GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) is a viscosupplement. It's a gel-like lubricant that's injected into the knee joint to ease pain from osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. It's typically prescribed for people who still have pain after trying certain treatments, such as exercise and physical therapy. GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) is given as one injection per week for 3 or 5 weeks. Potential side effects include pain and bleeding around the injection site.
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) is a viscosupplement. It's similar to hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally found in the connective tissues in your body. When GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) is injected into the knee, it helps lubricate the knee joint so that you can move it smoothly. This can ease pain from osteoarthritis in the knee.
Source:Â Prescribing Information
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Doesn't contain egg or avian proteins
Might be a good option for people who didn't respond well to other treatments for OA pain
Pain relief might last longer than corticosteroids
Effects can last up to 30 weeks
Might need up to 5 injections
Not a first-choice treatment for OA
Must be given by a healthcare professional
Can cause temporary pain and swelling where it's injected
Mark your appointments to get your GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) injections on your calendar so you don't miss any doses.
Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate). In general, take things easy for the first 48 hours right after your injection. You should avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, playing tennis, biking or standing on your feet for more than 1 hour at a time. Ask your prescriber when you can resume major physical activities again.
You can expect to experience temporary pain and swelling in the knee where GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate) was injected. This should go away, but if it doesn't, contact your prescriber.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of receiving GenVisc 850 (sodium hyaluronate). There isn't enough information to know if it's safe for you or your baby.
Each GenVisc 850 injection contains 25 mg of sodium hyaluronate.
Adults (ages 21 years and older): The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional once a week for 3 or 5 weeks.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Current infection or skin problems in area of injection
Known allergy to hyaluronate products
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
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Altman, R. D. (2000). Intra-articular sodium hyaluronate in osteoarthritis of the knee. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis guideline.
Doros, G., et al. (2016). A method for establishing class III medical device equivalence: Sodium hyaluronate (GenVisc 850) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Medical Devices.
Foran, J. R. H. (2021). Viscosupplementation treatment for knee arthritis. OrthoInfo.Â
McArthur, B. A., et al. (2012). Long term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of hyaluronic acid injection in patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee. Patient Preference and Adherence.
OrthogenRx, Inc. (n.d.). GenVisc® 850 (sodium hyaluronate) full prescribing information.
OrthogenRx, Inc. (n.d.). GenVisc® 850 (sodium hyaluronate) full prescribing information.
Peck, J., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews.
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