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Home > Drug Category > Osteoarthritis > Synvisc and Equivalent

Synvisc Information

Synvisc (Hylan GF 20) is a viscosupplement approved by regulatory bodies to treat the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, a condition that breaks down the joint's lubricating and shock-absorbing synovial fluid, leading to painful bone-on-bone friction. Synvisc is typically used in individuals who have already tried and failed to get sufficient pain relief from basic conservative measures such as physical therapy or simple over-the-counter pain relievers. It may also be used to treat osteoarthritis of the hip, ankle, or shoulder.

It is an intra-articular injection that works by physically replacing the degraded fluid in an osteoarthritic knee with a thick, high-molecular-weight hylan gel. In a joint with osteoarthritis, the natural synovial fluid has become thin and watery, losing its capacity to protect the joint. Once injected directly into the joint capsule, this dense material coats the surfaces of the bones and cartilage. When the knee moves or bears weight, the injected Synvisc gel absorbs the mechanical forces and prevents the bones from rubbing tightly against one another. It reduces physical friction, shields irritated joint surfaces from daily wear and tear, and reduces mechanical triggers that cause osteoarthritis pain.

Unlike standard, unmodified sodium hyaluronate injections, Hylan G-F 20 is chemically cross-linked, giving it a higher molecular weight and greater elasticity than natural synovial fluid, helping it remain within the joint space longer to provide prolonged structural support.

Synvisc Side Effects

Synvisc is generally well tolerated, but you may experience mild adverse reactions, such as transient pain, joint swelling, joint effusion, and worsening joint stiffness after injection of this viscosupplement. Consult your doctor if these reactions persist or worsen.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of severe 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.

Synvisc Precautions

Do not use this viscosupplement if you have:
• Allergic reaction to Hylan G-F 20, other ingredients in Synvisc, sodium hyaluronate or similar preparations, poultry, feathers, or egg products, or any other medication;
• An active infection in the knee joint (septic arthritis);
• Impaired drainage in the venous and lymphatic supply to the limb of the affected joint;
• Skin infection, open wound, or active skin disease (such as a psoriasis flare) directly over the intended injection site;

Synvisc should never be used concomitantly with skin preparation solutions or surgical disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts, such as benzalkonium chloride. If these substances come into contact with the injection solution, the hyaluronan polymers will chemically precipitate, altering the gel's structure and rendering it ineffective. There is limited clinical data establishing the safety or efficacy of injecting Synvisc concurrently with other intra-articular medications, such as corticosteroids or local anesthetics. However, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including topical medications, to determine whether it is safe to use with Synvisc. Consult your doctor before getting this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there are no adequate, well-controlled clinical trials evaluating its effects in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Store this viscosupplement between 2°C and 30°C and do not freeze.

Do I need a prescription to order Synvisc?

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