Euflexxa and Headaches: What Users Say

• joh...
• February 10, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I am a 36-year-old male police officer and avid outdoor enthusiast. I had my 2nd ACL surgery in 2012. I am very active, and having constant knee pain was not an option. My doctor decided to try Orthovisc injections to help with the arthritis. The Orthovisc worked great. Unfortunately, my insurance required my doctor to switch to Euflexxa. After my first injection, I was in incredible pain. The second shot, my knee swelled, and the pain was unbearable. The third shot was even worse. I ran a fever, had nausea, headaches; basic flu-like symptoms. I have read a lot of the reviews on this website. It seems like patients either have good results or results like mine. I want future patients to be aware of the potential risks."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 19, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "Had first series 6 months ago and had to wait the full six weeks for relief. I would say that the pain subsided at that point, but not completely. I have just completed my second series six months later, and the relief was immediate and complete. I am pain-free! Had some headaches at the back of my head, but nothing bad enough that I would not continue with this life-changing experience."

• 101...
• December 7, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "After years of pain, I decided to get relief with 'Euflexxa' shots. Worst decision I ever made. I got my first shot on 11-4-15, and I have been sick with a fever-99.3 - 101.5 since then, and it is now 12-6-15. I went back to the doctor who gave me the 2 shots for the 3rd shot on 11-18-15 and showed him the swelling in my neck, along with the constant fever, muscle spasms, back and shoulder pain, headaches, joint pain, feeling weak, and constant terrible neck pain, so I can't drive. The doctor said that I have had an adverse reaction to 'Euflexxa' as after the first 2 shots my fever spiked within 24 hours. He wouldn't give me the 3rd shot, and told me to apply ice on my neck swelling and allow the 'Euflexxa' to wear off. Horrible nightmare-never again."

• Sus...
• January 13, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "First injection, almost fainted, severe headache and severe blood pressure increase. Second injection, severe headache and blood pressure increase, went to ER. I've had to go on blood pressure meds after injections four months ago. My BP was normal to low prior to injections. I refused third knee injection."

• Mag...
• August 6, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I had a total knee replacement, right knee, 15 months ago with terrible results. Now my left knee is painful due to arthritis. Dr. will not do another knee replacement due to the results of the first one. Suggested Euflexxa series of three shots. They were somewhat painful during injections. After the first two shots, I felt a little better. Now, one week after the third shot, I have terrible muscle spasms in my back and sciatica on both sides. Painful standing for any amount of time. Had a bad headache for two days. Taking Tramadol for the pain. I am allergic to cortisone, so that is not an option. I had torn meniscus repair in both knees years ago. Will not do any more Euflexxa shots as I probably have sensitivity to that as well. Glad it worked for some of you, but there is no way to know if it will work, it is a chance you take."

• Deb...
• April 16, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I have had 3 injections of Euflexxa in both knees in a 2-year period. (Each treatment lasted approx 9 mos.) After each injection, I experienced swelling and some discomfort for approx 3 days, but rest and ice took care of it. 2 weeks after the 3rd injection, both times I could return to walking, climbing steps, and riding my bike with no mobility issues or pain. I was so happy to have Euflexxa. Knee replacement is not an option for me due to a blood clotting disorder. Last week, I went in for my 1st injection in year 3. 12 hours after injections, I presented with pain, severe headaches, nausea, fever (100.8-101.6), chills, aches. I contacted the Dr. who said I was having a reaction to Euflexxa. The other 6 injections never did this. I am going on my 4th day of terrible side effects and have no idea how long this will last. The Dr. canceled my future injections. Before you try, question your Dr. on side effects and if you are high risk for an allergic reaction. It is not worth the risk."

• Mia...
• September 9, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I had my meniscus repaired last November after a fall the previous year. I had tried physical therapy, ice, heat, Celebrex for 9 months. I have arthritis, which is extremely painful. I received the first cortisone shot, which gave me wonderful relief for 6 weeks. Pain worsened, so I needed to have my knee drained on three separate occasions and more cortisone shots. My knee is still very swollen, at least twice the size of my other one. I got Euflexxa shots over a 3-week period. They were painful when administered. I experienced nausea and a headache after each shot, approximately thirty minutes after the injection. I didn't have any relief, unfortunately. My surgeon feels it's time for a knee replacement. I am happy for those who report success."

• Str...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "The morning after I had the injection, I woke up with a headache and nausea. I spent the next 6 hours throwing up, dizzy, with chills, migraine, and sharp pains in my abdomen. Worst reaction I could have had. Today is day five post-shot, and still, I am unable to eat a full meal, severe bloating, cramping in my abdomen, and extreme fatigue. Worse, the doctor has not called to check on me after I got them on the phone on day 1 post-injection. Needless to say, I will not be getting any more shots nor using said doctor again."

• tes...
• February 27, 2023

"I have had the first 2 injections in both knees. I iced the knees for 20 minutes the same day after injections, per the doctor's instructions. The first injection caused throat, skin, nose, and eye issues. Drinking water and juices, plus fruit, didn't help much. I began feeling weak and had a lot of joint pain, difficulty remaining asleep, bad headaches that come and go, very weak joints all over, hard to concentrate, and doing daily activities. Also became extremely depressed, with a feeling of doom. 10 days later, the second injection heightened the same side effects and made me feel more exhausted and sluggish, pain in my legs, along with cramping in my calves. The shots improved the knee pain at times, with no increase in swelling of the knees, but all my joints are weak, and I have a hard time standing or even holding myself up while sitting. I may not get the last shot. I did better with cortisone shots. Cannot recommend these."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Severe swelling in the right leg. Swelling of the right eye and headache on the same side. Pain prevented mobility."