Synvisc One

(hylane G-F 20 (Synvisc One))

How does this drug work? What does it do?

Hylan G-F 20 belongs to a group of medicines called synovial fluid replacements. It is used to relieve pain caused byosteoarthritis (a condition that causes "wear and tear" in the knee joint) and is used when other painkillers have not been effective in controlling the pain. It works by mimicking the properties of synovial fluid (a fluid that lubricates and protects the knee from impact) that is normally present in the knee. Pain relief can last up to 6 months.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for a condition not listed in this drug information article. If you have not yet discussed this with your doctor, or if you are unsure why you are taking this medication, consult your doctor. Do not cancel injections of this medication without consulting your doctor first.

How should this medicine be used?

The usual recommended dose is 1 injection into the knee joint. Your doctor or a qualified health care professional will give you the injection, usually in a clinic or hospital setting.

Several factors may be involved in determining the dose a person needs: weight, health status, and whether you are taking other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose other than those listed here, do not change the way you receive the medication without consulting your doctor first.

It is important that this medication be used as directed by your doctor. If you miss an injection appointment, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

This medication is stored at room temperature, protected from freezing and out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medication in the wastewater (e.g. not in the sink or toilet) or in the household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused or expired medicine.

What forms does this medicine come in?

Each mL of sterile, non-pyrogenic, elastoviscous liquid contains 8 mg of hylan. Non-medicinal ingredients: disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate and water for injection.

When is this medication not recommended?

Hylan G-F 20 should not be used in the following circumstances

• an allergy to hylan G-F 20 or any of the ingredients of the drug;
• a skin condition or infection at the injection site;
• an infected or severely inflamed joint.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Many medicines can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medicine when taken in normal doses. It may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Not everyone who takes this medicine will experience the side effects listed below. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

At least 1% of people taking this medicine have reported the following side effects. Many of these side effects can be managed and some may go away on their own over time.

Consult your doctor if you experience these side effects and if they are serious or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on what to do if these side effects occur:

• muscle soreness;
• mild pain, redness, warmth or swelling near the injection site;
• stiffness in the knee.

Most of the side effects listed below do not occur very often, but they could cause serious problems if you do not get medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• hot flashes or facial bloating;
• muscle cramps;
• continuous pain, swelling or redness of the knee joint with or without fever;
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
• dizziness;
• fever or chills;
• lassitude;
• nausea;
• headache;
• a burning, tingling, or burning sensation in your hands or feet.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately if a response occurs such as:

• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, swelling of the tongue or throat).

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms that worry you while using this medicine.

Are there any other precautions or warnings?

Before using any medicine, be sure to tell your doctor or health care professional about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, medicines you use, or any other important health facts. Women should mention if they are pregnant or nursing. These factors may affect how you should use this medicine.

Allergies: this medicine is made from chicken crest. People who are allergic to poultry products, such as feathers, eggs, and poultry, may experience an allergic reaction to hylan G-F 20. People with allergies to poultry products should tell their doctor before receiving this medication and discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect your condition, how your condition may affect the administration and effectiveness of this medication, and whether specific medical supervision is necessary.

Circulation: People with circulation problems in their legs or lymph vessels should be cautious when using hylane G-F 20. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have any circulatory problems. Discuss with your doctor how this drug may affect your condition, how your condition may affect the administration and effectiveness of this drug, and whether specific medical supervision is required.

Activity level: For a few days after receiving the injection, avoid strenuous activities such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, or standing for long periods of time. Consult your doctor before resuming these activities.

Pregnancy: This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits are determined to outweigh the risks, as the safety and effectiveness of using this drug during pregnancy have not been established. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if hylan G-F 20 passes into breast milk. If you take this medicine while breast-feeding, your baby may feel the effects. Consult your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this drug have not been established in children under 18 years of age.

Can other agents interact with this medicine?

Tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal remedies you are taking. Be sure to mention any supplements you are taking. If you use caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or illegal drugs, you should tell your prescribing physician since these substances can affect the action of many medications. In your case, your doctor may ask you to :

• stop taking any of the medications;
• replace one of the medicines with another;
• change the way you take one or both of the medicines;
• do not change anything at all.

Interference of one drug with another does not always result in stopping one of the drugs. In many cases, interactions are intended or carefully monitored. Ask your doctor what to do about drug interactions.