Hyaluronan and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

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

For Osteoarthritis "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!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I received Monovisc three weeks ago. The injection itself did not hurt. It was administered by an orthopedic surgeon. For the first week, I did not notice any difference in the pain. Trying to be patient. On the second week, the back of my knee began swelling and was feeling stiff. By the third week, I am almost crippled. I cannot bend my knee, it is very swollen, and I am in excruciating pain. Calling the doctor tomorrow. After reading so many reviews, I really regret my decision to try Monovisc."

• pud...
• February 19, 2010

For Osteoarthritis "I've been using Orthovisc for 3 years. The pain during injection was minimal, no biggie. For my last set of shots, I used another doctor. (Both doctors are rheumatologists.) The shots were very painful. Needless to say, next time I am going back to the first doctor for my next series. I know knee replacement is in the future for me (both knees), but so far I am having very good success with the Orthovisc, though I must admit that each time I do it, it’s not as successful as the last. Well, I guess that only stands to reason, but let's face it, with therapy and Orthovisc, I've been able to postpone surgery for 3 years and still counting."

• Lul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I have had a horrible experience with this medication. 3 shots and no relief! If anything, it has hurt more than I did before the injections. This medication might have helped others, but for me, it's been a nightmare! The stiffness and pain are unbearable. It hurt before... I regret doing this."

• Jew...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Nov 2018: two injections one week apart of Hymovis. First injection went well, decreased pain, did not try walking but could do gentle senior yoga. Second injection, terrible reaction, increased pain in knee so bad could not even walk. Returned to doctor who aspirated injection site. No relief. So much worse. Had to rent a wheelchair. Am now scheduled for arthroscopy in February 2019. Wanted that to start but ortho would not do because of cardiac history. New ortho, new anesthesiologist, hopeful I will be walking soon. My advice: get two ortho opinions before any of these gel injections. You want a permanent fix, not months of disability."

• Spo...
• May 10, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "This has given me my life back! I have had these injections now for the past 4 years and would not be walking without them. The quality of the technician administering the shots is vital! The first few shots I received were incredibly painful (I almost fainted) and only lasted a couple of months. Apparently the technician got close...but didn't get all of the gel into the all-important knee capsule, and some got wasted. I went to another doctor who used an x-ray machine to verify that the fluid was going in exactly where it needed to go, and what a difference! Hardly any injection pain, and the shot lasted 7 months before I needed more."

• Hik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 5, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "This is my 3rd time getting the Orthovisc injections. I have also had Synvisc, Uflexa, and Hyalgen in the past. The Orthovisc gives me the most relief out of all of them. My doctor uses a fluoroscope to ensure the needle is in the right place. He usually does a pain-free injection. If it does hurt, it’s minor and doesn’t last long. I make sure to ice my knees several times after each injection and take it easy for 48 hours. Within a few weeks of finishing the series, I am almost pain-free! I get the injections about every 6 months. I am hoping to avoid knee replacement by doing the injections. I’ve heard it’s possible, so I’m going for it. I really appreciate the Orthovisc for the quality of life I have with it."

• BB4...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I had Synvisc injections in my knees last year, and they didn't seem to help much. This year, I got the Orthovisc injections, and they have really made my knee joints hurt much worse than before taking them."

• Ree...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Hymovis is a very bad product. I have done Euflexxa several times with good results, and it lasts about 8 or 9 months. I was convinced by my doctor to try this, the second injection of Hymovis, which is supposed to last 12 months, not 6 months. Bad move. The first injection hurt terribly more than Euflexxa ever did. I went for the second Hymovis. It was like superglue was injected into my knee. I couldn’t bend it after the second day. It took a month to get back the mobility I had before the Hymovis. It provided some pain reduction for 3 months but wore off well before the advertised 12 months. Don’t be fooled. Stick with the products that have been on the market for a while."

• Tat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 16, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Had three knee surgeries in 2005. Since then I have been getting injections the past seven years with Orthovisc. A great sports doctor surgeon gives them to me every six months. Lay around for two days with ice. Sure they hurt but not for long. It is touchy in the injection spot for three or so days. I get three over three weeks. I would say yes, doing this is better than surgery and months of rehab. I'm 63 now and plan on shots until they stop working on me. Doc told me I'm a record for her. Going into 13 years on injections since '05. OUCH LOL. But yes, Orthovisc is the ticket."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I got the first Monovisc shot on Sept. 27 and the second one on October 11. The first shot went well until I got the second one. That shot went into the knee where I had a knee replacement. Whatever happened, I have no idea. I have had both knees in horrible pain, sciatic pain in both cheeks, and I was unable to walk on November 8. Now, on November 13, I am walking better. Let me say, I go to physical therapy three times a week. I swear I would be bedridden if it hadn't been for physical therapy! My doctor said, after I complained a couple of times, that it would be about 6 to 8 more weeks to get better around October 22. If anyone has any idea what is happening, I would love to know! It is frightening to barely be able to take care of myself!"

• Men...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "Had my left knee meniscus removed 30 years ago. I was told then, 'If you don't have it removed, you will get arthritis when you are older.' Well, I have mild to moderate arthritis now anyway. Had my first series of injections in May of 2012. After 4 weeks, I was 99% pain-free for 8 months. Had the second series in March of 2013. Both times, the middle shot was painful for a couple of hours and then sore for two days. No issues with the other 4 shots. With the start of snowboard season, I am looking at doing my third series."

• Men...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "Had my left knee meniscus removed 30 years ago. I was told then, 'If you don't have it removed, you will get arthritis when you are older.' Well, I have mild to moderate arthritis now anyway. Had my first series of injections in May of 2012. After 4 weeks, I was 99% pain-free for 8 months. Had the second series in March of 2013. Both times, the middle shot was painful for a couple of hours and then sore for two days. No issues with the other 4 shots. With the start of snowboard season, I am looking at doing my third series."

• Yde...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "This is my third round of Orthovisc. My great fear was the pain during the injections as well as after. I got the first round last Monday. The first knee was killer! For the other knee, she used lidocaine-type medicine and then the Orthovisc. Easy peasy!!!!! I am eager to get back on my bike and ride until winter gives me no choice but to stay indoors. I am grateful for Orthovisc. I've had 3 years of success - although I do NOT recommend waiting a year between treatments. It was a bad decision for me."

• Dra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Had my first Monovisc shot, which was also my first gel shot ever. It didn’t hurt too much to get. Six hours after I got the shot, I was in the ER with feet Mickey Mouse would have envied, having an asthma attack and with my throat partially swollen shut. It was not fun times. Worse, after a week of pain but decidedly less creaking, my knees hurt worse than ever, and now when they buckle, the pain is excruciating for hours instead of a few seconds like before. It’s truly miserable. My allergist said there’s no data on allergies to Monovisc, but that is all I can think it was since everything started an hour after the shot and deteriorated rapidly."

• Bob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 16, 2024

For Osteoarthritis "I have used Monovisc about three years ago and pain free for a year and a half. Switched doctors and tried Orthovisc injections, which are given once a week for 3 weeks. Had headaches for 3 weeks and knees stayed stiff for 4 weeks. Could not play golf. Lasted about 9 months, though, but did not like the initial procedure. Tried Durolane, which was terrible. Headaches, knee pain, and only lasted 2 months. Went back to my doctor and requested Monovisc. It has been 5 days since my injections in both knees, and no headache and slight discomfort, stiffness in both knees, which is gone in four days. Looking forward to a year and a half of painless knees. I see people complain about painful injections. That is because the doctor is in a hurry or doing a poor job. A good doctor gives injections pain-free."

• sus...
• July 26, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "This is my 3rd time for injections, but it has been 7 yrs. since the last one. The shots hurt so much I cried. (I am 66 and need replacement surgery.) The doc did the injections with my knees bent, he said, because the cartilage is gone and it creates a bigger space. It's been 5 hrs since the injections. Feels better, icing every hour. Hope next week is better."

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2009

For Osteoarthritis "I just had my second injection on 12/2-one more on 12/9. The first injection was very painful, and my knee was sore for two days. The second injection did not hurt at all, and my knee was fine immediately after. This knee pain has been going on for two years, and I finally have relief. I'm just hoping it lasts longer than six months. I would definitely advise anybody who has this problem to at least try it. It is working for me!"

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2009

For Osteoarthritis "I just had my second injection on 12/2-one more on 12/9. The first injection was very painful, and my knee was sore for two days. The second injection did not hurt at all, and my knee was fine immediately after. This knee pain has been going on for two years, and I finally have relief. I'm just hoping it lasts longer than six months. I would definitely advise anybody who has this problem to at least try it. It is working for me!"

• Lib...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 8, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "About 11 months ago, I received the single dose Monovisc. It was painful to receive the shot, and the pressure was great as it was injected. It took about 3 weeks for me to feel better. Before the shot, I had a high level of constant pain from bone-on-bone on the outer edge of my knee. A pocket of fluid had formed on the outside for weeks, and I had been waking up with knee pain during the night for quite some time. This greatly improved my knee pain. It didn't take me to 0 pain but definitely reduced it. About 5 weeks ago, I felt the pain creeping up, the fluid forming, and began to wake up during the night on occasion. I called the doctor and scheduled the next one, which I'll get in a few days. Better than pain or surgery!"

• 48 ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "Osteoarthritis in the right knee eventually led to bone on bone. After my last scope in November 2015, the pain persisted to where I had a steroid injection. It relieved some of the pain for 2 months (considered non-effective according to FDA), then the excruciating pain returned. The last nonsurgical option was Orthovisc, which all 3 injections were very painful. I didn't experience relief until 2-3 weeks after the last injection. I have been pain-free, with an occasional very brief episode (seconds) of some pain. Now it's October 2017, and it's been wearing off. But 12 months' worth of no pain was definitely worth it. So glad I toughed it out!"

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Orthovisc was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. The doctor said this would help my osteoarthritis, but it is much worse than when we started. The first shot was very painful, the second was much worse. The doctor convinced me to have all four shots. Now I can hardly walk, in constant pain. So sorry I had the Orthovisc shots. They should be off the market."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in both knees. One is severe, bone-on-bone, the other is moderate. So they started injections in my left knee first, as the right one wasn't bothering me too much, as the cortisone shots were still slightly effective. So I got two shots-not too bad as far as pain. I went to get the third one, and the doctor didn't take her time like before to find just the right spot, and she injected me. As soon as she started putting the fluid into my knee, I felt a burning liquid feeling going from the injection site (the outside of my knee to the inside of my knee). It didn't stop there. It felt as if she put more in, like my knee was going to explode out the side. I was not expecting that. I just held my breath, and when she was done, I said, 'Wow, that hurt. Why?'"

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "11-23-15 I got shot #1 of Orthovisc. The shot itself was not painful, but afterwards, the pain became intense. There was swelling, redness at the injection site, and at times, excruciating pain. 11-30-15 I was given a cortisone shot to get the reaction under control. 12-3-15 I got shot #2. The injection wasn't painful, but afterwards, it was horrible. There was redness at the injection site; swelling from the thigh to the ankle; fatigue; weakness; mild edema; body-wide pain, with arthritis-type pain in my joints and the excruciating pain in the knee. 12-7-15 Given a prescription for Prednisone. Did not receive shot #3. Finally, for the last couple of days, I can say the symptoms are about half gone. 1-29-16 Do your research."

• Aun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I would not recommend Monovisc. I'm 37 years old with significant OA in my knee, and it started with a bone chip injury when I was 21. The injection itself was painful enough to make me cry, and I'm not a crier. (Note to Orthopedics - cold spray before injection does NOTHING!) I experienced extreme pain in the 2 weeks following the injection. Four and a half months later, my knee is worse than it was before - more acute pain, joint feels weaker, and I need to rest and wear my knee brace more often. I love to be active, and OA hinders this. :-("