Hyalgan (Sodium Hyaluronate)

What is Hyalgan?

Hyalgan is a fluid medication which is similar to synovial fluid (a kind of fluid that envelops our joints).

What is Hyalgan used for?

Hyalgan is indicated for the treatment of knee pain in osteoarthritis patients. The medication is usually recommended for those who do not respond to treatments like physical therapy, exercise or acetaminophen aimed at reducing joint pains.

How does Hyalgan work?

Hyalgan works by lubricating the joints much the same way as a natural component present in the joints does. It works like a lubricant or shock absorber and helps the knee move smoothly while lessening the pain.

How to use Hyalgan

Hyalgan is injected into the affected joint by the doctor usually once in a week for three weeks in a row.  However, depending upon the condition, the doctor may have to inject Hyalgan more than once a week.

Remaining natural fluid present in the joint should be removed before injecting Hyalgan.

Usually, the dosage of the medication is decided as per the medical condition and the response to the treatment. Hyalgan should not be injected directly into the artery or vein because this can lead to increased side effects.

Hyalgan warnings and precautions

Inform the doctor about your medical history before going for Hyalgan. Do tell him about any allergies to bird proteins, egg products or feathers that you may have.

The doctor should also be told about the infections that you may have such as knee joint infections, circulation problems in the legs or skin infections/allergies around the injection site. Use of skin disinfectants used for preparing the injection area, containing ammonium salts like benzalkonium chloride should be avoided.

After being injected with Hyalgan, you should avoid rigorous physical activities like jogging, weightlifting, standing for more than an hour or playing tennis that cause stress on the knees for at least 48 hours.

You may not yield benefits before taking up to 3 injections; therefore injection schedule should be followed without fail.

In the event of pregnancy, the medication should only be taken when it is very much needed. You should also consult the doctor to know the risks involved while taking the treatment during pregnancy. Whether the medication interacts with breast milk or not is not known. Thus, lactating females should consult their doctors before taking Hyalgan.

What do I do if I have missed a Hyalgan dose?

If you have missed an appointment for Hyalgan injection with the doctor consult the doctor as early as possible to know the instructions.

What do I do if I have taken a Hyalgan overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Hyalgan, you should seek medical attention.  Due to the nature of this treatment an overdose is extremely unlikely.

Hyalgan interactions

Before starting the Hyalgan medication, inform the health care provider about prescribed, non prescribed and herbal dosages that you are on. The effects of some of the drugs may change when taken along with Hyalgan. This can also lead to serious side effects. These side effects can be avoided with proper consultation with the doctor and close monitoring. Do not start using any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Hyalgan side effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience side effects of Hyalgan like severe dizziness, troubled breathing, swelling or itching especially on tongue, throat and face.

Less serious side effects from Hyalgan include increased pain or swelling in the knee after being injected. In case these side effects persist or increase, consult the doctor.

The medication contains inactive ingredients including latex which is found in rubber syringe caps which can also lead to certain reactions or allergies.