What is Synvisc?
Synvisc works similarly to the fluid around your joints. This fluid is a lubricant for joints and a shock absorber. Synvisc can be used to treat knee osteoarthritis. Synvisc is often prescribed after other arthritis medications are unsuccessful in treating symptoms.
Warnings
If you have an infected knee or skin surrounding your knee, then you should not take Synvisc. Tell your doctor before you receive Synvisc if you suffer from blood clots, circulation problems in the legs, or if you are allergic to feathers, birds, or egg products.
Avoid jogging or strenuous activities, sports with high impact, or standing longer than an hour after the injection. If you experience severe pain or swelling in the area of the knee following the injection, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Synvisc should not be used if the patient is allergic to hylan F-20 or has an infection on their knee or around their knee.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Synvisc will be safe for you:
- Blood clots in the legs or problems with circulation
- Allergy to feathers or eggs, birds, or both
Synvisc is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
There is no way to know if hylan G-20 passes into breastmilk or if a nursing infant could be harmed. Inform your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child. Synvisc should not be used by anyone under the age of 21.
How to take Synvisc?
Synvisc can be injected directly into the knee joint. This injection will be given to you by a healthcare provider.
The Synvisc brand Hylan G-F 20 is normally given every other week until you receive three injections. This medicine is only given once under the Synvisc-One label. Your doctor will decide how many injections to give you. Your doctor may suggest that you rest your knee after the injection or apply ice to it for a few minutes.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for osteoarthritis:
Inject 2 ml intra articularly in the knee, once a week, for three weeks.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your Synvisc appointment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medicine is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid jogging or strenuous activities for at least 48 hours after your injection. This includes high-impact sports like soccer or tennis. Avoid standing or doing any weight-bearing activities for more than an hour. You should ask your doctor for the recommended time before you can resume such activities.
Side effects of Synvisc
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. If you experience severe pain or swelling in the area of the knee following the injection, call your doctor immediately.
Synvisc may cause side effects, such as:
- The injection site may be accompanied by pain, inflammation, swelling, or warmth.
- Muscle pain and difficulty walking
- Fever, chills, nausea;
- Feeling prickly on your skin
- Headache, dizziness,
- Itching or irritation of the skin around the knee
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, including vitamins, herbal products, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and prescription and non-prescription medications, may interact with hylan G-20. Inform your healthcare providers of all medications you are taking, including any new ones.
