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GENERIC NAME: hylan G-F 20

BRAND NAME: Synvisc

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hylan G-F 20 is an injectable fluid that is used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis in which the joints of the body degenerate and become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis; almost 10 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Most affected persons are over 45 years of age, and women are more often affected than men. Joints contain a fluid, called synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Patients with osteoarthritis have synovial fluid that is thinner than normal, and, therefore, it is less effective as a lubricant and shock-absorber. Hylan G-F 20 is an elastic fluid that is made from a substance called hyaluronan, that is found in normal joint fluid. Hyaluronan is the key substance in joint fluid that provides the shock-absorbing quality to the fluid, and it is essential for the proper functioning of joints. When injected into the knee of a patient with osteoarthritis, hylan G-F 20 helps to restore the shock-absorbing effect of the fluid within the knee. This can lead to reduced pain and a more active lifestyle.

GENERIC: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Glass syringes containing 2 ml of hylan G-F 20

STORAGE: The vials should be stored at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C). Any unused solution should be thrown out. It should not be frozen.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Hylan G-F 20 is used for treating osteoarthritis of the knee.

DOSING: Hylan G-F 20 is injected into the knee by a health professional. A course of treatment consists of three injections with each injection seven days apart. Most people experience the greatest amount of relief from pain 8 to 12 weeks after beginning treatment. Some patients will require more than one course of treatment.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with hylan G-F 20.

PREGNANCY: No adequate studies have been done in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: The risks of hylan G-F 20 during breast-feeding are not known. It is not known if hylan G-F 20 is excreted into breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: About 1 in 14 persons experience pain or swelling in the injected knee, and one third of those who do need to have fluid removed from the knee. About 1 in 50 may experience a skin rash or itching.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 9/12/2001 7:45:00 PM




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis (OA or degenerative arthritis) is a joint disease caused by cartilage loss in a joint. Pain and stiffness are symptoms. Read about diagnosis and treatment.

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Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

hylan G-F 20, Synvisc

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a "cushion" between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 20 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Before age 45, osteoarthritis occurs more frequently in males. After age 55 years, it occurs more frequently in females. In the United States, all races appear equally affected. A higher incidence of osteoarthritis exists in the Japanese population, while South African blacks, East Indians, and Southern Chinese have lower rates.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. ...

Read the Osteoarthritis article »



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