Shark cartilage
Generic name: shark cartilage [ SHARK-CAR-ti-laghe ]
Drug class:Herbal products
What is shark cartilage?
Shark cartilage comes from the skeletal tissues of sharks caught mostly in the Pacific Ocean. Shark cartilage is also known as AE-941, Cartilage de Requin, Cartilago de Tiburon, Collagène Marin, Extrait de Cartilage de Requin, Liquide de Cartilage Marin, Marine Collagen, Marine Liquid Cartilage, Neovastat, Poudre de Cartilage de Requin, Sphyrna lewini, Squalus acanthias, and other names.
Shark cartilage has also been used to treat cancer. However, research has shown that shark cartilage is not likely to be effective in treating advanced cancer.
Other uses not proven with research have included treating osteoarthritis, Kaposi's sarcoma, psoriasis, macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), and other conditions.
A specific product (Neovastat) containing shark cartilage extract prolonged survival time in some people with kidney cancer.
It is not certain whether shark cartilage is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Shark cartilage should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Shark cartilage is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Shark cartilage may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia).
It is not known whether shark cartilage will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether shark cartilage passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
How should I take shark cartilage?
When considering...
