (ii) the retrospective clinical and non-clinical bibliography adequately
demonstrates the efficacy and safety, respectively, of the active ingredient in the proposed
indications. This justification is acceptable.
The company submitted a bibliographic review of the pharmacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of glucosamine sulphate, which is based on relevant references provided by
searching the databases "MEDLINE" and "TOXNET" and the reference sections of reviews.
No published animal experimental studies concerning long-term toxicity of glucosamine
sulfate are available.
The non-clinical overview has been written by an appropriately qualified person and is a
suitable summary of the non-clinical aspects of the dossier. An addendum report written by a
suitably qualified toxicologist is also included, which contains updated literature since the
original non-clinical overview was originally submitted in 2003. This includes updated
papers concerning the genotoxicity of glucosamine.

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III.2 Pharmacology
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in animals and human beings where it is
included in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) which is a main part of all connective
tissue. This also means that the compound is naturally present in animal food. Another
consequence is that there is a coincidence between the normal biochemistry of glucosamine
and its pharmacodynamics.
It has been demonstrated that supply of glucosamine to chondrocytes causes an increased
anabolism and an inhibited catabolism where adjustment upwards or downwards of the cells'
messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) apparently plays an important part. Furthermore,
glucosamine is mildly anti-inflammatory, probably also due to an inhibition of the mRNA
encoding the expression of various enzymes involved in inflammation. No animal
experimental studies on the relation between dose and response are available.
III.3 Pharmacokinetics
No new pharmacokinetic data have been submitted and none are required for an application
of this type.
A bibliographic review has summarised the absorption, distribution, metabolism and
excretion of glucosamine sulfate in rats and dogs.
III.4 Toxicology
The toxicological assessment of the glucosamine sulfate is based on limited studies, but the
presently available experimental studies and the clinical experience indicate that the
compound is not toxic. There are no studies to investigate the teratogenicity, but the risk is
assessed to be low. An overall assessment of the potential genotoxicity of glucosamine
indicates that the risk, if any, is probably very low.
III.5 Ecotoxicity/environmental risk assessment (ERA)
Glucosamine sulfate is a salt of a natural amino-monosaccharide, glucosamine, which is
physiologically present in the human body. An Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) is,
therefore, not required.
III.6 Discussion on the non-clinical aspects
Both the non-clinical overview and addendum report are acceptable.
From a non-clinical perspective the SmPCs are acceptable.
In conclusion, these applications are approvable from a non-clinical point of view.

IV Clinical aspects
IV.1 Introduction
Glucosamine sulfate is a well-known substance and the details of its pharmacokinetics are
documented in various publicly accessible sources that the applicant has adequately
summarised in the clinical overview. The applicant did not conduct any new research or
provide any new data. This is acceptable.

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IV.2 Pharmacokinetics
The applicant has provided a summary of the known pharmacokinetics of glucosamine, based
on literature data. Following oral administration, the oral bioavailability is estimated to be
26%, Tmax is around 8 hours and the elimination half-life is around 60 hours.
Pharmacokinetics are linear in the dose range 750 – 1500 mg. After intravenous
administration, the volume of distribution is 71 ml/kg. After intravenous administration, 30%
is excreted in the urine (< 1% in faeces) and 10-20% as CO2 by the lungs.
A formal clinical pharmacology programme has not been conducted for glucosamine sulfate.
The submitted literature data is sufficient to support these applications. There is no data from
formal interaction studies, or pharmacokinetics in special patient groups. This is adequately
reflected in the SmPC.
IV.3 Pharmacodynamics
The mechanism of action relevant to symptom modification in human osteoarthritis is
unknown.
No studies have been performed to evaluate the relationship between dose and effect. The
recommended dose of 1500 mg daily results in a plasma concentration of 100µmol/l in
humans, which corresponds to the concentration at which a pronounced effect on
proteoglycan synthesis is expected, based on in vitro data.
The submitted literature data is sufficient to support these applications.
IV.4 Clinical efficacy
The applicant has submitted bibliographic data from 22 studies, which included a total of
4304 osteoarthritis (OA) patients. A summary of the bibliographic review is presented below.
Randomised controlled studies vs. placebo
The applicant has identified 9 studies up until 2003 in which glucosamine sulfate was
compared to placebo using a randomised double-blind design. In all but one, knee OA was
investigated. These studies enrolled 1179 patients. The majority of studies included patients
with mild or moderate knee OA (grade 3 or below using Kellgren and Lawrence’s criteria).
The majority of patients were women (60-90%), with mean age ranging 51-66 years. In most
studies, glucosamine was given orally, 1500 mg daily. The treatment duration was 4-8 weeks
in most studies. In 5 studies, the WOMAC or Lequesne indices were used to assess efficacy.
In 7 out of the 9 studies, a benefit was observed in 55-100% of patients in the glucosamine
group, compared to 38-60% of those on the placebo group. In 2 studies, no benefit of
glucosamine was observed, compared to placebo. However both studies investigated patients
with severe arthritis.
In addition, one randomised double-blind study investigating glucosamine hydrochloride vs.
placebo for knee OA was submitted. 58 patients were randomised to glucosamine and 60 to
placebo (comprising 64% and 60% women respectively). The disease severity at baseline
was not reported. Glucosamine 500 mg TID was compared to placebo over 8 weeks. There
was a non-significant trend towards improved results in the active treatment group as
measured by WOMAC score.
The results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, three arm, double-blind trial was also
reported: 318 patients with moderate/severe knee OA were enrolled and randomised 1:1:1 to

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receive oral glucosamine sulphate 1500 mg once daily, paracetamol 3g daily or placebo. The
primary efficacy outcome measure was change in Lequesne index after 6 months. Secondary
measures included WOMAC and OARSI scores. Glucosamine demonstrated a similar benefit
to paracetamol and an improvement over placebo with regard to the Lequesne Score. Similar
outcomes were observed for the WOMAC score.
Randomised controlled studies vs. active comparator
The applicant has identified 5 studies in which glucosamine was compared to an active
comparator using a randomised, double-blind design. Nearly 500 patients were enrolled. The
majority of patients were women (42-89%), with mean age ranging 57-75 years (except the
TMJ study). The 3 studies investigating knee OA are the most relevant. However the disease
severity at baseline was not reported. In the knee OA studies, glucosamine sulphate 500 mg
TID was compared to ibuprofen 500 mg TID for 4-8 weeks. In one study the Lequesne index
was used as an efficacy endpoint. The remaining studies used objective and subjective
parameters such as pain, swelling and range of movement.
Two studies showed no significant difference between glucosamine and ibuprofen. One
further sudy demonstrated increased benefit for glucosamine compared to ibuprofen.
Non-double-blind studies
The applicant has identified 8 studies including 2632 evaluable patients, in which the design
was not double-blind. Of the 2 studies investigating only the knee joint, one compared intraarticular glucosamine sulphate with glycosaminoglycan polysulfate, and the other was singlearm.
Summary of applicant’s bibliographic review
According to the Guideline on clinical investigation of medicinal products used in the
treatment of osteoarthritis (CPMP/EWP/784/97 Rev.1), maintenance of improvement should
be evaluated after at least 3 months, when considering modification of symptoms. In two
long-term studies conducted against placebo, there was some evidence of superiority to
placebo over 3 years as measured by WOMAC score / Lesquesne Index. In addition, a further
study provided some evidence of efficacy at 6 months, which is comparable to paracetamol
3g/daily.
In conclusion, the submitted studies provide evidence of efficacy to support an indication for
relief of symptoms in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, at a dose of 1500 mg daily.
IV.5 Clinical safety
In all submitted literature, the frequencies of adverse events (AEs) were reported as low and
comparable to placebo. In the active controlled studies, the frequencies of AEs were lower in
the glucosamine groups compared to ibuprofen. The Applicant has provided a summary of
AEs by SOC, from 10 studies (n=687) in which sufficient details were provided:
83 out of 303 listed side-effects were reported during a long-term study, including 21 out of
25 reported cardiovascular effects and 31 out of 51 reported neurological effects. There was
no difference in frequency compared to placebo for the total AEs, and for the SOCs of
gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular effects, in this study.
A possible connection has been reported in one study between glucosamine sulphate and
renal insufficiency in a 79 year old woman with knee OA and myasthenia gravis, who was
also treated with cyclosporin and methylprednisolone.

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In a separate study a probable case of asthma exacerbated by the use of a glucosaminechondroitin sulphate supplement was reported in a patient with underlying intermittent
asthma, who may have had a sea squirt allergy.
In non-clinical studies, parenteral administration of glucosamine has been associated with
increased insulin resistance. A study in humans provided evidence of changes in glucose
uptake by cells following glucosamine infusion in patients with hyperglycaemia, but not
euglycaemia. There is no evidence of altered glucose metabolism following oral
administration in humans, even long-term.
An interaction between glucosamine and warfarin has been identified from the World Health
Organisation (WHO) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medwatch databases,
associating concomitant use of glucosamine or glucosamine-chondroitin sulphate and wafarin
with altered coagulation manifested by increased International Normalised Ratio (INR), or
increased bleeding or bruising. The survey found that in some cases, a decrease in the
supplement dosage was followed by a return of the INR to the previous therapeutic range.
Similarly, a decrease in warfarin dosage was also followed by a decrease in INR in one
patient who received long-term warfarin therapy. The authors of this database review paper
concluded that patients treated with coumarin anticoagulants should therefore be monitored
closely when initiating or ending glucosamine therapy.
Summary of applicant’s bibliographic review
The most common adverse effects (AEs) are gastrointestinal in nature. The neurological and
cardiovascular AEs reported during longer-term studies are likely to reflect concomitant
conditions in an elderly population, and occurred with similar frequency in the placebo
groups. Section 4.4 of the SmPC contains a warning to monitor patients with impaired
glucose tolerance. Section 4.5 of the SmPC includes a warning regarding the risk of
interaction between warfarin and glucosamine. Based on the submitted data from the
literature, glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg daily via the oral route has an acceptable safety
profile.
IV.6 Risk Management Plan (RMP)
The MA holder has submitted an RMP, in accordance with the requirements of Directive
2001/83/EC as amended, describing the pharmacovigilance activities and interventions
designed to identify, characterise, prevent or minimise risks relating to Glucosamine sulfate
750 mg and 1500 mg tablets.

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Summary table of safety concerns as approved in RMP
Summary of safety concerns
Important identified risks

•
•
•

Important potential risks

Missing information

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Interaction with coumarin anticoagulants
(e.g. warfarin)
Interaction with tetracyclines
Use in patients with impaired glucose
tolerance or diabetes
Shellfish allergy
Soya or peanut or other ingredient allergies
Use in patients on a controlled sodium diet
Off-label use in children and adolescents
less than 18 years of age
Worsening of asthma symptoms
Hypercholesterolemia
Safety data in pregnant women
Safety data with breast feeding
Use in patients with impaired renal or liver
function

Summary of safety concerns and planned risk minimisation activities as approved in
RMP
Safety Concern
Routine Risk Minimisation Additional
Risk
Measures
Minimisation Measures
Important Identified Risks
Interaction with coumarin
Interactions stated in section
anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) 4.5 of the SmPC and section
2 of the PIL.
Interactions
with Interaction stated in section
Tetracyclines
4.5 of the SmPC and section
2 of the PIL.
Use in patients with Impaired Special warnings in section
glucose tolerance or diabetes 4.4 of the SmPC and section
2 of the PIL.
Interaction stated in section
4.5 of the SmPC.
Adverse drug reactions listed
in section 4.8 of the SmPC
and section 4 of the PIL.
Shellfish Allergy
Contraindication in section
4.3 of the SmPC and section
2 of the PIL.
Soya or peanut or other
Contraindication in section
ingredients allergies
4.3 of the SmPC and section
2 of the PIL.
Use in patients on a Special warning presented in
controlled
section 4.4 and section 2 of
sodium diet
the PIL.
Important Potential Risks
Off Label use in children and Information regarding
adolescents less than 18 years posology and limitation of
of age
knowledge in paediatric and

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

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Safety Concern

Worsening of asthma
symptoms

Hypercholesterolemia

Routine Risk Minimisation
Measures
adolescents population
presented in section 4.2.
Special warning presented in
section 4.4 and section 2 of
the PIL.
Adverse drug reactions listed
in section 4.8 of the SmPC
and section 4 of the PIL.
Special warning presented in
section 4.4 and section 2 of
the PIL.
Adverse drug reactions listed
in section 4.8 of the SmPC
and section 4 of the PIL.

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Additional
Risk
Minimisation Measures

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Missing Information
Safety during pregnancy

Summary information
Not Applicable
relevant to pregnancy in
section 4.6
Safety during breast feeding Summary information
Not Applicable
relevant to breast feeding in
section 4.6
Use in patients with impaired Information regarding
Not Applicable
Renal and/or liver function
The limitation of knowledge
with patients with renal and
liver function stated in section
4.2 of the SmPC and Section
of 2 of the PIL.
IV.7 Discussion on the clinical aspects
The grant of marketing authorisations is recommended for these applications.

V

User consultation

A user consultation with target patient groups on the PIL has been performed on the basis of
a bridging report making reference to Glucosamine 750mg Film-Coated Tablets
(PL 40096/0002) and Glucosamine 1500mg Film-Coated Tablets (PL 40096/0003;
IE/H/245/01-03/MR). The bridging report submitted by the applicant is acceptable.

14

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

VI Overall conclusion, benefit/risk assessment and
recommendation
The quality of the products is acceptable, and no new non-clinical or clinical safety concerns
have been identified. These applications include an adequate review of published non-clinical
and clinical data concerning the safety and efficacy of glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine
sulfate is a well-known active substance with established efficacy and tolerability. The
proposed indication and posology wording is identical to that of glucosamine products
previously approved and marketed in the UK. The benefit/risk assessment is, therefore,
considered to be positive.
The summaries of product characteristics (SmPC), patient information leaflet (PIL) and
labelling are satisfactory and in-line with current guidelines. In accordance with Directive
2012/84/EU, the current approved UK versions of the SmPCs and PILs for these products are
available on the MHRA website.
The currently approved labels are listed below:

15

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg Film-coated Tablets
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND IMMEDIATE
PACKAGING
LABELLING FOR CONTAINER CARTON AND CONTAINER

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each tablet contains 942 mg glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride equivalent to 750 mg
glucosamine sulfate or 589 mg glucosamine.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: also contains sodium, soya lecithin and lactose monohydrate. See leaflet for
further information
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

8 Film-Coated Tablets
10 Film-Coated Tablets
12 Film-Coated Tablets
14 Film-Coated Tablets
20 Film-Coated Tablets
28 Film-Coated Tablets
30 Film-Coated Tablets
56 Film-Coated Tablets
60 Film-Coated Tablets
112 Film-Coated Tablets
120 Film-Coated Tablets
168 Film-Coated Tablets
180 Film-Coated Tablets
336 Film-Coated Tablets
360 Film-Coated Tablets
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral use. Read the package leaflet before use.
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT
OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

16

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
Once opened the tablets should be used within 6 months.
Use by
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
CF Pharma Ltd., The Racecourse, Danesfort, Kilkenny, Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 36549/0001
13. BATCH NUMBER

BN
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

POM
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg tablets
17. OTHER

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

17

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND IMMEDIATE
PACKAGING
LABELLING FOR BLISTER CARTON
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each tablet contains 942 mg glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride equivalent to 750 mg
glucosamine sulfate or 589 mg glucosamine.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: also contains sodium, soya lecithin and lactose monohydrate. See leaflet for
further information
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

8 Film-Coated Tablets
10 Film-Coated Tablets
12 Film-Coated Tablets
14 Film-Coated Tablets
20 Film-Coated Tablets
28 Film-Coated Tablets
30 Film-Coated Tablets
56 Film-Coated Tablets
60 Film-Coated Tablets
112 Film-Coated Tablets
120 Film-Coated Tablets
168 Film-Coated Tablets
180 Film-Coated Tablets
336 Film-Coated Tablets
360 Film-Coated Tablets
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral use. Read the package leaflet before use.
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT
OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

18

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
CF Pharma Ltd., The Racecourse, Danesfort, Kilkenny, Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 36549/0001
13. BATCH NUMBER

BN
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

POM
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg tablets
17. OTHER

19

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS
LABELLING FOR BLISTER
1.

NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 750mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2.

NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

CF Pharma Ltd
3.

EXPIRY DATE

The batch number and expiry date are over printed on the blister strip.
4.

BATCH NUMBER

The batch number and expiry date are over printed on the blister strip.
5.

OTHER

< Calendar packs>

20

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND IMMEDIATE
PACKAGING
LABELLING FOR CONTAINER CARTON AND CONTAINER

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each tablet contains 1884 mg glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride equivalent to 1500 mg
glucosamine sulfate or 1178 mg glucosamine.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: also contains sodium, soya lecithin and lactose monohydrate. See leaflet for
further information
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

7 Film-Coated Tablets
10 Film-Coated Tablets
14 Film-Coated Tablets
20 Film-Coated Tablets
21 Film-Coated Tablets
28 Film-Coated Tablets
30 Film-Coated Tablets
56 Film-Coated Tablets
60 Film-Coated Tablets
84 Film-Coated Tablets
90 Film-Coated Tablets
168 Film-Coated Tablets
180 Film-Coated Tablets
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral use. Read the package leaflet before use.
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT
OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

21

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
Once opened the tablets should be used within 6 months.
Use by
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
CF Pharma Ltd., The Racecourse, Danesfort, Kilkenny, Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 36549/0002
13. BATCH NUMBER

BN
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

POM
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg tablets
17. OTHER

22

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND IMMEDIATE
PACKAGING
LABELLING FOR BLISTER CARTON
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each tablet contains 1884 mg glucosamine sulfate sodium chloride equivalent to 1500 mg
glucosamine sulfate or 1178 mg glucosamine.
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: also contains sodium, soya lecithin and lactose monohydrate. See leaflet for
further information
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

7 Film-Coated Tablets
10 Film-Coated Tablets
14 Film-Coated Tablets
20 Film-Coated Tablets
21 Film-Coated Tablets
28 Film-Coated Tablets
30 Film-Coated Tablets
56 Film-Coated Tablets
60 Film-Coated Tablets
84 Film-Coated Tablets
90 Film-Coated Tablets
168 Film-Coated Tablets
180 Film-Coated Tablets
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Oral use. Read the package leaflet before use.
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT
OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

23

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

EXP
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS OR
WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF
APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
CF Pharma Ltd., The Racecourse, Danesfort, Kilkenny, Ireland
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 36549/0002
13. BATCH NUMBER

BN
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

POM
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

The tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg tablets
17. OTHER

24

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS
LABELLING FOR BLISTER
1.

NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate
2.

NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

CF Pharma Ltd
3.

EXPIRY DATE

The batch number and expiry date are over printed on the blister strip.
4.

BATCH NUMBER

The batch number and expiry date are over printed on the blister strip.
5.

OTHER

< Calendar packs>

25

Glucosamine sulfate 750 mg Film-coated Tablets
Glucosamine sulfate 1500 mg Film-coated Tablets

PL 36549/0001
PL 36549/0002

Table of content of the PAR update
Steps taken after the initial procedure with an influence on the Public Assessment Report
(Type II variations, PSURs, commitments)
Date submitted

Application type

Scope

Outcome

26



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