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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) is a joint disease caused by the breakdown and loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. With repetitive use, pain, swelling, warmth, and creaking may be noticed in the affected joint. Though weight loss and avoiding stress on the joint will reduce joint pain and inflammation, there is no specific treatment for osteoarthritis. Source:MedicineNet Read 14 more hylan G-F 20 related articles ... Docs Issue Guideline on Screening for Osteoporosis in Men Health Tip: Foods That Can Aggravate Heartburn Health Tip: Good Shoes Can Prevent Falls Hunger Hormone Makes Food Look More Tasty Several Therapies Show Promise for Vascular Depression Health Highlights: May 7, 2008 Virtual Reality Therapy May Help PTSD Patients Some Weight-Loss Drugs Might Disrupt Brain Growth in Kids Cleaner Air May Threaten Amazon Rainforest Researchers Publish Genome Sequence for Duck-Billed Platypus