ORTHOVISC

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.

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.

See also How to Use section.

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.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using hyaluronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. For some brands, also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to bird proteins, feathers, or egg products. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the rubber syringe cap of some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: knee joint infections, skin infections/problems in the area around the injection site, circulation problems in the legs.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis include exercising, doing physical therapy, losing weight, having extra fluid removed from the knee, and avoiding activities that cause pain in your knee.