Hi all. Does anyone know if any of the over the counter stuff like rosehip caps, glucosamine chondroitin and MSM(!), and multi vitamins are ok to take along side regular medication? I was bought these by my brother as he had read somewhere that all the above listed are of benefit to those with joint problems. I'm still not sure that he is fully aware of the ins and outs of RA, it being an auto-immune dis-order rather than "aches and pains". It was my 40th birthday last week and talking to relatives, some of whom didn't know i have RA, their faces were of dis-belief when one of my aunts told a cousin that i had arthritis really bad. They all get completly mixed up and think its jst aches and pains, but when i said about the blood test etc, and that i look so well, its as though i'm just moaning about aches etc!
Any way, any advice would be welcome regards vitamins etc. I haven't opened them yet!!

Thanks, dawnybee

Yes Lorna is right-glucosamine and chondroitin is more for osteoarthritis,
I have heard that rosehip is good but not tried it myself yet. I also take vitamins and minerals because I have IBS and can't tolerate too many fruits and veggies.
My theory is try it and if helps excellent! I would always advise telling your GP/Rheummy if you are taking them though so that they are aware and can take them into account when doing blood tests.

You're right Doreen, rosehip capsules messed up his ALT levels.

Dawnybee, did you see there was something in the recent NRAS magazine about supplements?

Wow, thanks for your replies, its really interesting. I'll look up the complimentary therapy stuff in the NRAS book. dawnybee