hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc)

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.

Synvisc is used for treating pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee.

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:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Headache
• Joint swelling
• Flu-like symptoms
• Back pain

Other side effects include:

• Injection site pain
• Injection site stiffness
• Injection site redness
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Facial flushing
• Facial swelling

There are no known drug interactions with Sinvisc.

• 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.

• 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.

What preparations of Synvisc are available?

Injection: 16 mg/2 ml, 48 mg/6 ml

How should I keep Synvisc stored?

Synvisc should be stored at room temperature, below 86 F (30 C). Any unused solution should be thrown out. It should not be frozen.