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Hymovis

high molecular weight viscoelastic hyaluronan

Used for Osteoarthritis

Hymovis is an injectable viscosupplement (or viscoelastic) that's given to relieve pain from osteoarthritis in the knee in adults. It's typically given when other pain-relieving therapies haven't worked well enough. Hymovis is given as two injections into your knee; each injection is separated by a week. Side effects aren't common but can include joint pain and stiffness.

Reviewed by:

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 18, 2024

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Contraindications Latest news References Prices Medicare

What is Hymovis?

What is Hymovis used for?

Pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee

How Hymovis works

Hymovis is a viscosupplement, also known as a viscoelastic. It's a type of hyaluronic acid (or hyaluronan), which is a natural substance that's found in the connective tissues in your body. When Hymovis is injected into the knee, it provides structural support and it lubricates your knee joint. This helps lower pain from osteoarthritis.

Are you looking for information on Bionect (hyaluronic acid) wound dressing or hyaluronic acid injection (Euflexxa, Hyalgan) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHymovis

Drug ClassViscoelastic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Hymovis?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Muscle, bone, and connective tissue problems (5%)
Joint pain (4%)

Other Side Effects

Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Pain at the injection site
Redness at the injection site
Itchiness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Severe allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of lips, tongue, or throat

Source: Prescribing information

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Headache
Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Swelling in the joint where injected
Nausea

Pros and cons of Hymovis

Pros

Treatment consists of just two injections

Pain relief can last for several months

Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional as an injection directly into the knee

Not a first-choice treatment option for knee pain from osteoarthritis

No lower-cost generic available; brand-name medication only

Pharmacist tips for Hymovis

Mark your appointments on your calendar to get your Hymovis injections. It's important not to miss your injections to help the medication work as best as possible for you.

It's possible to have pain and swelling in your knee(s) after you get your Hymovis injection. Avoid activities that put extra stress on your knee(s), like tennis, jogging, or jumping, for at least 2 days after your Hymovis injection. Also avoid doing any physical activity for a long period of time (for example, more than 1 hour) for at least 2 days after your injection.

Frequently asked questions about Hymovis

When is Hymovis used for osteoarthritis of the knee?

Hymovis isn't the first-choice option for treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It's typically considered when people don't get enough pain relief from other therapies. The American College of Rheumatology recommends that you first try therapies like physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the knee, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Speak with a healthcare professional if you're still having arthritic knee pain that's bothersome and interfering with your daily activities despite these treatments. They can discuss with you about your next treatment options.

How well does Hymovis work?

In a clinical study, people reported almost a 60% drop in knee pain while resting and almost a 50% drop in knee pain while moving when they were asked to score their pain 6 months after their Hymovis injections. Be sure to update your healthcare professional about how well Hymovis seems to have relieved your knee pain after your injections.

How long does Hymovis take to work?

How quickly Hymovis works will vary from person to person depending on the severity of your arthritis. A clinical study showed that some people felt significant improvement in knee pain within 1 month after the injections but it could take up to 3 months to feel the most pain relief. Talk to your healthcare professional if you're concerned with how quickly or how well Hymovis is working to relieve your pain.

How long does Hymovis last?

A clinical study showed that the pain-relieving effects of Hymovis can last for 6 months or longer for some people. Keep in mind that this can depend on the severity of your pain and whether you're using other pain medications. Also, each person can have a different experience with Hymovis. Speak with a healthcare professional if your pain returns after your Hymovis treatment.

Can I take other pain medications after I get my Hymovis injection?

Yes, it's generally safe to take other pain medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or anti-inflammatory products, after your Hymovis injection. These pain relievers aren't known to interact with Hymovis. Keep in mind that some of these other pain medications have their own risks, such as heart, kidney, liver problems. Before you use other pain medications with Hymovis, speak with your healthcare professional to make sure it's safe for you to do so.

Is Hymovis safe while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There isn't enough information to know whether Hymovis is safe for you or your baby if you get injections while pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of getting Hymovis injections while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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What are the risks and warnings for Hymovis?

Hymovis 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.

Severe allergic reaction

Risk factors: Allergy to hyaluronic acid products | Allergy to Gram-positive bacterial proteins

Although rare, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Hymovis. These allergic reactions can include difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptom of anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction to Hymovis at any time during treatment.

Hymovis dosage forms

Typical dosing for Hymovis

The typical dose is two injections into the affected knee. Each injection is separated by 1 week. Your healthcare professional will decide whether you need additional injections.

Hymovis contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hymovis will not be safe for you to take.

Current infection or skin problem in the injection area injection or knee joint
Known allergy to hyaluronic acid products
Known allergy to Gram-positive bacterial proteins

What is the latest news about Hymovis?

Biosimilars for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are medications that are similar to already approved biologics used to treat RA. Learn about them here.

Biosimilars for Rheumatoid Arthritis: What to Know About Amjevita, Inflectra, and More

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References

Best studies we found

Ayhan, E., et al. (2014). Intraarticular injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma) for the knee osteoarthritis. World Journal of Orthopedics.

Bush, L. M. (2023). Overview of Gram-positive bacteria. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

Fidia Pharma USA Inc. (2021). Hymovis^® High Molecular Weight Viscoelastic Hyaluronan.

View All References (3)

Kolasinski, S. L., et al. (2020). 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guideline for the management of osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis and Rheumatology.

Priano, F. (2017). Early efficacy of intra-articular HYADD® 4 (Hymovis®) injections for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Joints.

Walker, K., et al. (2023). Hyaluronic acid. StatPearls.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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