hyaluronan

Generic Name: hyaluronan
Other Brand Names: Orthovisc

What is hyaluronan?

Hyaluronan is similar to synovial fluid, a substance that occurs naturally in the joints. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.

Hyaluronan is injected into the knee joints for the treatment of pain in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronan may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

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Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hyaluronan?

Talk to your doctor before using hyaluronan if you have an allergy to birds or bird products, feathers, or chicken or egg products.

Hyaluronan should not be used if there is an infection or skin disease at the site of injection.

It is not known whether hyaluronan will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use hyaluronan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hyaluronan will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use hyaluronan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take hyaluronan?

Hyaluronan is administered by a healthcare professional as an intra-articular (into the joint) injection.

Temporary pain or swelling of the affected joint may occur after injection of hyaluronan.

Avoid strenuous activity or prolonged (longer than one hour) weight-bearing activity such as jogging, tennis, lifting weights, or standing for 48 hours following an injection, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I miss a dose of hyaluronan?

Contact your doctor if a dose of hyaluronan is missed.

Where can I get more information about hyaluronan?
Your pharmacist has information about hyaluronan written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of hyaluronan?

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to hyaluronan.

Other less serious side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

  • temporary pain or swelling of the affected joint;

  • rash or bruising at the injection site; or

  • an overall achy feeling.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about hyaluronan?

Talk to your doctor before using hyaluronan if you have an allergy to birds or bird products, feathers, or chicken or egg products.

What should I avoid while taking hyaluronan?

Avoid strenuous activity or prolonged (longer than one hour) weight-bearing activity such as jogging, tennis, lifting weights, or standing for 48 hours following an injection, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect hyaluronan?

It is not known whether other medications will interact with hyaluronan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products during treatment with hyaluronan.

What happens if I have an overdose of hyaluronan?

An overdose of hyaluronan is unlikely to threaten life. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of hyaluronan is suspected.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008