DONNA BAGS

Dona 1500 mg powder for oral solution is a medicine containing glucosamine sulphate. It is used in adults to relieve symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee that has been diagnosed by a doctor.

Each sachet provides 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate. Dissolve the contents in a glass of water and take once daily, preferably with a meal. The pack contains 20 sachets.

Dona 1500 mg – ingredients, use and precautions

What is Dona used for?

Dona is used to relieve pain, stiffness and restricted movement associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee diagnosed by a doctor.

Joint pain and restricted movement may also be caused by an injury, inflammatory arthritis, gout or another condition. Other joint diseases requiring different treatment should therefore be excluded before treatment is started.

How is Dona taken?

Adults, including older people: one sachet once daily.

• Dissolve the contents of one sachet in a glass of water.
• Stir until the powder has dissolved.
• Drink the prepared solution immediately.
• Preferably take it with a meal.
• Do not take more than one sachet daily unless instructed by a doctor.

When can an effect be expected?

Glucosamine is not intended to treat acute pain. Relief of symptoms, particularly pain, is generally expected after several weeks and may take longer in some people.

If symptoms have not improved after two to three months, a doctor should reassess whether treatment should be continued. Seek advice earlier if symptoms become worse after starting glucosamine.

Use in children and adolescents

Dona must not be used by children or adolescents under 18 years of age because safety and efficacy have not been established in this population.

When must Dona not be taken?

• if you are allergic to glucosamine or another ingredient;
• if you are allergic to shellfish, because glucosamine is obtained from shellfish;
• if you are under 18 years of age;
• during pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• in hereditary fructose intolerance without medical assessment;
• in phenylketonuria without medical assessment because the product contains aspartame.

Warnings and precautions

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Dona if you:

• have diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance;
• have asthma, as symptoms may become worse in some people;
• have serious kidney or liver problems;
• have high cholesterol;
• take medicines that reduce blood clotting;
• cannot tolerate certain sugars;
• follow a sodium-controlled diet;
• have a shellfish or seafood allergy.

People with diabetes may require more frequent monitoring of blood glucose, particularly when treatment is started and periodically during use.

Interactions with other medicines

Tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. Particular caution is required with:

• warfarin and other coumarin anticoagulants – glucosamine may enhance their effect and cause changes in INR;
• tetracycline antibiotics – glucosamine may increase their gastrointestinal absorption;
• other medicines affecting blood clotting or glucose control.

People receiving anticoagulant treatment may require closer coagulation monitoring when glucosamine is started or stopped.

Important information about some ingredients

Each sachet contains:

• 2.5 mg of aspartame – a source of phenylalanine that may be harmful in phenylketonuria;
• approximately 2029 mg of sorbitol – a source of fructose that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and is unsuitable in hereditary fructose intolerance;
• 151 mg of sodium – approximately 7.6% of the recommended maximum daily sodium intake for an adult.

Other ingredients include macrogol 4000 and anhydrous citric acid.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Dona should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor for advice if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

No specific studies have been performed. Do not drive or use machines if headache, sleepiness, tiredness, dizziness or visual disturbance occurs.

Possible side effects

Common side effects may include:

• headache, sleepiness and tiredness;
• nausea, abdominal pain and indigestion;
• flatulence;
• diarrhoea or constipation.

Uncommon effects include skin redness, facial flushing, itching and rash.

Effects of unknown frequency include allergic reactions, dizziness, visual disturbance, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, inadequate diabetes control, asthma, vomiting, oedema, angioedema, hives, increased blood glucose or blood pressure, changes in liver enzymes, jaundice and variations in INR.

If too much Dona is taken

Contact a doctor, pharmacist or the nearest hospital immediately if more than the recommended dose has been taken.

If a dose is forgotten

Take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten sachet.

If treatment is stopped

Symptoms of osteoarthritis may return after treatment is stopped. Discuss the appropriate treatment duration with a doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package at a temperature of up to 30 °C.
• Use the prepared solution immediately.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the package.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy collecting pharmaceutical waste.

Frequently asked questions