sodium hyaluronate (injection)

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Pronunciation: SO dee um HYE al yoo RON ate

Brand: Euflexxa, Hyalgan, Supartz

What is the most important information I should know about sodium hyaluronate?

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.

Before you receive a sodium hyaluronate injection, tell your doctor if you have blood clots or circulation problems in your legs, or an allergy to birds, feathers, or egg products.

For at least 48 hours after your injection, avoid jogging, strenuous activity, high-impact sports, or standing for longer than 1 hour at a time.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain or swelling around the knee after the injection.

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 after other arthritis medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Sodium hyaluronate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving sodium hyaluronate?

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 you can safely receive sodium hyaluronate, tell your doctor if you have:

  • blood clots or circulation problems in your legs; or
  • an allergy to birds, feathers, or egg products.

It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether sodium hyaluronate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

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.

What are the possible side effects of sodium hyaluronate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • severe pain or swelling around the knee after the injection;
  • fast heart rate, sweating, chills or shaking; or
  • heavy feeling, anxiety, confusion.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • warmth, pain, stiffness, swelling, or puffiness where the medicine was injected;
  • nausea, stomach pain;
  • headache;
  • back pain;
  • numbness or tingly feeling;
  • cold symptoms such as 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.

What other drugs will affect sodium hyaluronate?

There may be other drugs that can interact with sodium hyaluronate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor can provide more information about sodium hyaluronate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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