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Synvisc Coupon - Synvisc 3 syringes of 16mg/2ml kit

Synvisc, Synvisc-One

hylan G-F 20
Used for Osteoarthritis
Used for Osteoarthritis

Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) is a viscosupplement used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. It's an option for people who still have pain despite having tried certain treatments, like exercise and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) is a type of knee joint gel that's injected directly into the knee by a healthcare professional (HCP) to lubricate the joint. Synvisc is given as 3 weekly injections, whereas Synvisc-One is given as a single injection. Side effects include injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, and swelling around the knee.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 5, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)?

What is Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) used for?

How Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) works

Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) is a viscosupplement. It's similar to hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally found in the connective tissues in your body. When Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) 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.

Are you looking for information on Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate), Supartz FX (sodium hyaluronate), or Bionect (hyaluronic acid) wound dressing instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSynvisc, Synvisc-One
Drug ClassViscoelastic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)?

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

Synvisc:
  • Knee pain and swelling (7%)
Synvisc-One:
  • Joint pain (25%)
  • Joint stiffness (8%)
  • Joint swelling (up to 6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Muscle cramps or pain
  • Injection site pain
  • Trouble walking
  • Headache
  • Back pain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling in the face or throat, trouble breathing

Source: Prescribing Information

The following side effects have also been reported

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:

More common

Difficulty with moving

fluid build up around the knee

muscle pain or stiffness

pain and stiffness in the joints

Less common

Bleeding after defecation

bluish color

changes in skin color

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

pain or aching in the lower legs

swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs

tenderness

uncomfortable swelling around the anus

warmth or swelling of the joints

Rare

Redness in the joints

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the urine or stools

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chills

feeling of warmth

general feeling of discomfort or illness

muscle cramps

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

tingling of the hands or feet

trouble breathing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

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:

Less common

Itching of the skin

rash

sprain in the lower back

Rare

Pain at the injection site

Incidence not known

Dizziness

headache

nausea

raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)

thumbs-up

Pros

Only need 1 or 3 injections, depending on the brand name

Effects might last up to 1 year

Might delay time for total knee replacement surgery

Good option if other treatments for OA pain didn't work well

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional

Might not be the best option for people with an allergy to egg products

Can cause temporary pain at the injection site

Not studied in people age 21 years old or younger

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)

pharmacist

  • If you're getting Synvisc (hylan G-F 20), mark your appointments to get your injection(s) on your calendar. This will help you avoid missing a dose.

    • Your prescriber might have you avoid physical activity after receiving Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). In general, take things easy for the first 48 hours right after your injection. You should avoid strenuous activities such as running, jumping, swimming, 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 Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) 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 Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). There isn't enough information to know if it's safe for you or your baby.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)

          How long does it take for Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) to work?
          If you received Synvisc, you might have some improvement in your pain symptoms as soon as a week after your injection. But people typically feel a more noticeable difference about 2 to 3 months after the start of treatment. If you received Synvisc One, you might start to feel pain relief a month after your injection. Not everyone responds to treatment the same way. Talk with your healthcare team if you have more questions about what to expect with Synvisc (hylan G-F 20).
          How long does a Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) injection last?
          How long your pain relief lasts might differ depending on your condition and how your body responds to Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). Clinical studies show that people who received Synvisc and Synvisc One can experience pain relief up to 6 months after treatment. Some long-term studies showed that the benefits of Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) might last up to a year or longer. Each person responds differently to the treatment, so results can vary among individuals.
          How well does Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) work?
          In studies, up to 56% of people with OA who got three Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) injections were free or nearly free of pain when they put weight on their knee 10-24 weeks after the last shot. This was compared to less than 13% of people who got a shot of saline (no medication).
          Is Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) a rooster comb injection?
          Yes. Some knee injections that contain hyaluronic acid, like Synvisc (hylan G-F 20), are made using rooster combs. These are the red comb-like structure on top of a rooster's head. They contain the same gel-like substance that's in our knee joints.
          What's the difference between Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) and Durolane?
          Durolane (sodium hyaluronate) and Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) are both knee injections that are used to relieve knee pain in adults with osteoarthritis who don't get enough relief from other treatments. Both Durolane and Synvisc-One are injected into the knee once, while Synvisc is given as three weekly injections. Another difference between Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) and Durolane is that Durolane is made from bacteria, while Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) is made from chicken combs.
          What's the difference between Synvisc and Synvisc One?
          Both Synvisc and Synvisc-One contain hylan polymers as the active ingredient. The main difference between them is that Synvisc has a lower dose and is given as one injection a week for three weeks. Synvisc-One has a higher dose, and it's given as one injection. Follow up with your healthcare professional to see which formulation is best for you.
          Does Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) cause weight gain?
          Weight gain wasn't a side effect reported by people taking Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) during clinical studies. If you have concerns about your weight, contact your primary care provider.
          Is Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) a steroid?
          No, Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) isn't a steroid. It contains sodium hyaluronate, which is a gel-like substance that helps lubricate the joints and helps absorb shock from movements. There are other knee injections used to treat osteoarthritis that do contain a steroid.
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          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)?

          Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) 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-warning

          Severe allergic reaction

          • Risk factors: Allergy to sodium hyaluronate, avian (bird) proteins, feathers, or egg products

            Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) 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 Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). 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.

            risk-warning

            Serious skin damage

            Some people have reported serious skin damage after getting Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). Contact your prescriber if you notice changes in skin color or open sores.

            dosage

            Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)

            • Synvisc: Each Synvisc injection contains 16 mg of hylan polymers (hylan A + hylan B). The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional once a week for 3 weeks.

            • Synvisc-One: Each Synvisc One injection contains 48 mg of hylan polymers (hylan A + hylan B). The typical dose is one injection given into the knee joint by a healthcare professional once.

            interactions

            Interactions between Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) and other drugs

            Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            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.

            contraindications-icon

            Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) 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 Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Current infection or skin problems in area of injection

            • Known allergy to hyaluronate products

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Synvisc (hylan G-F 20). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Synvisc (hylan G-F 20)
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            Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
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            References

            Best studies we found

            Bioventus LLC. (n.d.). Durolane® instructions for use.

            De Lucia, O., et al. (2021). One-year efficacy and safety of single or one to three weekly injections of hylan G-F 20 for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rheumatology.

            Foran, J. R. H. (2021). Viscosupplementation treatment for knee arthritis. OrthoInfo. 

            View All References (5)

            Genzyme Corporation. (2023). Synvisc® Hylan G-F 20.

            Genzyme Corporation. (2023). Synvisc-One® Hylan G-F 20.

            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.

            Wobig, M., et al. (1998). Viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20: A 26-week controlled trial of efficacy and safety in the osteoarthritic knee. Clinical Therapeutics.

            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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