Hyaluronan for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 3)

• Ten...
• November 19, 2014

"I have knee osteoarthritis. Medium to severe, with severe meaning I need to go down stairs one at a time. I am an active tennis player and have been for over 40 years. I am almost bone on bone. I did not feel the discomfort of the shots was any big deal. A little pinch or pressure, but nothing really. I made a concerted effort not to play tennis during the four-week period of the injections. After the fourth week, my knee pain went from a 7 to a 2. I was amazed and could walk down stairs with NO pain. A week later, buoyed by how great my knees felt, I went out and played three hard sets of doubles. Some discomfort after playing. Maybe up to a 4 in pain. Played a couple more times, and now I feel like I am right back where I started."

• Myb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 26, 2016

"I was told at 32 I needed a knee replacement in both knees due to a birth defect in both knees. A group of doctors wanted to try this new drug on me. At the time, it was a series of 5 shots. I could barely walk and was in a lot of pain. Couldn't get out of my car and was being shocked so bad I was being thrown to the floor. I tried the injections (which aren't pleasant), but what a blessing. The pain stopped after the 3rd shot and I was back to doing all the things I loved. They lasted about 2 1/2 to 3 years. I am 52 now and about to take another round of the miracle shots. The last ones kept me going almost 4 years. Thank you for creating it."

• tnt...
• June 27, 2009

"I received my first series of Orthovisc injections in November 2007. My doctor told me it would last between 9-12 months. It is now June of 2009 and I can rarely tell which knee is the 'bad' one. I have returned to playing indoor volleyball for the past two years with no pain. Highly recommend this product."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2019

"I have a history of knee injuries from when I was younger, and now in my late 30s, I have the beginning stages of arthritis. It was suggested I get the Monovisc injections to help relieve pain and to prevent further damage. The actual shot did not hurt! My MD did it without any sonogram guidance and only used the cold spray to numb the skin. All I felt was a pinch and then pressure from the Monovisc being injected. A slight soreness where the injection was done, and that's it. No discomfort walking and no need to ice or rest right after. I was told it would take a few weeks to feel the effects."

• Bja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2020

"I received the Monovisc injection on Sept 9, 2020. It is now Oct 28th, and never have I had so much pain in my 30 years. I can barely get to the bathroom on my own. This injection made my pain so much worse. I'm hanging in, praying it gets better. I am so disappointed in the results."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

"I got three injections, a week apart. The first two didn't hurt at all, but I got the third one from a different doctor, and it hurt. After the first injection, my knee felt swollen on the inside and stiff, it got worse with each new injection. I used to have pain pretty much only when I went on the stairs or twisted the wrong way. Now, it feels swollen in the joint and on my leg, from a few inches above the knee to a few inches below the knee. Like I am wearing a super tight bandage. The pain has increased to the point it is really painful to go up or down the stairs, and even at night, lying in bed, it's hard to find a comfortable position because it feels like someone is drilling into my knee."

• Cdi...
• October 15, 2013

"Six months ago, a doctor injected Euflexxa. My knee was sore for four months. In the fifth month, my knee got really bad, pain and swelling. A month later, the doctor started injecting Orthovisc. On the first injection, it felt like the doctor injected a knee, the inflammation went down and the pain went down 70%. Shot number two hurt, and I was swollen and had pain for three days. The third shot didn't hurt, and it was like the last piece of a puzzle. My knee feels amazing. Will definitely have these ones again. Let's see how long they will last."

• Mai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2016

"I had my first of three injections of Orthovisc yesterday (1/14/16) into my left knee. The physician numbed the skin and injected the lubricant. I did not experience any discomfort. The day after the injection, I have not experienced any negative side effects. The overall effectiveness of Orthovisc is still up in the air, but I'm eager to keep moving forward with the treatment. I will post again after completing the three injections."

• Erm...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2013

"Received 3 shots in April. Very little relief. Now it's August, and I've been in agony since July, so it didn't work for me. I'm amazed at the comments about playing tennis, hiking, etc. It's all I can do to walk 3 steps."

• Pho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2015

"My knees were so bad I could barely walk around the office without limping. I had cortisone shots in both knees, which helped, but the Orthovisc treatment has been remarkable. A very noticeable improvement: I am much more able to walk, stay on my feet for hours, work in the yard, etc. As many others have commented, the first injections (one in each knee) were painful and left me limping. The three remaining injections, however, were painless. I don't know how long the impact will last, but so far, so good. The only downside is the cost. I have a high-deductible plan, and I ended up paying over $1,000 for the treatment. I hope I do not have to do this more than once a year at the most."

• Tsk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 9, 2015

"Just had the first injection (both knees) for the third series of Orthovisc. The first injection is always the worst-more painful, and I feel lazy the remainder of the day. I recommend getting the shots at the end of the day versus first thing in the morning if you can. The shots have been amazing for me. I am able to ski, ride my dirt bike, and hike with very little, if any, discomfort the majority of the time. Walking up and down stairs is no longer an excruciating experience."

• gma...
• December 14, 2019

"Knee is much worse than before Orthovisc injection. I have only had one and will NOT have it again. I am hoping that my knee will return to pre-injection status. My knee is now so swollen, stiff, and sore I cannot bend it. Doctor told me to try this before joint replacement. This is just awful!"

• Tam...
• May 19, 2011

"I was diagnosed with lupus 4 years ago and have been living in constant pain. My knees have been the worst, especially my right knee. I was offered the Orthovisc injections for the first time in May 2011. I just received my 3rd injection, and I could tell immediately after the first one my knee was 95% better. I cannot express how good it feels to walk pain-free for the first time in 4 years. I was near using a wheelchair every time I had to leave the house. I am so happy, looking forward to seeing how long it lasts. My back quit hurting as well, due to knee pain changing my gait causing back pain! I wish I had known about this sooner! I would recommend this to anyone. I'm so thrilled to feel like I used to and to be able to function."

• Ban...
• April 27, 2011

"I am 48 years old with osteoarthritis in both knees. Had my first injection of a series of 4 weekly, then will go to twice a year. I can already tell a tremendous difference. Was able to do over 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and recumbent bike each for the past week with no pain. Amazing. The injections pinch a little bit, but probably won't this week as the doctor advised me to not overdo it the day before. If you are considering this treatment plan, I think you will be happy with the results. I am."

• Pws...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2016

"I had a torn meniscus, and surgery was necessary. When they went into the knee, I was told the knee was full of arthritis, and the physician had to clean the knee out, leaving bone on bone. They suggested Orthovisc, which I agreed to. It has been two weeks since the third injection, and I am in more pain than ever. I have no relief at all, living on anti-inflammatories with little benefit. I am really hoping for relief soon because I am confined to bed with ice packs."

• Ste...
• October 9, 2013

"I have had all 3 shots, and my knees feel good, no pain. The shots were spread out 3 weeks in a row, the 2nd week it hurt some, but not as bad as the knee pain I had. I can tell you how nice it is not to have pain."

• Kit...
• May 10, 2018

"I received the Monovisc shot today, 05/09, didn't hurt one bit. 2 1/2 hrs later, I was driving my car, my knee started hurting, it got worse as 15 minutes went by. Within 45 min, I couldn't walk at all. Called my doctor, he said he might have ruptured a vein with the needle. This started at 2 pm this afternoon. It's now 10 pm, I have had the leg elevated since 3 pm, I still can't walk and am in extreme pain!! Going back to see Dr. tomorrow. This better get better :("

• hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2024

"I suffer from osteoarthritis...bone on bone. January 2023 knee seized up. Unbelievable pain. Received 2 cortisone shots 12 weeks apart for inflammation and pain. In July 2023, I got the Monovisc gel shot. I feel the shot helped in ways the cortisone could not. Less pain, more flexibility. I walked every day and worked on a low-impact elliptical machine. I forced myself to do these even when I thought I couldn't do the exercise. I did not want to have my knee lock up again! I am so much better. The shots and daily exercise have been beneficial. Now I know if I need a booster of Monovisc, I can get one in 6 months. I have not had any side effects. It has been effective for me. The gel shot feels like pressure when being administered, however, that feeling subsides as the day continues. You can also ice the area to alleviate most discomfort. It takes a few weeks until you really feel the effects. It usually is not a fast-acting remedy like a cortisone shot. I highly recommend the Monovisc gel shot."

• Cap...
• October 28, 2016

"Had my fourth and final shot 3 days ago. Walked 2.25 miles this morning, about 95% pain-free. I was told it does take time to get the full effect, and I sense it is really starting to kick in. Hopeful and grateful."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

"THIS DRUG IS NOT WORTH THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL WORK. For those that found relief in these reviews, I cannot express my envy for you. Since my third injection, all I can say is my pain from before the injection has gone from discomfort but manageable with Ibuprofen or Naproxen to after the Orthovisc EXCRUCIATING, and no drug, prescribed or otherwise, can ease the pain! That 6.5 avg. rating is a pretty big clue, wish I'd read this before getting these injections. Every day since the Ibuprofen and Naproxen (that ruin your insides) stopped working, I have done everything possible - elevated, compressed, iced, and the pain is still keeping me in tears and unable to concentrate on any work. I swear I just want to get rid of my leg or worse... My Ortho doctors have no clue what the next step will be, and I cannot continue to live like this. GOD HELP ME, PLEASE! Just save yourself the trouble. I know insurance makes you go through worthless steps before approving knee replacement. This is TORTURE!"

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2019

"I had Orthovisc injections to my left knee a little over two years ago with seemingly good results, so I repeated them April-May 2018, but to both knees. What a mistake. Both of my knees have been stiff ever since, and my mobility has been significantly compromised, even a year later. Cortisone injections and therapy have given me very little relief. Now I will be having a knee replacement on my “good knee” next week. Both of my knees have taken a significant downward and irreversible spiral since the injections. I would not recommend them to anyone. It’s just not worth the risk. Now I need to have bilateral knee replacements."

• SBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2020

"I’m a 70-year-old woman who, a year ago, could not walk down stairs normally or bend my knee 90° because of a bone-on-bone patella. I first had a cortisone injection, which lasted about a month, and then went to three injections of Orthovisc. Because the doc first numbed my knee with lidocaine, I barely felt the injections under my kneecap. The relief has been tremendous! I must admit I did this in conjunction with physical therapy to increase range of motion and a lot of overall strength training. So I’m not sure what has been the most beneficial. All I know is I can now go down stairs normally, walk without pain, have better range of motion, and can run agility again with my dog. Thank goodness for Medicare, which covers it!"

• DFl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2019

"I had a cortisone injection at the end of May-great relief for 6-8 weeks! I just went through a series of Orthovisc...last injection was May 14. It is now June 4th...pain is unbearable. It's been three weeks, and I have had no relief...might be worse than before the injections."

• Mar...
• November 19, 2015

"I had my third shot on Nov. 11. So far, I am not impressed. Getting the shots did not hurt at all. Just a pinch, and I felt the fluid go in a little bit. Not a problem. I have no relief at all as of yet. My doctor did say that it can take up to a month after the third shot, which will be Dec. 11. I really hope that he is correct. My pain level is at least a 5 every day, and once a day shoots up to a 10. This is all after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus. My next course of action is total knee replacement. At 54, I did not expect this to happen. I am so disgusted. Just praying that the shots kick in soon. Not happy at this point."

• Eat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

"It's been three weeks since I had a very expensive Monovisc injection. And my response so far has been... no response at all. Not even a little. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. A waste of money. A waste of time. A joke!"