Each sachet contains: Optiflex brand Glucosamine HCl (vegetarian source) 1500 mg • Natural Bromelain 300 mg • Vitamin D (D3, cholecalciferol) 3.75 mcg. Other Ingredients: Modified Starch, Lemon Flavour, Acesulfame K, Sucralose, Natural Carotene Powder.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Joint Physio. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Joint Physio. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately. Doses up to 240 mg daily have been used safely for up to a year (6252,6253,10622,11457,18281,18284,91104,91105,91106,91111)(96449,103298). Higher doses up to 3200 mg daily have been used safely, short-term (18283,110546). ...when used topically and appropriately. Bromelain has been used safely as a debriding agent for up to 4 hours (18275,91113,103297,108148,108149).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
LIKELY SAFE ...when used orally or intramuscularly and appropriately. Vitamin D has been safely used in a wide range of doses (7555,16888,16891,17476,95913,98186,104619,105209,109059). When used orally long-term, doses should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for adults (17506,99773); however, much higher doses such as 50,000 IU (1250 mcg) weekly orally for 6-12 weeks are often needed for the short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency (16891,17476). Monthly oral doses of up to 60,000 IU (1500 mcg) have also been safely used for up to 5 years (105726). Toxicity usually does not occur until plasma levels exceed 150 ng/mL (17476).
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in excessive doses, long-term. Taking doses greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for long periods can increase the risk of hypercalcemia (17506); however, much higher doses are often needed for short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Toxicity typically occurs when levels exceed 150 ng/mL (17476).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
When used long-term, doses should not exceed the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1000 IU (25 mcg) daily for those 0-6 months of age, 1500 IU (37.5 mcg) daily for those 6-12 months of age, 2500 IU (62.5 mcg) daily for those 1-3 years of age, 3000 IU (75 mcg) daily for those 4-8 years of age, and 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily for those 9 years and older (17506); however, much higher doses are often needed for the short-term treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Some research shows that giving vitamin D 14,000 IU (350 mcg) weekly for a year in children aged 10-17 years is safe (16875). A meta-analysis of clinical studies shows that 1000 IU (25 mcg) daily in those up to a year of age and greater than 2000 IU (50 mcg) daily in those aged 1-6 years does not increase the risk of serious adverse events (108424).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive doses for longer than one year.
Taking doses greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) long-term can increase the risk of hypercalcemia (17506).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506,95910).
PREGNANCY: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive amounts.
Tell patients not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily. Hypercalcemia during pregnancy due to excessive vitamin D intake can lead to several fetal adverse effects, including suppression of parathyroid hormone, hypocalcemia, tetany, seizures, aortic valve stenosis, retinopathy, and mental and/or physical developmental delay (17506).
LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately.
Vitamin D is safe when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506).
LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in excessive amounts.
Tell patients not to use doses above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily (17506).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Joint Physio. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Bromelain may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
 Details
There is one case report of a patient experiencing minor bruising while taking bromelain with naproxen (14806). Bromelain is thought to have antiplatelet activity (10639,14806,18285,18286,37234). Whether this interaction is of concern with topical bromelain is unclear. Interference with coagulation of burn wounds has been reported in a patient receiving bromelain-based enzymatic debridement. However, observational research has found that topical bromelain debridement is not associated with increases or decreases in laboratory markers of coagulation when compared with surgical debridement (110547).
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Theoretically, bromelain might increase levels of tetracycline antibiotics.
Details
Laboratory research suggests that bromelain might increase the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. However, a study in healthy adults reported no difference in tetracycline plasma levels when a 500 mg dose was taken with or without bromelain 80 mg (14296).
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Vitamin D might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity, but this has only been reported in people with renal failure.
Details
The protein that transports calcium across the intestinal wall can also bind and transport aluminum. This protein is stimulated by vitamin D, which may therefore increase aluminum absorption (11595,11597,22916). This mechanism may contribute to increased aluminum levels and toxicity in people with renal failure, when they take vitamin D and aluminum-containing phosphate binders chronically (11529,11596,11597).
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Vitamin D might reduce absorption of atorvastatin.
Details
A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%. However, while atorvastatin levels decreased, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels did not substantially change (16828). Atorvastatin is metabolized in the gut by CYP3A4 enzymes, and researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, causing reduced levels of atorvastatin. However, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.
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Taking calcipotriene with vitamin D increases the risk for hypercalcemia.
Details
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia (15). Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with vitamin D supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
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Vitamin D might induce CYP3A4 enzymes and reduce the bioavailability of CYP3A4 substrates.
Details
There is some concern that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4. In vitro research suggests that vitamin D induces CYP3A4 transcription. Additionally, observational research has found that increased UV light exposure and serum vitamin D levels are associated with decreased serum levels of CYP3A4 substrates such as tacrolimus and sirolimus, while no association between UV light exposure or vitamin D levels and levels of mycophenolic acid, a non-CYP3A4 substrate, was found (110539). A small, low-quality clinical study shows that taking vitamin D reduces levels of the CYP3A4 substrate atorvastatin and its active metabolites by up to 55%; however, the clinical effects of atorvastatin were not reduced (16828). While researchers theorized that vitamin D might induce CYP3A4, this proposed mechanism was not specifically studied.
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Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of arrhythmia from digoxin.
Details
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin (15). Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and digoxin concurrently.
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Theoretically, hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem for arrhythmia.
Details
High doses of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Theoretically this could also occur with diltiazem. Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and diltiazem concurrently.
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Theoretically, taking thiazide diuretics and high-dose vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Details
Thiazide diuretics decrease urinary calcium excretion, which could lead to hypercalcemia if vitamin D supplements are taken concurrently (3072,11541,69580). This has been reported in people being treated with vitamin D for hypoparathyroidism, and also in elderly people with normal parathyroid function who were taking a thiazide, vitamin D, and calcium-containing antacids daily (11539,11540).
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Hypercalcemia induced by high-dose vitamin D can reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil for arrhythmia.
Details
Hypercalcemia due to high doses of vitamin D can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation (10574). Avoid vitamin D doses above the tolerable upper intake level (4000 IU daily for adults) and monitor serum calcium levels in people taking vitamin D and verapamil concurrently.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Joint Physio. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, bromelain seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Diarrhea, flatulence, gastric upset, headache.
Topically: Pruritus, urticaria.
Dermatologic
...Topically, bromelain may cause dermal allergic reactions including urticaria, pruritus, and skin swelling (9184).
Redness, swelling, burning, pain at the application site, and cellulitis have also been reported rarely (108148,113513). In one case, a fixed drug eruption with pruritis near the groin was reported in a 33-year-old male taking bromelain 50 mg orally daily for 10 days. After discontinuation of bromelain and treatment with topical corticosteroid, the lesion resolved. Upon re-challenge with bromelain, the lesion reappeared in the same area (103300).
In another case report, a 61-year-old male with a history of chronic lower leg ulceration secondary to chronic venous hypertension and recurrent deep vein thrombosis on rivaroxaban presented with a deep-dermal burn on his lower calf. Bromelain-based topical enzymatic debridement agent Nexobrid 2 grams was applied to the burn site. Thirty minutes later, the patient experienced two instances of hemorrhage at the site of debridement. The patient was stabilized and treated with fluids, packed red cells, and tranexamic acid, and then the Nexobrid was removed (111656). Caution should be used in patients with underlying coagulopathies.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, bromelain may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and abdominal pain (9184,18274,18282,96216,113513).
Immunologic
...Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions to bromelain may occur (9184).
If inhaled, bromelain may cause sensitization and allergic reactions such as asthma (37199,37215,37233). In case reports of occupational inhalation of bromelain, additional allergic symptoms included difficulty swallowing, throat itching, eye irritation, and rhinitis (37214).
General
...Orally or intramuscularly, vitamin D is well tolerated.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally or intramuscularly: Excessive doses can lead to vitamin D toxicity with symptoms of hypercalcemia, and also sometimes azotemia and anemia.
Cardiovascular ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Rarely, people develop hypertension (10142). An analysis of clinical research suggests that, when taken orally, vitamin D might modestly increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. However, it is not clear if this increase is clinically significant (84642).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, vitamin D may cause dry mouth. In clinical research, intake of vitamin D 50,000 IU weekly for 4 weeks followed by 50,000 IU monthly for 5 months thereafter was associated with a 3.7-fold increase in reports of dry mouth compared with placebo (91348).Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include pancreatitis (10142,84433). Vomiting occurred in one patient given a single dose of 200,000 IU (104624).
Genitourinary ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Advanced symptoms may include decreased libido (10142). Vaginal discharge and itching have been reported in a clinical trial following oral use (91348).
Hematologic
...Lab values of urinary and blood calcium, phosphate, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations might increase with vitamin D use, especially with high doses (10142,91349,93943).
A case of elevated international normalized ration (INR) has been reported for an 84 year-old patient who took vitamin D 50,000 IU daily for 2 months. The patient's serum levels of vitamin D increased from <7 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL over 6 months. To resolve symptoms, vitamin D supplementation was discontinued (84433).
Musculoskeletal ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken in excessive doses (10142,17506). Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include osteoporosis in adults and decreased growth in children (10142).
Ocular/Otic ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses (10142,17506). Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include calcific conjunctivitis and photophobia (10142).
Psychiatric ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses (10142,17506). In rare cases, symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include psychosis (10142,93002).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Advanced symptoms of vitamin D toxicity may include runny nose (10142,17506,93002).
Renal ...Vitamin D intoxication can occur when vitamin D supplements are taken orally in excessive doses. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include azotemia. Vitamin D may also cause hypercalcemia, with advanced symptoms including kidney stones or kidney insufficiency due to precipitation of calcium phosphate in the tubules. Symptoms of renal impairment include frequency, nighttime awakening to urinate, thirst, inability to concentrate urine, and proteinuria. Renal impairment is usually reversible with discontinuation of vitamin D supplements (10142,93002,93943,110831,110833).
