Sodium hyaluronate and Headaches: What Users Say

• Beb...
• December 5, 2020

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I had Durolane injection in both knees yesterday. I have a headache so bad. I feel sick to my stomach, my left knee is larger and hard from the top of my knee and down, he drained it yesterday as well. I don’t know what to I wish I didn’t get it. This is the worst feeling. If I feel the same tomorrow I will call the Dr's office again. My right knee is very sore. They feel like someone is hitting me in the knees with a hammer, not stopping? I hope it’s not a blood clot. I don't know. I can hardly walk. For me day 2 it’s terrible, thank you for letting me tell my experience"

• joh...
• February 10, 2016

Sodium hyaluronate 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."

• jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2020

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I have bad knees, walk my dog, garden, and swim. I had the first round of Gelsyn-3 and felt fine. The second injection hurt bad in my right knee. Took my dog for a little walk and two hours later my right knee hurt so bad I was dragging my leg. Four days later, I cannot bend my knee to get in the car. I will not get the third injection. Someone else was complaining about a headache, I also had one."

• bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2023

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I received the Gelsyn-3 knee injections, one each week for 3 weeks. The first injection, my knees were sore, but I really didn't feel much different as my knees still hurt as before. I received the second injection, and that next day I began having more pain than I had ever had. I started hurting behind my left knee, which had never hurt me before. I felt fatigued and had leg and thigh pain at night that I couldn't sleep most nights. I really didn't want to get the third shot but was advised by my doctor that after the third shot, I should start feeling some relief. I told him my knees hurt worse than they did before, but he said that should go away, so I got the third injection. A few days after the third injection, my legs started hurting all over, especially at night. I had a headache, my lower back hurt, and I was just sick all over. This went on for several weeks. It's been 6 weeks after the injections, and my knees are no better. I would never do this again, NEVER!"

• jo ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2021

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I am a 49-year-old female suffering from severe osteoarthritis of the right knee. Have tried steroid injections with very temporary relief (less than a month). Dr. recommended Durolane. Had my injection yesterday (2/4/2021). Pain was very intense and nearly fell when I stood up to leave. Had a pounding headache by the time I got home and had a rough time getting in the house. Iced knee and took ibuprofen as recommended. Ached through the night but I was able to sleep on and off. When I woke this morning, the pain is worse than before the injection. As I walked into the kitchen, my knee gave out and I nearly fell. I am off work today and tomorrow. Praying that taking it easy and icing my knee, the pain will subside soon. I'm wishing I didn't get the injection at this point. I have pain radiating in both directions (from knee to ankle/from knee to hip). I'll keep you updated on when and if this pain lets up."

• Can...
• August 4, 2019

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I had my first Gelsyn-3 shot 8-2-2019. I use a cane to walk. I know I had a bad headache, nausea, and my body hurt, I didn't feel like eating. My knee has no relief at all yet. Knee replacement is the last option. I pray that by the 2nd injection it will improve."

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

Sodium hyaluronate 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

Sodium hyaluronate 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

Sodium hyaluronate 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

Sodium hyaluronate 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."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I had a Durolane injection after 2 of another brand that went well. United Healthcare insisted on this one this time. 20 minutes after the injection, I had extreme nausea and a headache to the point of not seeing well. The pain is worse now than before any shots 2 years ago. I have no idea how to make the pain stop now."

• Ali...
• October 16, 2019

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "On 10/15/19, I received my first injection of Durolane. I am 66 yrs. old with osteoarthritis, bone on bone in my knee. The initial injection hurts more than a cortisone injection, but only for a minute. The gel is thicker, so it goes in slower. Initially, I could not bend my knee or walk comfortably. I definitely could not get the injection and drive. My knee was swollen and uncomfortable for a bit, but I sat on my sofa with my knee up for the day. I did have a headache later in the day, but I took Advil and it subsided. I could not use the leg to get up from a sitting position, which was cumbersome. I went to bed that evening, woke up the next morning, and 90% of the pain was gone. I would suggest this injection as of day 2. I'm hoping it lasts a few months. If it does, I would definitely do it again."

• Dai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2022

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I had Durolane injections in both knees ten days ago. My side effects included nausea, headache, back pain, tingling. Now my knees ache and burn so badly every movement is excruciating. I can barely get around the house. At seventy-two years old, this is the WORST decision I’ve ever made. PLEASE, if you are thinking about getting Durolane injections, don’t. Once it’s done, there’s no going back."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "First injection, I felt no relief afterward. 2nd injection, still no pain relief. 3rd injection, I could barely walk the next day. Note: first 2 injections and 4th injection, the doc injected my knee with my leg straight out. No pain with injection. Another doc did the 3rd and 5th injections with my knee bent at 90 degrees. These 2 injections were very painful. 4th injection, I was feeling good. Barely any discomfort/pain. 5th injection, just like the 3rd, I could barely walk the next day. A week after the 5th/last injection, my knee pain is back to where it was before I started the injections. I feel it was a waste of time and money to only get 1 week of peace. Headache - had a bad headache for a few hours after each injection."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2016

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "2nd injection in my knees and feel 35% less pain, but I am so ill. I'll inject in both knees each Friday, by Saturday at 5 pm I have outrageous headache, nausea, dizziness. Very tough through the night, vomiting. My stomach hurts. Continues all Sunday and Monday till around 1 pm. Two weeks in a row now and missed work because of it. Not sure if I can continue injections."

• Deb...
• April 16, 2018

Sodium hyaluronate 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."

• gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2022

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "I am two weeks out following my third shot of Gelsyn-3, and I have had a slight pain improvement, but the bone-on-bone pain still keeps me from walking any sort of distance, like through a grocery store. I had a headache and back pain at first, but that seems to be subsiding. I am hoping in two more weeks, I will have greater mobility with less pain, but most of these reviews seem to be of a negative result, so I am discouraged. I was hoping these injections would save me from a replacement, but so far, I have not had full pain or mobility relief."

• Mia...
• September 9, 2016

Sodium hyaluronate 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

Sodium hyaluronate 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."

• Cca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2021

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "Got my injection July 29th, 2021... I've always been able to walk off the pain of my injections. Not this one, right away the pain kicked in super bad at night. I waited a few days, every night the same throbbing, itching, and tingling. Not to mention the sore I got on my injection spot. I don't recommend this shot to anyone. I've had so many side effects and my knees are more painful than before I came. Muscle weakness, dizziness, weight loss, migraines, and numbness in legs and feet. Poor blood circulation... stay away from this shot... just say NO."

• tes...
• February 27, 2023

Sodium hyaluronate "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."

• Euf...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Getting the injection was not a bad experience, but the pain was pretty bad right after. I had some unpleasant side effects that included a severe headache, nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, and felt like I had a virus. I notified the doctor's office of the unwanted side effects, and I was not able to get any more injections. I will find out if I get any results from the one injection in my right knee. My experience with this medication was not good for me."

• Mol...
• December 30, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "Had both knees injected with Durolane on 12/14/20. Within an hour of the shot, I started to get a fever, headache, chills, sore throat, and stuffy nose. On day 2, climbing stairs was incredibly painful. My face started swelling. Went back to the doctor immediately and confirmed I had an allergic reaction to this med and took Benadryl, which eliminated issues. Knee pain continued to worsen, however, I found myself having to climb steps by side stepping. Prior to the injection, I had knee pain only after tennis or workouts doing lunges and squats. Knee pain was nothing compared to the pain I felt after the Durolane injection. It’s now 2 weeks post-injection, and I can finally climb steps without pain. I wish I had read these reviews prior to my injections. I NEVER would have gotten them, especially given my allergic reaction. Would not recommend this med."

• dfs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2018

Sodium hyaluronate for Osteoarthritis "Earlier today, I had the 3rd dose of Gelsyn-3 in both knees. As in the 1st and 2nd injections, I developed a slight fever and headache, but this has really improved the pain in my knees."

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

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