What is hyaluronate injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
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
What are the uses for hyaluronate injection?
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).
What are the side effects of hyaluronate injection?
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
QUESTION
What joints are most often affected by osteoarthritis?
See Answer
What is the dosage for hyaluronate injection?
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.
Which drugs or supplements interact with hyaluronate injection?
No clinically significant drug-drug interactions between sodium hyaluronate injection and other medications have been reported.
Is hyaluronate injection safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
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 else should I know about hyaluronate injection?
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.