If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use cartilage supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Thiazide diuretics -- Cartilage contains high amounts of calcium. Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, can raise calcium levels in the blood. Therefore, using cartilage supplements together with this type of diuretic could lead to dangerously high levels of calcium.

Blood sugar lowering medications and insulin -- Shark cartilage may lower blood sugar levels, potentially decreasing the amount of blood sugar lowering medications or insulin needed. Use shark cartilage only under the supervision of a health care provider if you take blood sugar lowering medications or insulin.