Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) is a viscosupplement, a gel-like lubricant that's injected into the knee joint to ease pain from osteoarthritis (OA). It's prescribed for adults who haven't responded well to certain treatment options, like exercise and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) is injected into the knee joint by a healthcare professional once a week for 3 or 5 weeks. This medication can cause temporary injection site pain and joint swelling as side effects.
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Hyalgan (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 Hyalgan (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.
Pain relief lasts up to 6 months
Good option if other treatments for OA pain didn't work well
Not known to interact with other pain medications
Need to get 3 to 5 injections per treatment cycle
Must be given by a healthcare professional
Might not be the best option for people with an allergy to egg products
Mark your appointments to get your Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) injections on your calendar so you don't miss any doses.
Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) for the first 48 hours right after your injection. You shouldn't perform strenuous activities, such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting during this time. Also, don't stand 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 Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) was injected. This should go away, but if it doesn't or if it's interfering with your normal daily activities, contact your prescriber.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of receiving Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate). There isn't enough information to know if it's safe for you or your baby.
Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Allergy to sodium hyaluronate, avian (bird) proteins, feathers, or egg products
Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate) can cause life-threatening allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis). If you have a history of an allergic reaction to hyaluronate products, bird products, feathers, or egg products, you're at a higher risk of having a reaction to Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate). Make sure to tell your prescriber all of your allergies. If you experience rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat, get medical help right away.
Each Hyalgan injection contains 20 mg of sodium hyaluronate.
Adults: The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional (HCP) 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
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)
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
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Fidia Pharma USA Inc. (n.d.). Using Hyalgan®.
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Grefsrud, T. (2005). Comparing the effectiveness of Hyalgan and Synvisc hyaluronic acid injections for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Pacific University Oregon.
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.
Peck, J., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews.
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