Gelsyn-3 and Swelling: What Users Say

• Mem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I have two bad knees. The doctor had put Orthovisc in the right one a few years ago, and it’s been fine. The left one has become failing, so he agreed to inject it with a solution. I thought it would be the same thing. On the third injection, I saw the tube, and it was marked Gel-SYN3. That was 2 months ago. I am still unable to walk or climb up stairs without holding my breath. I have to help my legs out of the car. After sitting, I have to raise myself to standing with my arms. My right knee is starting to fail again because of the stress on it. I will refuse to have Gel-SYN3 placed inside my right knee joint after the first experience. The stuff caused my entire leg to swell, and a lump formed behind my knee."

• Mem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I have two bad knees. The doctor had put Orthovisc in the right one a few years ago, and it’s been fine. The left one has become failing, so he agreed to inject it with a solution. I thought it would be the same thing. On the third injection, I saw the tube, and it was marked Gel-SYN3. That was 2 months ago. I am still unable to walk or climb up stairs without holding my breath. I have to help my legs out of the car. After sitting, I have to raise myself to standing with my arms. My right knee is starting to fail again because of the stress on it. I will refuse to have Gel-SYN3 placed inside my right knee joint after the first experience. The stuff caused my entire leg to swell, and a lump formed behind my knee."

• cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I have been getting knee injections for several years with great results. Last week, the physician gave me Gelsyn-3 instead of my regular one. I had many adverse effects from the drug: edema, joint pain, heat on the knee, bruising, etc. Went in today for my second injection and found out what happened. I was given Gelsyn-3 because the physician said they were reimbursed for a higher rate than Gelsyn-3. I called Bioventus and reported the adverse effects from their drug. They were very nice and recorded the information. I also contacted Medicare. Long story short, will be seeing another physician at a different practice because of this. Physicians should always discuss with their patients when something is changed so that the patient can make the decision. Not even an apology that I had a negative reaction."

• Hur...
• April 24, 2024

For Osteoarthritis "I received Gelsyn-3 injections in both knees. One injection in each knee for 3 weeks. I have osteoarthritis bone on bone in both knees. My full review can be found on the reviews page 1 (under Hurting) as they don't want us to use our real names here in the reviews. I received these terrible injections in 2020 and I have never regretted anything more. My knees and femur bones pain and the thigh muscle pain is excruciating, also the swelling and feet pain. I used to be an active woman who walked every day. I gardened, worked in my flower bed, and got around fine before these injections, now I can't do any of these things. At this point in time, I feel that I have passed the point of the side effects of this drug and believe that I have been injured. This is my fourth year after receiving this horrible drug. Walking is almost unbearable. My life will never be the same. I went in for pain relief and now I feel like I am becoming a cripple."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Got first shot 4 days ago, and my knee has been swollen every day since. Ankles are both swollen, cannot bend knee, and scared to even move...especially walk. Not sure I will make it to where I need to go. Before the shot, at least I could get around, now what am I to do? Knee replacement seems to be the only option. Contemplating!"

• Jef...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I've had cortisone shots in both knees in the past, which helped with the minor pain and swelling at the time. A couple of months ago, my ortho suggested the Gelsyn-3 shots for a more long-term treatment. It's been 5 weeks since my last Gelsyn-3 shot, and I can barely walk across the parking lot, or pasture in my case. I now have severe pain and excessive swelling in both knees, especially in the area where the shots were administered. Now the pain has moved into my thigh and calf muscle as well. I struggle to straighten my legs out. And getting up after sitting down is impossible without assistance. Since taking the Gelsyn-3 shots, my quality of life has significantly declined in a very short period of time. I have no idea why there are such differing results, but I would warn that you carefully consider the significant downside if there is a negative reaction that I and many others have experienced."

• Ted...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I had 3 injections of Gelsyn for my osteoarthritis recently. My knees now are twice as bad, swollen, and I’m in way worse pain than before. I would never recommend these injections to anyone. I had Synovisc years ago (the other type), and it helped. My this Gelsyn has made my condition way worse. Don’t do it."

• Str...
• August 25, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was getting a feeling of puffiness and stiffness in my leg. Several years ago, I started getting Gelsyn injections every 6 months, and the knee feels normal again. I really want to avoid a knee replacement if I can. My doc says everyone has different reactions."