Medications and Drugs
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.
- 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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