DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Hyaluronan Injection (hye-a-loo-ROE-nan)
Brand Name: Orthovisc

Hyaluronan is used for:

Treating knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis who have not received relief from other treatments.

Hyaluronan is a hyaluronic acid derivative. It works by increasing the effectiveness of the fluid within the knee joint to act as a lubricant and shock absorber.

Do NOT use Hyaluronan if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Hyaluronan or to birds or bird products (eg, eggs, feathers, poultry)
• you have an infection or skin disease near the joint or injection site

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Hyaluronan :

Some medical conditions may interact with Hyaluronan . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Hyaluronan . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Quaternary ammonium salts because side effects may occur

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Hyaluronan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Hyaluronan :

Use Hyaluronan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Hyaluronan comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Hyaluronan refilled.
• Hyaluronan is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Hyaluronan at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Hyaluronan contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Do not use disinfectants containing ammonium salts to prepare the skin for injection because side effects may occur.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Hyaluronan , contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Hyaluronan .

Important safety information:

• Hyaluronan is usually given as a series of injections 1 week apart for a total of 3 or 4 injections. You may not experience pain relief until after the third injection.
• You may experience a temporary inflammation in your knee after using Hyaluronan . If the inflammation is severe or continues, contact your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activity or prolonged (more than 1 hour) weight-bearing activity (eg, running, tennis, heavy lifting) for at least 48 hours after you are injected with Hyaluronan .
• Use Hyaluronan with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Hyaluronan , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Hyaluronan during pregnancy. It is unknown if Hyaluronan is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Hyaluronan , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Hyaluronan :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Mild bruising, heat, redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site; temporary achy feeling; temporary knee inflammation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Hyaluronan :

Hyaluronan is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Hyaluronan at home, store Hyaluronan as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Hyaluronan out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Hyaluronan , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Hyaluronan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Hyaluronan . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.