Synvisc One is a joint pain treatment that involves injecting lubricating fluid into the area around your knee. Find out more about Synvisc-One today in our review.
What is Synvisc One?
Synvisc-One is an osteoarthritis treatment categorized as a viscosupplement injection. People around the world depend on Synvisc-One to relieve their joint pain symptoms. The drug is also known as hylan G-F 20.
Synvisc-One is a more natural treatment to joint pain than some of the drug-based solutions on the market. Instead of flooding your body with antibodies or chemicals, Synvisc-One essentially works as a lubricant, helping to cushion your joints.
If your doctor decides Synvisc-One is the right treatment for you, he or she will inject the medication directly into your affected joint – usually once a week.
Synvisc-One is particularly popular for treating knee pain, although it can also be used throughout the body. Synvisc One is a popular option in patients who have not responded well to conventional joint pain treatments, like acetaminophen, exercise, or physical therapy.
How Does Synvisc One Work?
Synvisc-One is actually a substance secreted by the cartilage cells – the same cartilage cells found in your joints. It’s considered a “natural” joint pain relief treatment because it’s a naturally-occurring substance within the body.
That “substance” is hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronan. It’s not the exact same substance secreted by your joints, but it’s a close facsimile.
Essentially, the injection acts as a lubricant. Instead of having your joints and bones scrape against each other, Synvisc-One creates a cushion, allowing the joints and bones to move smoothly without rubbing against one another.
What to Expect During Synvisc-One Treatment
During Synvisc-One treatment, your doctor will inject the solution into the affected joint. This injection typically occurs once a week. Prior to receiving the injection, your doctor may need to remove extra fluid from the joint area. Your doctor will adjust the dosage based on your medical condition.
Your doctor will avoid injecting the medicine directly into a vein or artery, as this can lead to increased side effects.
After your procedure is over, your doctor will tell you to avoid physical activities that put stress on your knee for at least 48 hours. You should avoid jogging, playing tennis, lifting weights, or standing on your feet for more than an hour, for example.
Pain and swelling can also occur after an injection.
Many patients will not experience the benefits of Synvisc-One until three injections. It’s crucial that your doctor sticks to a schedule for Synvisc-One injections.
Synvisc One Side Effects
Like most injection-based treatments, the main side effect risks of Synvisc-One include swelling at the injection site and a risk of infection.
- Injection Site Side Effects: Swelling, redness, warmth, or bruising at the injection site.
- Serious Side Effects: Back pain, severe headache, fast/pounding heartbeat, fever, and tingling skin.
- Allergic Reaction: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing
Allergic reactions to Synvisc One are rare, but they do occur. WebMD.com cautions that the above list is not a complete list of side effects. Remember: if you’re taking Synvisc One, your doctor has decided that the benefits of Synvisc-One outweigh the negative side effects.
There’s an increased risk of allergic reaction with Synvisc-One if you’re allergic to bird products like feathers, eggs, or poultry. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reaction symptoms or other problems after your Synvisc-One injection.
Does Synvisc One Work?
WebMD.com is one of the best sources of Synvisc One reviews on the internet. 202 reviews for the drug have been posted so far, all of which were taken by patients suffering arthritis of the knee (14 additional reviews are categorized as “other” conditions).
Overall, Synvisc-One has an average rating of 3 stars out of 5. Like many other joint pain medications, patients seem to indicate that it either worked as advertised (5 stars) or did not work at all (1 star). This averages out to 3 stars out of 5.
Many patients praise Synvisc-One for the effectiveness, ease of use, and overall satisfaction with the treatment. Patients indicate that they receive 3 to 4 injections every months and have no need of pain medication after the injection.
On the other hand, some patients appear to have responded negatively to treatment, stating that they have a sick feeling after their injection, or that they experience other side effects.
Overall, your doctor will help you decide if Synvisc-One is the right treatment for you.
Should You Use Synvisc One to Treat Osteoarthritis in Your Knee?
Synvisc One is a popular treatment for joint pain in your knee caused by osteoarthritis. Many patients have experienced dramatic reductions in joint pain after taking Synvisc One. If you’ve tried other methods and have been dissatisfied, then Synvisc-One may be the right choice for you.
However, it’s important that you talk to your doctor before taking Synvisc-One. Not only is it a prescription drug, but Synvisc-One is associated with some serious side effects – including allergic reactions. Your doctor will help you decide if Synvisc-One is the best way to treat your joint pain.
