Hyalgan Prescribing Information

David Fuller

Last Updated On: June 10, 2024

Prescribing information is vital for guiding healthcare decisions. According to a study, HYALGAN®, a proven treatment, effectively relieves pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA) for patients who have not responded adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy or simple analgesics like acetaminophen.

Hyalgan injections utilize sodium hyaluronate, a type of hyaluronic acid. Approved for treating knee pain due to OA, Hyalgan provides relief when painkillers and physical therapy fall short. This innovative approach can benefit patients seeking an alternative to traditional pain management.

This article will explore Hyalgan’s safety, efficacy, and administration and explain its role in managing OA knee pain.

Key Takeaways

• Hyalgan is a viscosupplementation treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
• It contains hyaluronan, a natural substance found in the body that helps to lubricate and cushion the joints.
• The recommended dosage for Hyalgan is 20mg once a week for a total of 5 injections.
• Hyalgan is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations or gram-positive bacterial proteins.
• Common side effects of Hyalgan injections include injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness.
• Healthcare providers should monitor patient response to Hyalgan and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.

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Overview of Hyalgan

Hyalgan, first approved in the US in 1997, is a hyaluronic acid product designed to ease knee pain for osteoarthritis patients who haven’t found relief from other treatments. This medicine is a clean, injectable liquid that includes sodium chloride and sodium dihydrogen phosphate, ensuring its safety for single-use applications.

Doctors inject Hyalgan directly into the knee joint to act as a lubricant and shock absorber, improving knee movement and reducing pain. It is particularly beneficial for those needing an alternative to oral pain medications or surgery. However, it’s unsuitable for individuals allergic to hyaluronate or those with active infections.

Since its approval, Hyalgan has become a preferred choice for managing osteoarthritis knee pain, standing out compared to treatments like Synvisc, Euflexxa, Supartz, and Orthovisc. Its proven track record helps improve patients’ quality of life by providing effective pain relief and better joint function.

Recommended Dosage and Administration

Doctors use Hyalgan to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis when other treatments fail. It is administered as an injection into the knee, and patients typically receive one per week for 3-5 weeks, depending on their response. It’s crucial not to mix Hyalgan with other drugs in the same syringe.

Hyalgan dosage varies, but following the recommended schedule helps manage pain effectively. Monitoring patient reactions after each dose is essential, and treatment may need adjustments based on response or side effects.

Medical professionals use a sterile technique for injections: cleaning the knee area and injecting the Hyalgan solution directly into the joint. This method targets pain relief where it’s needed most.

Depending on their setup and patient needs, Doctors choose between a 2 mL vial or a pre-filled syringe of Hyalgan. Each injection is part of a series to effectively manage osteoarthritis knee pain. Post-injection, doctors ensure there’s no swelling or infection before patients leave.

Contraindications and Precautions

Before using Hyalgan, doctors should be aware of who shouldn’t receive it. People allergic to chicken or bird products, eggs, feathers, or with a known sensitivity to hyaluronate preparations should avoid it. Additionally, individuals with a knee infection or skin diseases around the injection site should not use Hyalgan. 

Safety is paramount, so if a patient is allergic to any component of Hyalgan or has an infection at the injection site, exploring other treatment options is advisable. Doctors should carefully consider allergies and current infections when choosing products like Hyalgan vs. Orthovisc or Supartz for their patients.

Drug Interactions and Adverse Reactions

It’s important to be cautious when combining Hyalgan injections with other knee medications or blood clot-altering drugs, as this can reduce their effectiveness or lead to complications. Before starting Hyalgan injections, it’s crucial to inform the doctor about all current medications to prevent harmful interactions. Properly managing side effects is essential for patient safety and comfort.

Measures to Prevent Adverse Reactions

Doctors should screen patients carefully to ensure they don’t have allergies to hyaluronate preparations and to prevent adverse reactions from Hyalgan injections. This is crucial because some people may react badly if they are sensitive to the ingredients in Hyalgan.

Doctors must closely follow the prescribed dosage and administration techniques for Hyalgan or Supartz. Using the right amount and injecting it properly into the knee helps minimize risks like pain or swelling at the injection site.

Management of Side Effects

Managing side effects from Hyalgan injection is straightforward. If a patient shows signs of injection site reactions — like pain, redness, or swelling — applying ice to the area can help reduce these symptoms.

It’s also essential to keep the injection site clean and dry. Advise patients not to put heavy pressure on the knee after getting their Hyalgan shot. This simple care can prevent further discomfort.

For those experiencing more discomfort than usual, over-the-counter pain relievers may be helpful unless contraindicated by their medical condition or other medications. Always check with your healthcare provider before recommending additional medication post-Hyalgan treatment.

Monitoring Patient Response and Treatment Adjustment

Keeping track of patients’ responses to Hyalgan injections is crucial for doctors to make necessary adjustments for optimal results. This involves monitoring changes in knee pain, mobility, and signs of swelling, redness, or infection after treatment. If a patient shows no improvement, alternative options such as Hyalgan Supartz or Orthovisc should be considered.

Collaborating with other medical professionals is essential to tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs. If knee pain persists, adjustments like additional injections or trying different therapies should be explored. The goal is to alleviate pain and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Hyalgan offers targeted relief for knee osteoarthritis pain through direct injection, making it a reliable option since 1997. It’s favored by doctors for its effectiveness when other treatments fall short. Patients should be aware of potential side effects and the importance of treatment adjustments based on individual progress.

FAQs

1. What is Hyalgan, and how does it compare to Orthovisc?

Hyalgan and Orthovisc both treat knee pain from osteoarthritis. The main differences are in their composition and treatment frequency.

2. Where can I find Hyalgan’s prescribing information?

Check the prescribing information from your doctor or official medical websites for dosage, side effects, and usage.

3. Is there anything special I need to know before using Hyalgan?

Discuss allergies or health conditions with your doctor before starting Hyalgan to ensure they suit you.

4. Can anyone use Hyalgan, or are there specific guidelines?

Hyalgan is for adults with osteoarthritis knee pain. Your healthcare provider will decide if it’s right based on your health history.

References

Hyalgan. https://www.hyalgan.com/

Product Information. https://hyalgan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/HyalganPatInfoPDFupdate513.pdf