Hyalgan

Uses

This medication is used to treat knee pain in patients with joint inflammation (osteoarthritis). It is usually used in patients who have not responded to other treatments such as acetaminophen, exercise, or physical therapy. Hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronan) is similar to a substance that occurs naturally in the joints. It may work by acting as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint, helping the knee to move smoothly, thereby lessening pain.

How to use Hyalgan

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your health care professional before you start using hyaluronate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will give this medication by injection into the affected joint, usually once a week. Skin disinfectants that contain ammonium salts (such as benzalkonium chloride) should not be used to prepare the injection site. Your doctor may need to remove extra fluid from the joint before injecting the medicine. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Hyaluronate should not be injected into a vein or artery because increased side effects may occur.

After receiving an injection of hyaluronate, you should avoid any activities that put stress on your knee (such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, standing on your feet for more than an hour) for 48 hours.

Also, after the injection, you may experience increased pain and swelling in the knee at first. If the pain or swelling continues or worsens, talk to your doctor promptly.

It is important to have this medication injected on schedule. It may take up to 3 injections before the full benefits of this medication occur.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Pain, swelling, redness/warmth/bruising at the injection site, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: back pain, severe headache, fast/pounding heartbeat, fever, tingling skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.