What is sodium hyaluronate?
Sodium hyaluronate is similar to the fluid that surrounds
the joints in your body. This fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for
the joints.
Sodium hyaluronate is used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Sodium hyaluronate is usually given when
other arthritismedications have not been effective.
Sodium hyaluronate may also be used for purposes
not listed in this medication guide.
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Important Information
You should not receive a sodium hyaluronate
injection if you have an infection in your knee or in the skin around your
knee.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive sodium hyaluronate if you
are allergic to it, or if you have an infection in your knee or in the skin
around your knee.
To make sure sodium hyaluronate is safe for you,
tell your doctor if you have ever had:
blood
clots or circulation problems in your legs; oran allergy to birds, feathers, or egg
products.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate passes
into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if
you are breast-feeding.
How is sodium hyaluronate given?
Sodium hyaluronate is injected directly into your
knee joint. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Sodium hyaluronate is usually given once every week
for 3 to 5 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
To prevent pain and swelling, your doctor may recommend
resting your knee or applying ice for a short time after your injection.
Read all patient information, medication guides,
and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an
appointment for your sodium hyaluronate injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare
professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid after receiving
sodium hyaluronate?
For at least 48 hours after your injection, avoid
jogging, strenuous activity, or high-impact sports such as soccer or tennis.
Also avoid weight-bearing activity or standing for longer than 1 hour at a
time. Ask your doctor how long to wait before you resume these activities.
Sodium hyaluronate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs
of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing;
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
severe
pain or swelling around the knee after the injection.
Common side effects may include:
warmth,
pain, redness, stiffness, bruising, or puffiness where the medicine was
injected;
nausea, stomach pain;trouble
walking;
back pain,
joint pain,
muscle pain;
headache; ornumbness
or tingly feeling;runny
or stuffy nose, sneezing,
sore throat.tired
feeling; or
itching or skin irritation around the knee.
This is not a complete list of side effects and
others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You
may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
Sodium hyaluronate dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoarthritis:
Hyalgan(R): 2 mL by intra-articular injection into
the knee once weekly for 5 weeks
Supartz(TM): 2.5 mL by intra-articular injection into the knee once weekly for
5 weeks
What other drugs will affect sodium
hyaluronate?
Other drugs may interact with sodium hyaluronate,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about
all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
