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Home > Drug Category > Osteoporosis Medications > Monovisc and Equivalent

Monovisc Information

Monovisc (Sodium Hyaluronate) is a prescription viscosupplement primarily used to treat pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. While its main use is for knee joints in individuals who have not found sufficient relief from simple pain relievers, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, some healthcare providers also use it to treat osteoarthritis in other major joints, such as the hip, shoulder, or ankle, when standard treatments have failed.

Monovisc works by physically replenishing thin, degraded joint fluid with a thick, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel, which is injected directly into the joint space. This gel increases the fluid's viscosity and elasticity, creating a mechanical barrier that absorbs weight-bearing impact and coats the remaining cartilage, reducing friction between moving bone surfaces. The molecules in this medication are chemically cross-linked, so the body cannot break them down quickly, allowing the gel to remain in the joint for months. Over time, this mechanical protection reduces friction-induced inflammation, blocks tissue-degrading enzymes, and prompts the joint lining to produce more of its own natural lubricant, ultimately reducing pain and improving mobility.

Monovisc Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with this injectable gel include joint swelling and pain, as well as injection-site pain. Some other possible side effects include headache, dizziness, chills, hives, itching, nausea, muscle cramps, peripheral edema, and malaise. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe symptoms of allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat. Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Monovisc Precautions

Do not use this viscosupplement if you have:
• An allergy to sodium hyaluronate or similar preparations, gram-positive bacterial proteins, or inactive ingredients in Monovisc or any other medication;
• An ongoing joint infection or skin disease in the areas of the affected joint;
• A bleeding disorder

Monovisc is incompatible with quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride. If these disinfectants are used to clean the skin before the injection, the sodium hyaluronate can precipitate from solution, disrupting the gel's structure. Instead, alternative skin antiseptics like alcohol or povidone-iodine should be used. Also, be sure to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently using, including topical products, to determine whether they are safe to use with sodium hyaluronate. Consult your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as the safety and effectiveness of Monovisc have not been established in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Store Monovisc in its original package at room temperature and do not freeze.

Do I need a prescription to order Monovisc?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Monovisc.