Orthovisc (hyaluronan) is a knee injection that helps ease pain from osteoarthritis (OA) in adults who continue to have pain despite having tried certain treatments, such as exercises and physical therapy. Orthovisc (hyaluronan) is a viscosupplement, or type of knee joint gel, that helps lubricate the knee joint. It's injected by a healthcare professional directly into the knee joint once a week for 3 or 4 weeks. Temporary joint pain and injection site reactions (e.g., redness, pain, swelling) are some potential side effects.
Pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee
Orthovisc (hyaluronan) is a viscosupplement. It's similar to hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally found in the connective tissues in your body. When Orthovisc (hyaluronan) 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.
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 children
Must be given by a healthcare professional
Not a first-choice treatment for OA
Mark your appointments to get your Orthovisc (hyaluronan) injections on your calendar so you don't miss any doses. This medication works best if you get all of your injections.
Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving Orthovisc (hyaluronan). In general, take things easy for the first 48 hours right after your injection. You should avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, swimming, playing tennis, 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 Orthovisc (hyaluronan) was injected. This is typically mild and should go away after 1 to 3 days. 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 Orthovisc (hyaluronan). There isn't enough information to know if it's safe for you or your baby.
Each Orthovisc injection contains 30 mg of hyaluronan.
The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional (HCP) once a week for 3-4 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
Known allergy to Gram-positive bacteria proteins
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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American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Osteoarthritis guideline.
Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (2023). Instructions for use: Orthovisc®.
Brandt, K. D., et al. (2001). Efficacy and safety of intraarticular sodium hyaluronate in knee osteoarthritis. ORTHOVISC study group. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research.
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.
Neustadt, D., et al. (2005). Clinical effects of intraarticular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronan (Orthovisc®) in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, controlled, multicenter trial. The Journal of Rheumatology.
Peck, J., et al. (2021). A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews.
Yoshioka, K., et al. (2019). Biocompatibility study of different hyaluronan products for intra-articular treatment of knee osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
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