Hyalgan 20mg Inj

HYALGAN 20MG INJ

Name:

• Brand Name: HYALGAN
• Common Name: Sodium Hyaluronate Injection (Hyalectin)

Composition: Each 2 mL pre-filled syringe or vial contains 20 mg of Hyaluronic acid sodium salt (Hyalectin), a high molecular weight fraction of purified natural sodium hyaluronate derived from rooster combs. It is prepared in a buffered physiological sodium chloride solution.

Uses: HYALGAN is indicated for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It is typically prescribed for patients who have not responded adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapies, such as exercise, and simple analgesics like acetaminophen. HYALGAN works by supplementing the natural hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber to reduce friction, alleviate pain, and improve joint function.

Dosage and Administration: HYALGAN is administered by intra-articular injection directly into the affected knee joint by a healthcare professional. A typical treatment cycle consists of five injections, given once a week for five consecutive weeks. Some patients may experience benefit with a three-injection regimen. Inject the full 2 mL into one knee only; for bilateral treatment, a separate syringe/vial must be used for each knee.

Side Effects: Common side effects include local reactions at the injection site such as pain, swelling, redness, warmth, bruising, stiffness, or puffiness. Other reported side effects include headache, nausea, stomach pain, back pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and itching or rash around the knee. Transient increases in inflammation in the injected knee may occur. Serious allergic reactions are rare but can occur.

Precautions: HYALGAN is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations, avian proteins, feathers, or egg products. It should not be administered in cases of infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site. Do not use disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts for skin preparation, as they can cause hyaluronic acid to precipitate. The safety and effectiveness have not been established in children, pregnant, or lactating women. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours following injection.

Storage: Store HYALGAN in its original packaging, protected from light, below 77°F (25°C). DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use if the package is opened or damaged.

Here are frequently asked questions about HYALGAN 20MG INJ, a medicine used for osteoarthritis of the knee:

What is HYALGAN 20MG INJ used for?

HYALGAN 20MG INJ is used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It is typically prescribed for patients who have not found adequate relief from non-pharmacologic therapies, such as exercise and physical therapy, or from simple pain relievers like acetaminophen.

How does HYALGAN 20MG INJ work?

HYALGAN 20MG INJ is a viscosupplement containing sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid). Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in healthy joint fluid (synovial fluid), acting as a lubricant and shock absorber. In osteoarthritis, the amount and quality of natural hyaluronic acid in the knee decrease. When injected into the knee, HYALGAN helps replenish the synovial fluid, reducing friction and improving joint movement, which lessens pain.

What is the usual dosage of HYALGAN 20MG INJ?

The typical dosage involves injecting 20 mg (2 mL) of HYALGAN directly into the affected knee joint once a week for a total of three to five weeks. Some patients may experience benefit with three injections. The specific number of injections will be determined by your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects of HYALGAN 20MG INJ?

Common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, heat, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Other reported side effects may include headache and gastrointestinal complaints like nausea or diarrhea. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Is HYALGAN 20MG INJ safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety and effectiveness of HYALGAN 20MG INJ have not been established in pregnant or lactating women. It is not known if the medication passes into human breast milk. Therefore, it should generally be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as advised by your doctor.

Can HYALGAN 20MG INJ be taken with other medications?

There are no known clinically significant drug-drug interactions between HYALGAN and systemic medications. However, it is not recommended to mix or administer HYALGAN concomitantly with other intra-articular injectables due to a lack of sufficient data. Disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts should not be used for skin preparation before injection, as they can cause the hyaluronic acid to precipitate.

What precautions should be taken with HYALGAN 20MG INJ?

HYALGAN should only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional using a strict aseptic technique. Your doctor will remove any excess fluid from your joint before the injection, using a separate syringe. It is contraindicated in patients with known allergies to hyaluronate preparations, avian proteins (like those from feathers or eggs, as HYALGAN is derived from rooster combs), or if there are infections or skin diseases at the injection site. After receiving the injection, you should avoid strenuous activities or prolonged weight-bearing activities for about 48 hours.

What happens if a dose of HYALGAN 20MG INJ is missed?

It is crucial to receive each dose of HYALGAN as scheduled to achieve the best results. If you miss an appointment for an injection, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to reschedule and ensure your treatments remain appropriately spaced, typically at least one week apart.

How should HYALGAN 20MG INJ be stored?

HYALGAN 20MG INJ should be stored in its original packaging, protected from light, at a controlled room temperature below 77°F (25°C). It is crucial not to freeze the product. Any unused portion should be discarded, as it is intended for single use.