Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) is a viscosupplement that's injected into the knee joint to ease pain from osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. It's usually prescribed for people who continue to have pain despite having tried certain treatments, such as exercises and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) given as a single injection by a healthcare professional (HCP). Some potential side effects of this knee injection include joint pain, joint swelling, and injection site pain.
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) is a viscosupplement. It's similar to hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally found in the connective tissues in your body. When Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Swelling or redness in the joints
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.
Given as only one injection
Pain relief might last longer than corticosteroids
Good option for people who've tried other treatments that didn't work well
Not made with any animal products
Not studied in people younger than 21 years old
Must be given by a healthcare professional
Not a first-choice treatment for OA
Can cause temporary pain and swelling where it's injected
Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving Monovisc (hyaluronic acid). 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 continue these physical activities again.
You can expect to experience temporary pain and swelling in the knee where Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) was injected. This is typically mild and should go away after 1 to 3 days. But if it doesn't, contact your prescriber.
There isn't enough information to know if Monovisc (hyaluronic acid) is safe for you or your baby. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of receiving this knee injection.
Each Monovisc injection contains 88 mg of hyaluronan.
Adults age 21 years and older: The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional.
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
Known allergy to gram positive bacteria proteins
Bleeding problems
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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American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis guideline.
Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (2020). Instructions for use: Monoviscâ„¢.Â
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.
Peck, J., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews.
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