Synvisc Side Effects

Generic name: hylan g-f 20

Note: This document contains side effect information about hylan g-f 20. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Synvisc.

Some side effects of Synvisc may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to hylan g-f 20: intra-articular solution

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking hylan g-f 20 (the active ingredient contained in Synvisc) hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain or swelling around the knee after the injection.

Less serious side effects of hylan g-f 20 may include:

• warmth, pain, stiffness, swelling, or puffiness where the medicine was injected;

• muscle pain, trouble walking;

• fever, chills, nausea;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• headache, dizziness;

• tired feeling; or

• itching or skin irritation around the knee.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to hylan g-f 20: intra-articular solution

General

A retrospective study reported pain, warmth, and swelling after 11% of injections, in some cases lasting up to 3 weeks.

In clinical trials with 511 patients who received a total of 1771 injections, knee pain and/or swelling were reported in 7.2% patients or 2.2% of injections and were the most common adverse reactions.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included individual cases of rash, itching, generalized urticaria, recurring small hives, facial flush with lip swelling, and body prickling. These symptoms did not reoccur upon rechallenge.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea and hemorrhoids.

Musculoskeletal

Pseudosepsis has been characterized as severe joint inflammation with pain and effusion occurring 24 to 72 hours after injection and it may be more likely to occur after the second or third injection or with repeated courses. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular steroids, and/or arthrocentesis are often required to treat pseudosepsis.

Musculoskeletal side effects have included calf cramps, ankle edema, muscle pain, low back sprain, and pseudosepsis.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included tachyarrhythmia and phlebitis with varicosities.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included anxiety and listlessness, dizziness, headache, shivering, and body pain.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included respiratory difficulties.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included one case report of pseudogout and one of acute gout in a patient with no prior episodes.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have included one reported case of a suspected allergic reaction with fever, large effusion in the knee, and synovial eosinophilia.

Local

Local reactions have included acute painful joint effusions after injection into the knee in 1% to 11% of patients.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.