The Orthovisc syringe is a syringe pre-filled with a viscosupplementation agent called sodium hyaluronate. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 30mg/2ml!

The Orthovisc syringe is used to treat knee pain in patients who suffer joint inflammation, also known as osteoarthritis. This drug is commonly prescribed to patients who have tried other treatments such as acetaminophen, exercise, or physical therapy, with no luck of improvement. This condition occurs when the cartilage that protects the joint has become worn away, which can be due to a joint injury, a family history of OA, aging, obesity, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, or repetitive movements of your joints. When the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing the inflammation and pain.

The Orthovisc syringe is effective at treating knee pain because the solution of sodium hyaluronate is able to act as a substitute for the cartilage by lubricating the joints and allowing a shock absorber and helping the knee move more smoothly, resulting in less pain.

A healthcare professional will assist you with this injection.

The injection is usually given once every week for up to 5 weeks (commonly between 3 and 5). It is recommended you apply ice for a short time following the injection to help with any pain and swelling the injection might cause.

If you condition does not improve, contact your doctor.

Do not use Orthovisc Syringe (sodium hyaluronate)

This product should not be used by those who have an infection in the knee or in the skin surrounding the knee.

This product should be avoided by those who are allergic to sodium hyaluronate.

Those under the age of 21 are not approved to use this drug.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had blood clots or circulation problems in your legs, or an allergy to birds, feathers, or egg products.

Risks

There is not enough evidence to show if this drug will harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant; contact your doctor before using sodium hyaluronate.

It also may not be safe to breast feed an infant while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast feeding on sodium hyaluronate.

Common side effects of Orthovisc Syringe (sodium hyaluronate) may include:

• warmth, pain, redness, stiffness, bruising, or puffiness where the medicine was injected;

• nausea, stomach pain;

• trouble walking;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• back pain, joint pain, muscle pain;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• headache, dizziness; or

• runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Orthovisc Syringe (sodium hyaluronate) may include:

• severe pain or swelling around the knee after the injection.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What is the average dose for an adult with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis?

The average dose for an adult with knee pain cause by osteoarthritis is 2-2.5ml injected into the knee once a week for 5 weeks.

Does this medication have any drug interactions?

There are two known drug interactions associated with sodium hyaluronate, however, that does not mean more don’t exist. These two drugs include benzalkonium chloride topical and cetylpyridinium topical.

What should I avoid during treatment with Orthovisc syringe?

The following 48 hours after receiving your shot, you should avoid jogging, strenuous activity, or high-impact sports such as soccer or tennis. It is also suggested you avoid weight-bearing activity or standing for longer than 1 hour at a time. Ask your doctor how long you should wait before continuing these activities.

What can I do asides from medication to help treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis?

Besides medications, there are other ways you can help relieve the knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Some ways may include exercising, doing physical therapy, losing weight, having extra fluid removed from the knee, and avoiding activities that cause pain in your knee.