Hyaluronan and Severe Pain: What Users Say

• Avo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 7, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I started Monovisc about 2 years ago when the bone-on-bone created spurs that were catching on nerves (not fun). My ortho doc said bilateral total knee was my only option, but knee appliances don't last forever, and I didn't want a revision (take it out, insert another) in 20 years. Since I am 'only 50,' I would need another knee around 70, so I am trying to get as much time as I can. I switched docs. My new doc agreed I was young for TKR and put me on Monovisc. AMAZING! I have had zero knee problems with Monovisc. Beware of insurance companies switching you off Monovisc to Duralane instead, it's HORRIBLE and has me bed-bound right now in excruciating pain. If you are on Monovisc, fight to stay on it."

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

For Osteoarthritis "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."

• 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!"

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have had knee pain for several years. I finally broke down and allowed my doctor to use these new gel injections in both my knees. The first 48 hours, I ran a low-grade fever followed by debilitating pain. We decided not to do the second injection because of this reaction. I am very disappointed in my experience with this medicine. I didn’t read the reviews prior to having this procedure, which was my fault, but I’m waiting for the pain to subside now. Hoping this gets better soon."

• 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. :-("

• Tri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I have bilateral severe bone-on-bone arthritis in both knees. I have used cortisone injections that only worked temporarily for about a month. Then I decided to use the gel injection Monovisc - the worst thing I could’ve ever done. The pain started immediately at the injection. My knees are 10 times more painful now than before the injection. It is horrible pain now after exhausting everything and methods that I have to have total knee replacement. Monovisc is the worst injection I could’ve ever done. I have all the side effects magnified five times. I can barely walk, and it’s only been one month. It has been horrible, the worst pain I have ever experienced, in daily chronic debilitating pain. This did not go well for me. If you have severe arthritis, Monovisc gel will aggravate the inflammation to the 10th power. I can barely walk. I don’t recommend. I had the one shot Monovisc. The worst decision that I could have made searching for some pain relief."

• Bad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I just started my second round of Orthovisc. The first round was administered by the surgeon and was tolerable. I had my first shot of my second round last week by a non-operative orthopedist because the surgeons within this practice will no longer perform shots, and this first shot was unbearable. My knee is killing me, so much worse than before the shot. Not sure I will continue tomorrow for the second. I have been bone on bone for 4 years, and they refuse to operate because of other underlying orthopedic issues. I really cannot say it was super beneficial the first time, but wanted to give it another try being in severe pain. I think it depends on the individual, as everyone is different."

• Hik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I hike a lot, and as I have gotten older, 51, my knees have been increasingly painful. I went to the doc about 6 weeks ago and had pictures taken. They are basically bone on bone. So they suggested we try Monovisc, anything to avoid knee replacement, right? It's been 4 weeks of just absolute pain. The knee pain was easier for me to withstand. Currently, I still have knee pain, and as an added bonus, I have hip and back pain as well now. The pain has gotten so bad I can barely walk without stabbing pain, and if I sit for more than 15 minutes, I can barely get back up. Motrin is doing me no good currently, I have an appointment to go back to the doc in 2 days, so hopefully they can do something to fix this nightmare. I feel it is only fair to add this: If the doc had told me there was a 40% chance I'd be in this much pain from getting the injection, I still would have tried it. I don't blame the doc, and I don't blame Monovisc."

• deb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "I got my last of 4 Orthovisc injections 4 days ago. The 1st two injections didn't even feel. The 3rd was intense and painful, and the 4th even more intense, and I felt the doctor moving the needle. He said he was having a hard time finding the spot! Very, very intense. But I made it. Note: after the 2nd shot and right before the 3rd shot, was walking better and bending knee and no pain. After the 3rd and 4th, still have the issue of not bending knee when I walk and taking ibuprofen 800 mg 2 times a day. I have 2 tears in my left meniscus and bone spurs and a Baker's cyst, also have osteoarthritis! The doctor has been saying total knee replacement right from the start. I am at times walking better, and the pain only really hurts when I am due for my next meds."

• Faa...
• January 30, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "It's been 5 weeks since I had my 3rd injection. I still feel sharp pains every 3rd step, but nowhere near the pain I had."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "Orthovisc worked well at first, but about three weeks after four injections, I experienced chronic pain in my thigh that no pain meds would help, and can now hardly walk."