- What is hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for Synvisc?
- What are the side effects of Synvisc?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with Synvisc?
- What's the dosage for Synvisc and Synvisc One, and how is the injection given?
- Is this drug safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about this drug?
What is hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One), and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
What is hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One)?
Hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One) is an injectable fluid that is used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) 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 the disease. Most people with OA are those 45 years old, and women. More women have OA than men.
How does Synvisc work?
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. Synvisc 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 Synvisc is injected into the knee of a patient with osteoarthritis, the drug helps to restore the shock-absorbing effect of the fluid within the knee. This can reduce pain, resulting in a more active lifestyle.
What brand names are available for hylan G-F 20?
Synvisc and Synvisc-One are the brand names available for this generic drug.
Do I need a prescription for Synvisc?
Yes, you need a prescription for this hylan G-F 20.
What are the uses for Synvisc?
Synvisc is used for treating pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee.
What are the side effects of Synvisc?
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.
Common side effects include:
Other side effects include:

SLIDESHOW
Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain See SlideshowWhich drugs or supplements interact with Synvisc?
There are no known drug interactions with Sinvisc.
What's the dosage for Synvisc and Synvisc One, and how is the injection given?
- Synvisc is injected into the knee by a doctor or other health care professional. A course of treatment consists of three injections with each injection seven days apart when using Synvisc.
- Alternatively Synvisc-One, which contains all 3 doses (48 mg/ 6 ml) can be injected once as a single injection.
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.
Is this drug safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- No adequate studies have been done in pregnant women with this drug.
- The risks of Synvisc during breastfeeding are not known. It is not known if Synvisc is excreted into breast milk.
Summary
Hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One) is a drug prescribed for treating pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee. Synovial fluid is a fluid in the joints that act as a lubricant and shock absorber. Patients with osteoarthritis (OA) have thinner synovial fluid than normal. Synvisc is an elastic fluid that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, and thus helps restore the shock absorbing effect of the fluid within the knee.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Osteoarthritis (OA): Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis
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Osteoarthritis: 15 Tips to Improve Daily Living With OA
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Active Living with Osteoarthritis
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Related Disease Conditions
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Knee Pain
Acute injuries, medical conditions, and chronic use conditions are causes of knee pain. Symptoms and signs that accompany knee pain include redness, swelling, difficulty walking, and locking of the knee. To diagnose knee pain, a physician will perform a physical exam and also may order X-rays, arthrocentesis, blood tests, or a CT scan or MRI. Treatment of knee pain depends upon the cause of the pain.
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Torn Meniscus
A torn meniscus (knee cartilage) may be caused by suddenly stopping, sharply twisting, or deep squatting or kneeling when lifting heavy weight. Symptoms of a meniscal tear include pain with running or walking long distances, popping when climbing stairs, a giving way sensation, locking, or swelling. Treatment depends upon the severity, location, and underlying disease of the knee joint.
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Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.
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Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
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