sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) intra-articular injection

Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical that is found in almost all species of animal and in various parts of the human body. It works as a biological lubricant, reducing friction between adjacent tissues. It is present in high amounts in joints and synovial fluid (the fluid that fills the knee joint).

Sodium hyaluronate is used for the treatment of pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who do not get adequate relief from simple pain medicines or from exercise and physical therapy. It is administered by injection directly into the knee joint (intra-articular injection).

The exact mechanism by which sodium hyaluronate products work is not known. The synovial fluid in the knees helps lubricate and cushion our joints during movement. Sodium hyaluronate is the major component in the synovial fluid. People with osteoarthritis do not have enough hyaluronic acid in their synovial fluid. It is thought that sodium hyaluronate injection helps restore synovial fluid, thereby reducing some of the pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.

The first sodium hyaluronate injection was approved in the US in 1997.

What brand names are available for hyaluronate injection?

Hyalgan, Supartz, Euflexxa, Orthovisc

Is hyaluronate injection available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for hyaluronate injection?

Yes

Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) intra-articular injection is used to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis in patients who do not receive pain relief from simple pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol and others).

Common side effects include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Swelling of the knee
• Rash
• Itching
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea

Other reported side effects include:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Increased blood pressure
• Fever
• Fall
• Feeling sick
• Bruising

Sodium hyaluronate is administered into the knee joint (intra-articular injection) once a week for a total of 3-5 injections. 20 mg (Euflexxa, Hyalgan) or 25 mg (Supartz) should be injected into the affected knee once weekly.

No clinically significant drug-drug interactions between sodium hyaluronate injection and other medications have been reported.

It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate is safe to use during pregnancy because it has not been evaluated in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if sodium hyaluronate can enter human milk. The safety and effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate has not been established in nursing mothers.

What preparations of hyaluronate-injection are available?

Solution for injection into the knee joint (intra-articular injection): 10 mg/ml or 15 mg/ml

How should I keep hyaluronate-injection stored?

Sodium hyaluronate should be stored in the original packaging below 25 C (77 F). It should be protected from light.