sodium hyaluronate (injectable) Health Article

Generic name(s):

sodium hyaluronate (injectable)

Brand name(s):

sodium hyaluronate, Euflexxa, Hyalgan, Supartz

What is the most important information I should know about sodium hyaluronate?

You should not receive sodium hyaluronate if you have an infection of your knee joint, or infection of the skin around your knee.

Before receiving sodium hyaluronate, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to eggs, birds, or bird products.

Sodium hyaluronate is given as an injection into your knee. This medicine is usually given as one injection per week for a total of 3 weeks.

For the first 48 hours after your injection, avoid any strenuous or weight-bearing activity that lasts longer than 1 hour. This includes jogging, tennis, stair-climbing, or lifting weights. Follow your doctor's instructions about other activity restrictions.

What is sodium hyaluronate?

Sodium hyaluronate is similar to the synovial (sin-OH-vee-ul) fluid that surrounds your joints. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.

Sodium hyaluronate is injected into the knee joint to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis. This medication is usually reserved for people whose pain has not been relieved by using other medicines or treatments.

Sodium hyaluronate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving sodium hyaluronate?

You should not receive sodium hyaluronate if you have:

• an infection of your knee joint; or

• infection of the skin around your knee.

Before receiving sodium hyaluronate, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to eggs, birds, or bird products.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is sodium hyaluronate given?

Sodium hyaluronate is given as an injection into your knee. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

This medicine is usually given as one injection per week for a total of 3 weeks. Your doctor may want you to have injections more often than once each week.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. An overdose of sodium hyaluronate is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while receiving sodium hyaluronate?

For the first 48 hours after your injection, avoid any strenuous or weight-bearing activity that lasts longer than 1 hour. This includes jogging, tennis, stair-climbing, or lifting weights. Follow your doctor's instructions about other activity restrictions.

What are the possible side effects of sodium hyaluronate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• pain or swelling where the medicine was injected;

• joint pain;

• headache;

• numbness or tingly feeing;

• skin irritation; or

• knee pain or tenderness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect sodium hyaluronate?

There may be other drugs that can affect sodium hyaluronate. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist has additional information about sodium hyaluronate written for health professionals that you may read.