SYNVISC: Could it be the Right Tre... Health Article

SYNVISC: Could it be the Right Treatment for You?

There are many treatment options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. When you are first diagnosed, your doctor will likely recommend diet, exercise and oral medications. If you don't receive enough knee pain relief, other options such as SYNVISC may be able to help.

What is SYNVISC?

SYNVISC is an FDA-approved treatment that replaces the damaged knee fluid which can occur with OA of the knee. It can provide knee pain relief for up to 6 months and doesn't require surgery.

How does it work?

First, consider the difference between a healthy knee and a knee with OA. OA is a condition that can affect the mobility and elasticity of your knee joints. It can cause pain and stiffness, as well as a breakdown of cartilage and the cushioning fluid that is in your knee joints. As the cartilage wears away and joint fluid breaks down, bones can rub against each other and your joints may lose their ability to cushion your bones. Symptoms of OA can range from very mild to quite severe, depending on how your joints are affected.

SYNVISC is different from other OA treatments such as pills or steroid injections, because it actually replaces damaged knee fluid with a substance similar to that found in a normal, healthy knee. It relieves pain and has cushioning and lubricating properties similar to joint fluid found in the healthy knees of 18- to 27- year-olds.

How is SYNVISC given?

SYNVISC is injected directly into your knee joint 3 times, 1 week apart, over a 15-day period. You will have to receive the full course of 3 injections to get the maximum benefit.

Is it safe?

Treatment with SYNVISC is generally well tolerated. Side effects are infrequent. The most common side effects seen were swelling and/or fluid buildup around the knee. Unlike pills, which are absorbed into your bloodstream, SYNVISC is administered locally - to the knee. With recent studies linking certain medications like Celebrex® and Aleve®* to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and serious stomach problems, it may be a good time to ask your doctor about this pill-free option.

Is SYNVISC covered by insurance?

SYNVISC treatment is eligible for reimbursement by Medicare and most insurance plans. Your exact benefits will vary according to your specific plan. For more information about SYNVISC insurance coverage, please call the SYNVISC Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-982-8292 from 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

How is SYNVISC different from steroids?

Both steroids and SYNVISC are given by injection, but SYNVISC is made from a substance that is similar to normal, healthy joint fluid and acts like a cushion for the joint. Steroids can reduce swelling and inflammation which temporarily reduces pain, but do not lubricate or cushion the joint space.

How is SYNVISC different from other viscosupplements?

SYNVISC is the only viscosupplementation therapy that can provide up to 6 months of relief with just 3 injections. Other viscosupplements require 5 injections for the same amount of relief. If you are receiving another kind of viscosupplement, such as Hyalgan® or Supartz®, you may want to ask your doctor about getting SYNVISC for your next treatment.

What if my doctor doesn't provide SYNVISC?

If your doctor does not provide SYNVISC, ask for a referral, or click here to request a FREE Knee Pain Relief Packet with a list of doctors in your area who provide SYNVISC.

*Aleve is a registered trademark of Bayer Consumer Care LLC. Celebrex is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc. Hyalgan is a registered trademark of Fidia Farmaceutici S.P.A. Supartz is a registered trademark of Seikugaku Corporation.

Important Safety Information

SYNVISC is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It is for patients who do not get enough relief from simple painkillers such as acetaminophen, or from exercise and physical therapy.

SYNVISC is generally well tolerated. However, it may not work for everyone. The side effects most commonly seen when SYNVISC is injected into the knee were pain, swelling and/or fluid buildup around the knee. Cases where the swelling is extensive or painful should be discussed with your doctor. Other side effects such as rash have been reported rarely. Before trying SYNVISC, tell your doctor if you are allergic to products from birds - such as feathers, eggs or poultry - or if your leg is swollen or infected. Talk to your doctor before resuming strenuous weight-bearing activities after treatment. SYNVISC has not been tested in children, pregnant women or women who are nursing. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you are nursing a child.