Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Synvisc and Hyalgan)
Hyaluronic Acid is produced naturally in your body and is part of the fluid that lubricates the joint cartilage. When you have arthritis in a joint, this fluid is broken down and lubrication is not adequate.
Your doctor can inject this medication into the joint over a period time. It does require repeated visits to the doctorÌs office for this injection. It is like lubrication for you joint and also acts as a kind of "shock absorber" that cushions the joint.
The medication is generally well tolerated but may not work for everyone. The most common side effects that have been reported are temporary pain, swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the injected joint. The treatment has been approved for osteoarthritis of the knee.
The most common forms of this medication are called:
- Synvisc
- Hyalgan
This information is only a guide. For complete information on the drug, contact your doctor or pharmacist.