Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Hyaluronic acid falls within the category of medicinal agents referred to as synovial fluid replacements. Its primary purpose is to alleviate the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by joint degeneration, wear, and pain, particularly affecting the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. The mechanism of action involves emulating the natural synovial fluid present in the body, which serves to lubricate and cushion the joints. As a result of this treatment, pain relief can be sustained for a period ranging from 6 to 12 months following the prescribed injection regimen.
Uses and Dosage
Your physician will administer this medication through an injection into the affected joint, typically once a week. Avoid using skin disinfectants containing ammonium salts, such as benzalkonium chloride, for preparing the injection site.
In some cases, your doctor may need to extract excess fluid from the joint before administering the medicine. The dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to the treatment.
Refrain from injecting hyaluronate into a vein or artery, as this can lead to an increased occurrence of side effects.
Following the injection of hyaluronate, avoid engaging in activities that exert stress on the treated knee, such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing for at least 48 hours.
Post-injection, you may initially experience heightened pain and swelling in the knee. If these symptoms persist or worsen, promptly consult your doctor.
Adhere to the prescribed injection schedule, as it may take up to three injections before the full benefits of this medication become evident.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or deteriorates, providing them with updates on any changes in your health status.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- mild pain, redness, or swelling around the area of injection
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fever or chills
- headache
- muscle pain or cramps
- severe pain; warmth or swelling of one or more joints, which may include joints in your knees, ankles, hands, wrist, elbows, and shoulders; rarely, joint in your back, neck, and head may be affected
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Caution
Prior to using hyaluronate, disclose any known allergies to your doctor or pharmacist, including any hypersensitivity to this medication or other substances. For certain product brands, inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to bird proteins, feathers, or egg products. This product may contain inactive ingredients, such as latex present in the rubber syringe cap of certain brands, which could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
Before commencing the use of this medication, discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of knee joint infections, skin infections/problems in the region surrounding the injection site, or circulation issues in the legs.
Regarding pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. Have a detailed conversation with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits associated with its use during pregnancy.
Regarding breastfeeding, it is currently unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before initiating breastfeeding while undergoing treatment with hyaluronate.
Form and Strength
Hyalgan is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Hyalgan (form)
FAQ
Can I inject injectable v myself?
No. Injectable hyaluronic acid is injected into your knee by a trained healthcare provider at their office or other medical setting.
When is injectable Hyalgan used for osteoarthritis of the knee?
Injectable hyaluronic acid is only used in people who don’t get enough relief from other treatment options for OA of the knee. The American College of Rheumatology recommends weight loss, NSAIDs, and injectable steroids as some first-choice treatment options.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/euflexxa/what-is#faqs
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/hyalgan#adverseeffects
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4060/hyalgan-intra-articular/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hyaluronic-acid-injection-route/description/drg-20074557
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/hyalgan-injection.html
