The Ministry of Health has recommended updating the indications for the use of drugs containing glucosamine

In addition, the Ministry of Health recommended that pharmaceutical manufacturers provide information on dosage regimens and methods of administration in accordance with the updated indications for use.

The letter explains that the changes are due to the need to record in the instructions up-to-date information on the experience of clinical use and the results of studies of glucosamine. The message also emphasizes that it supplements the regulator's notification of April 30, 2025. At that time, the relevant department of the Ministry of Health advised updating the information on glucosamine in the form of powder for the preparation of a solution for oral administration, a solution for intramuscular administration and a concentrate for intramuscular administration. The regulator considered it necessary to make similar adjustments to the current ones in the general characteristics, package inserts and instructions for use of such drugs.

In Russia, according to the State Register of Medicines, 37 drugs with glucosamine and its combinations are currently registered, at least 9 of them in tablet form. On the websites of online pharmacies apteka.ru and ASNA, the indications for use of one of these drugs include "osteoarthrosis of the peripheral joints and spine, osteochondrosis."

In May 2024, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) found that JSC Nizhpharm violated the Law on Advertising during the implementation of a PR campaign for its drug Artra with a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The drugmaker claimed that pain and discomfort in the joints could indicate signs of osteoarthritis, and the drug restores the joint. The regulator indicated that advertising of the drug should not guarantee a positive effect from taking it and contain an assumption about the presence of diseases in the consumer.

In November 2024, the relevant department of the Ministry of Health published an information letter regulating changes to the instructions for use, general characteristics and package inserts for drugs containing fosfomycin as the main active ingredient. Adjustments must be made by manufacturers of such drugs in the form of granules and powder for the preparation of a solution for oral administration in dosages of 2 and 3 grams. Among other things, the regulator clarified the list of indications and contraindications for taking fosfomycin, adverse reactions and side effects. For example, according to updated data, the use of drugs with fosfomycin can cause disorders of the nervous system.