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Sodium hyaluronate and Pain: What Users Say (Page 2)

Brand names: Euflexxa, Durolane, Hyalgan, Gelsyn-3, Supartz, Supartz FX

Reviews for Sodium hyaluronate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • bre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 1, 2023

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!"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • bre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 1, 2023

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!"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • bre...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 1, 2023

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!"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • 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."

8 / 10
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81 Report
  • 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! ;)"

10 / 10
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64 Report

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  • 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?"

1 / 10
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50 Report
  • Gra...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 16, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I had my left knee injected with Durolane in December 2019. I had previously had successful injections of Synvisc over a period of four years, and that gel worked great. This time, United HC approved both Synvisc and Durolane. I wanted the Synvisc, but the doctor wanted to spare me three injections. I stupidly accepted her advice and did the Durolane. Holy moly-my knee still hurts like anything. All the time. It's on fire. My new doctor said I may have to wait another six months before he could inject Synvisc. My advice-stay away from Durolane."

1 / 10
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  • jci...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 25, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "This is the 6-month after injection report. The first 3 weeks I had swelling due to too much Durolane fluid in my knee. Months 2, 3, 4, and 5 got better, morning stiff but flex out as the day goes along. Swelling started in month 6, not pain but sore when walking. My 3 Synvisc treatments worn out after 3 to 5 months. So I will get my second Durolane injection this week, see if it's as good as the first one."

8 / 10
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40 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • 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!!"

9 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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64 Report
  • 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!"

9 / 10
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  • Bil...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 25, 2020

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 63-year-old male. Bone on bone in the right knee. I got this Durolane injection today at about 11 a.m., and it hurt like anything. I was okay until about 5 p.m. at work today. Now the knee hurts so much, and I'm in a lot of pain. Sure hope this pain subsides."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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34 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • 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."

2 / 10
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11 Report
  • 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."

3 / 10
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35 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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35 Report
  • Hau...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 27, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I had the injection on Tuesday. It is now Friday, and I have started having trouble walking on/moving my left knee without pain. My doctor said it might take a couple of weeks before I see positive effects, so I will reserve final judgment for the next 10 days."

5 / 10
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27 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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19 Report
  • 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."

2 / 10
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33 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • syb...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I'm glad I didn't read the reviews before having this injection, or I might never have tried it. My left knee is bone on bone, and I tore the meniscus on Christmas Eve 2020. My knee is in such bad shape the ortho surgeon wouldn't do a repair - said it wouldn't be worth it without replacing it totally. He suggested trying the Durolane injection, and I did. It didn't do anything for the first almost 3 weeks, but then one day I realized I didn't need my crutches anymore and could walk without pain for the first time in about 2 years. Yes, the injection is very uncomfortable. And yes, I feel crappy afterwards, and my knee is swollen, painful, and stiff. But I had 6 pretty much pain-free months before needing my second one just this week. I'm 53, and if this can help me put off knee replacement, then I will be a happy camper."

10 / 10
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25 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.