Euflexxa and Pain: What Users Say

• Ex ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 60-year-old male and active tennis player that is almost bone-on-bone in both knees. My orthopedist has recommended replacements. I opted to try Euflexxa. I had both knees injected in April of 2013 and again 7 months later. Both procedures have given me amazing relief. My doc lowered my expectations on the first round, so I didn't have high hopes. I was more than pleasantly surprised! Without these shots, I would be facing immediate surgery. I endorse Euflexxa highly. I did learn a trick: Ice your knee(s) 30 minutes BEFORE the injection! I had close to zero injection pain as a result. Also, ice afterwards to reduce inflammation. Good luck all..."

• Kne...
• April 30, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I'm about to start my third round of Euflexxa. I tried Synvisc-1 twice with great results but only lasting 4-6 months. My first round of Euflexxa lasted almost 15 months, and I was pain-free most of that time. The second round was almost 18 months! No significant side effects, a little swelling and pain after shots, but not for long. I am very physically active; I teach or take Pilates 6 times a week, take yoga 3 times a week, and do deep water aerobics 3 times a week, in addition to walking my dogs twice a day. This medicine is a godsend. I am hoping to avoid TKR for as long as possible and stay happily active as well."

• 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."

• Lee...
• October 24, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I’m 53 and have bilateral OA. I completed the 3-shot series of Euflexxa and am 3 weeks out from the last injections. I am in worse pain and struggle to walk more now than before I started getting the injections. Daily life has become so different as even grocery shopping is difficult. If I stand or walk longer than 5 minutes, I feel as though my knees are giving out on me completely. At the end of a day, all I want to do is lay down because I can no longer stand to be on my feet causing my knees any more exhaustion. When you are desperate for relief, you will try almost anything to find even 10% relief. After failed cortisone injections, my doctor suggested Euflexxa. He said, “You’re too young for replacement surgery.” At this point, I want to be able to walk. My 72-year-old mother walks and acts younger than I do. Come on already!!! Euflexxa a waste of money, and the extra pain it has caused me is frustrating. Do NOT get this!!"

• hun...
• July 31, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I just got mine today. I am 38 years old. I have some bone-on-bone. I found a great doctor. They marked my knees, sprayed something to numb it. BAM! NO PAIN, I FELT MORE PRESSURE THAN ANYTHING. Walking out, I felt AWESOME. NO CREAKING IN THE KNEES, AND I AM ONLY ON VISIT ONE. CAN'T WAIT."

• TLP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I am 41 years old and have osteoarthritis in both knees. I have tried everything from steroid injections, medications, and physical therapy without any long-term relief. The steroid injections were really painful and didn't last, so I was very hesitant to try the Euflexxa. My Orthopedic Dr. gave me two choices (lubrication injections or arthroscopy). I knew that I didn't want the arthroscopy, so I went for the Euflexxa. I was terrified but needed some relief. My first injection hurt a little and my knees were sore for a few hours. My second injection hurt a little more and was sore a little longer than the first time. I will have my third injection in 2 days and can't wait. I am so glad that I did it! My knee pain is very minimal."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "60-year-old woman with bone-on-bone and need TKR. However, my doctor suggested Euflexxa, saying I was too young for surgery. I am one and a half months out from my third injection. After the first injection, I was able to sleep through the night without my knees locking, which was a huge improvement. My doctor said to take it easy for 48 hours after each injection and to ice four times a day. Right knee responded much better than the left, but I do have some pain relief in both knees. I started Physical Therapy 4 weeks prior to the injections, and the doctor advised to continue as long as my insurance will pay. My doctor advised I will be at my optimum 3 months out from the third injection."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "Have had good results so far. Am a week out from the third injection on my left knee. Plan to start the series on my right knee next week. Injections were painless except for the last one. Definitely ice the knees after the injections and don't overdo activity for a couple of days. I think that's why the third was more painful. I am 64 with severe osteoarthritis and moderate rheumatoid arthritis. Know replacements are inevitable, but want to enjoy as much as possible until then. Good luck everyone!"

• exp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 7, 2012

For Osteoarthritis "I just finished my 3rd series of 3 shots each. Give it 2-3 weeks after your last shot. Stay away from cardio and ice it daily. This is truly an amazing product. It hurts during and after and take it easy."

• Mas...
• March 4, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "After the first injection, it was very painful. Doctor told me I have to come to the second injection. Now, after the third injection, I can’t walk, terrible pain. What kind of experiment did they do? What do I have to do now?"

• dor...
• February 18, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I had my first shots on 1-21-16. OMG, did it hurt so bad! Lots of pressure, but I got through it. I felt amazing after a couple of hours. I'm so glad to be rid of that pain. Ouch! I had the second shots a week later in both knees, and it was less painful this time; it went great. On Feb 9, I had my last shots. No pain; my knees feel great still on Feb 17! :) I'm glad I did this series of Euflexxa shots! I couldn't even walk before; now, wow, I'm good! Hope they last a long time! ;)"

• Anonymous
• December 14, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I am a 65-year-old active male. I had a scope on my left knee for a torn medial meniscus. For 8 months, I was able to resume my activities, including golf, walking, biking, and swimming. Then, my knee began to swell and become painful again. My doc gave me a corticosteroid injection (pretty painful) in the knee joint. I received immediate relief, which lasted about 3 months before the swelling and pain returned. I conferred with my doc again and opted for Euflexxa instead of another steroid injection. The pain from the injection was minimal, and about a week after the 3rd injection, I have been pain-free. I still ice my knee after exercise but hope that this remedy will buy me 6 months before I have another course of injections."

• Lav...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2015

"In April 2014, my knees just simply gave out. No cartilage, the doc said. I tried cortisone, it did absolutely nothing. I started Euflexxa in July '14. I got 1 shot a week for 3 weeks straight. I felt better, I still limped and could not put weight on it, but it was better. In January 2015, I took the 2nd series of 3 shots. It got better again... limp reduced, and I could put more weight on it. I just got my 3rd series over the past 3 weeks. Instantly, with the first shot, my knee felt better... vast improvement. The second shot was even better. About 5 days after the second shot, it has been 2 days and all of a sudden, I realized, wow, I haven't had any knee pain in 2 straight days! So much so, I FORGOT about my knees! It takes time, but it works!!"

• Joh...
• December 4, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I am an active 60 y/o male; have had 2 surgeries to fix meniscus tears on the left knee; also arthritic in that knee. I am 1 week out from the 3rd injection. 1st shot was good - no side effects; 2nd shot - some increased swelling and stiffness; 3rd shot ok; one week out and I notice that I am not sore after sitting at my desk for an hour or more. I actually have to start getting used to trusting my knee when I stand up again! Definitely helped! I have not given it the acid test as I am a backpacker and I would usually get significant pain after the first couple of miles hiking. Initial reaction is that my knee is not perfect with 20% of my meniscus left, and I do still have some pain, but the shots did help. No complaints."

• Yog...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I am 65 with osteoarthritis in both knees. My orthopedist gave me a round of cortisone, saying if it helped, the Euflexxa most likely would as well. Luckily, the cortisone helped; I proceeded with three sets of injections. Both the cortisone and the first two sets of Euflexxa were excruciatingly painful, all administered by different people with scan guidance. The fourth set (third Euflexxa) was absolutely painless due to the skill of the person administering. I almost didn't finish the series because of the pain of the injections. However, in the long run, the Euflexxa gave me five months totally pain-free. One knee has started to become painful again, but the other is still great at eight months. Time for another round of Euflexxa!"

• Ale...
• October 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis, bone on bone, both knees. The pain in the right knee is worse than the left. I had no relief from a cortisone injection. The right knee was injected with Euflexxa. About 72 hours post-injection, I developed bruising and swelling in the area that was injected. I was nauseous, hot, and sweaty, but had no fever. The knee was extremely painful, with increased swelling. Nothing relieved the pain. The doctor aspirated fluid and sent it for analysis and sent me for blood work. Results were normal. My experience with Euflexxa has been a nightmare. I still have pain at night and cannot sleep, and there is a constant nagging pain in the area where injected that is hard and extends upward a few inches. The doctor cannot tell me what happened. He has referred me to a surgeon to discuss knee replacement. I am thoroughly depressed over the entire experience, not to mention the constant pain."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 6, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Finished up my 3 rounds of Euflexxa shots 2 weeks ago on both knees. Both knees have no cartilage, but only one with severe arthritis (left). Have had cortisone shots, which first worked well (I am a jogger). When the cortisone started wearing off after a shorter time, the doctor recommended Euflexxa. The injection was very painful and I almost didn't go back. I shouldn't have gone back, for now, I can't even jog anymore. Before, I could run with some pain, but now it's unbearable. I am very active, exercising 5 days a week, and now it's extremely difficult. I will never do this again."

• AWF...
• February 21, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "I had Supartz injections several years ago with good results. When I moved, the new Dr. said Euflexxa had fewer side effects. This was certainly not the case for me. I was in constant pain and almost a cripple for 6 months. I couldn't walk up stairs or do most of my normal activities. I spent most days on the couch with bags of ice on both knees. Cortisone was useless. There appears to be no treatment for this side effect. I am an active person of normal weight. Both knees are still swollen, but the pain is better than it was. I read that it could be another 6 months before I feel better. I wouldn't recommend this medication to anyone. It's not worth the risk of losing 6 months of your life that you'll never get back."

• Pho...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I am 68 years old and have OA in both knees. I have been nearly bone to bone on the left side. Three years ago, I had so much pain that it was difficult to walk and could hardly stand. I work 8 hours per day on my feet, so my Dr. suggested Euflexxa injections, and I must say they were a miracle for me! I have had them every 6 months in both knees for the past three years, and I have always gotten great results and relief. I have been able to work daily and not miss any time off, as well as work in my yard and chase the grandkids around. I just started another round, and I am having a lot of pain in my left knee, but my right knee is responding as usual, however, it is feeling like I may be facing a knee replacement on the left side. If your insurance will cover this drug, it is well worth the investment. It has bought me several years of mobility and pain-free, even though it may be replacement on the one. I will come back and give an update after the series is complete."

• Deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Thin 55 y/o runner with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis and lots of pain. Decided to do the 3 injections of Euflexxa. Doctor did the first 2 and had minimal problems with little pain, and a NP did the last without the sonogram for placement of the injection, and it was a very painful experience. I have not been able to walk since then. It’s been 2 weeks, and I’m hoping it gets better soon. Upset that I let the NP do the injection. Given my experience, I will not be doing this again. As mentioned before by others many times, not worth the time & expense. I hope to get back to where I was before the treatment. I’m in a great deal of pain with lots of difficulty walking. Really bummed, for I travel a lot and have great difficulty walking now."

• per...
• April 2, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "This works for me-usually between 8 to 12 months. Relief has been quick-even after the first injection. I have had this (I think) 5 times. My knee is never perfect, but it significantly delays the inevitable progression of knee fixes-surgery to clean it up, knee replacement, etc. I started when I was 45 years old as bad knees run in the family. The injections can be somewhat painful, and some are very painful-for a few moments at least. It is hard to voluntarily go in knowing it might be intense. BUT-I can walk around and live a fairly normal life by suffering a bit. Well worth it. I'd be in a wheelchair without these things, so I can't complain."

• Cri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 43-year-old with a left knee that has osteoporosis. I had my meniscus repaired by surgery. I went to the required physical therapy. Everything was fine until it started hurting and swelling again. The orthopedic doctor then gave a steroid injection to my knee, and my knee got much better, but because I knew that would probably be a temporary relief, I wanted a bit more long-term solution. My doctor then suggested I get the Euflexxa shots. I agreed and was hoping for longer relief. I received one injection, and that was enough for me. My knee was hurting for almost two weeks, I could barely walk, it was swollen, and medication was not giving me relief at all. Now, almost a month later, my knee is not better. It still gets swollen, it hurts, and I can't walk like I used to right before the Euflexxa injection. I regret getting this injection and do not recommend the injection to anyone. It was a waste of money and a waste of time getting it."

• Tmo...
• June 22, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "Had my last of three injections in my left knee on June 2, 2017. I had about a week of minimal pain and some return of movement. Today, June 21, 2017, the pain is about twice as bad as before the injections, and my knee is swelled up so bad it's hard to put on jeans. The swelling has also moved down to my ankle. My left ankle is twice the size of my right ankle. My doctor told me to come back in 6 weeks for a cortisone 'booster' if I still felt pain. If I might need a 'booster', why was this expensive trash recommended in the first place?"

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This past Monday was my last shot of "the gel." When I did the first shot, they removed 4 syringes of fluid from my knee before they could inject the gel. By the third injection, almost no fluid, but for me, it has not been a quick pain reliever. The side of my knee still hurts. Feels like someone is stabbing you with a sharp object. For example, it is difficult to press on a car brake. It is stiff when I sit down and painful when I get up. They said it will take 7-8 weeks to have the gel take effect. I hope so."

• 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."