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Hyaluronan

Brand names: Hymovis Monovisc Orthovisc
Dosage forms: intra-articular gel (24 mg/3 mL), intra-articular solution (30 mg/2 mL; 88 mg/4 mL)
Drug class: Viscosupplementation agents

What is Hyaluronan?

The fluid surrounding your joints is a similar substance to hyaluronan. This fluid is a lubricant for the joints and acts as a shock absorber.Hyaluronan can be used to treat knee pain due to osteoarthritis.Hyaluronan can be given only after all other arthritis drugs have failed.This medication guide does not list all uses of hyaluronan.

Side effects of Hyaluronan

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.

Hyaluronan may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Bleeding;
  • Increased knee pain
  • Signs of infection around your knee (warmth, swelling, and redness)

Side effects of hyaluronan include:

  • Stiffness or swelling of the joints;
  • Itching or tingling.
  • Headache, dizziness;
  • Backache
  • The injection site may be swollen, painful, or red.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. You can also reach the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.

Similar/related drugs

Aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, duloxetine, naproxen, and Cymbalta

Warnings

Hyaluronan should not be used if you suffer from bleeding disorders, allergies, or an infection around or on your knee.

Before you take this drug

If you are allergic to Hyaluronan (HA), please inform your physician.

  • An allergic reaction to the proteins of gram-positive bacteria (if in doubt, ask your doctor);
  • A bleeding disorder or blood clotting problem such as hemophilia
  • An infection of the knee or skin surrounding it.

Hyaluronan is not known to harm unborn babies. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.Hyaluronan is not known to pass into breast milk or to harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if a child is breastfed.Hyaluronan cannot be used by anyone under the age of 21.

How to take Hyaluronan?

The hyaluronan will be injected into the knee joint. This injection will be given to you by a healthcare provider.If you receive more than one injection, it is possible that the hyaluronan will be repeated. Additional injections will usually be given within 1 week of your initial injection.Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.You should feel pain relief for at least several months after taking this medicine.If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, tell your doctor.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for osteoarthritis:

One prefilled syringe can be injected intramuscularly in the knee once per week for three to four weeks.
Use: To treat pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who do not respond to nonpharmacologic treatment and simple analgesics.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Hyaluronan does not require a daily dosage schedule because it is typically given as a single injection.Call your doctor if you missed your next appointment or if you need more than one injection of hyaluronan.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdoses are unlikely because hyaluronan will be administered by a health professional in a medical environment.

What should be avoided?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as tennis, for at least 48 hours after your injection. Avoid standing or doing any weight-bearing activities for more than an hour.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with hyaluronan. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.