Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that effects the surfaces within the joints, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is mostly commonly found in the knee joint. Glucosamine containing products (GCP) are among the treatments for osteoarthritis. A small proportion of GCPs are licensed medicinal products available on prescription for the specific indication of osteoarthritis of the knee. Glucosamine containing products (GCP) are also widely available as food supplements. The main objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients prescribed glucosamine products to have a better understanding of why they were prescribed the glucosamine product, what products were prescribed, and to determine whether patients had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee or another joint. This work will help us understand how glucosamine products are prescribed in clinical practice.
The main objective of this study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients prescribed GCP to have a better understanding of why they were prescribed the glucosamine product, what products were prescribed, and to determine osteoarthritis diagnosis sub-groups of patients prescribed GCP. Categorical characteristics will be described using number and percent, continuous characteristics will be described using mean and standard deviation (unless the distribution is skewed in which case median and interquartile range will be presented). Prescribing patterns of GCP will be investigated stratified by: diagnosis sub-group of osteoarthritis; form (tablet, powder for oral solution, oral suspension, gel, and cream); and dosage.
Characteristics of patients receiving a glucosamine product; Prevalence of glucosamine product prescribing.
Sonia Coton - Chief Investigator - CPRD
Sonia Coton - Corresponding Applicant - CPRD
Chris Jones - Collaborator - MHRA
Helen Strongman - Collaborator - London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine ( LSHTM )
William Whitfield - Collaborator - MHRA