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

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

Reviews for Sodium hyaluronate

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Wil...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • December 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "Six months ago, I received my first Durolane injection into my left knee. I had been struggling for almost one year with pain and swelling, and my mobility was very restricted, a challenge with a farm lifestyle plus a full-time job that requires I be able to walk. About 10 days post-injection, I experienced greatly improved mobility. The swelling in the knee gradually diminished, as did the pain. I have had six months of greatly improved mobility. It got better and better over the six months. Now, getting a second injection to maintain the benefits. It definitely was a great solution for me until I get the knee replaced."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • aly...
  • December 3, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "Despite the reviews I read about Euflexxa, I received my first injection yesterday. I was scared at first, but I did it anyway. I have an excellent doctor. He explained everything before the injections. He said I would feel the initial stick and then pressure from the medicine going in. He also said I might have swelling and pain at the injection site the next day. I am pleased to report not only did I not feel the pressure, I did not have any pain or swelling at the injection site the next day. When I woke up, I had zero pain in my knee. I am glad I decided to get this injection. I can't wait to see what the second injection will make me feel like."

9 / 10
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30 Report
  • Tho...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 22, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I have chronic osteoarthritis. I have had four knee surgeries, and I am 48. In the past, I had Synvisc One injections. This time, my surgeon administered Durolane. He had to go in twice because he didn't let the freezing sit, and the pain was agonizing. As I'm eight weeks post-op, I had to use crutches to leave, and I'm now on day two. I can bend my knee, but when I go to raise my leg or do any extension, the underneath part of my kneecap feels so tight and bruised I can't lift it or flex it. I'll stay off it one more day. But I'm not sure how to rate this. Knees pretty swollen and in pain. I had the same swelling from Synvisc One, but not the under kneecap pain. My surgeon did it in his office, no ultrasound like I had previously. Anyway, I'll keep you posted. Thanks for reading."

6 / 10
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17 Report
  • Dds...
  • May 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was given injections in both knees on May 7th. My doc did not give me the injections, his PA did. My first mistake. He hit a blood vessel, and my knee was so disfigured it didn’t even look like a knee. The medication settled in a huge lump for days, and I couldn’t walk on it for 4 days. Fast forward to May 15, and both knees started to hurt again. 4 days ago, I made an 8-hour trip. When I got to my destination, they hurt. I had to climb stairs, so by Sunday, they both had swelled up, including my ankles, and I found a lump below my right knee. Today, I had to go to the ER because the pain is so unbearable I can’t breathe, and mind you, I take strong meds for my back and neck. They didn’t touch the pain! I thought I might have a blood clot due to my calf now having a Charlie horse that won’t go away, my knee to ankle is swollen up so bad my foot doesn’t even look normal. Also, it feels like I have a 12-inch knife sticking out of my knee. Just say NO!"

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Dds...
  • May 24, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I was given injections in both knees on May 7th. My doc did not give me the injections, his PA did. My first mistake. He hit a blood vessel, and my knee was so disfigured it didn’t even look like a knee. The medication settled in a huge lump for days, and I couldn’t walk on it for 4 days. Fast forward to May 15, and both knees started to hurt again. 4 days ago, I made an 8-hour trip. When I got to my destination, they hurt. I had to climb stairs, so by Sunday, they both had swelled up, including my ankles, and I found a lump below my right knee. Today, I had to go to the ER because the pain is so unbearable I can’t breathe, and mind you, I take strong meds for my back and neck. They didn’t touch the pain! I thought I might have a blood clot due to my calf now having a Charlie horse that won’t go away, my knee to ankle is swollen up so bad my foot doesn’t even look normal. Also, it feels like I have a 12-inch knife sticking out of my knee. Just say NO!"

1 / 10
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15 Report

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  • Gro...
  • April 25, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This is my 2nd round of Euflexxa after the 1st round didn't work, it was decided that I should have arthroscopic surgery removing the torn part of my meniscus. Both times, the side effects were swelling, body aches, knees swelled, and hurt. So I'm done with Euflexxa. My opinion - not worth it!"

1 / 10
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22 Report
  • Bel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 13, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I absolutely hate this drug. Synvisc worked wonderfully for me, but they started recommending Durolane because it is a single dose. Had both knees done, and my left one in particular is terrible. It is swelling, still bruised, and hurts from the hip to the ankle. Why is this drug even on the market? I'm in more pain than I was before. 500 mg naproxen twice a day won't even touch it. If I could use a negative number to review, I would. This pain is directly affecting my job and quality of life."

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I took all three shots of Euflexxa about 10 weeks ago. The shots themselves were somewhat painful, however, tolerable. I have not experienced any relief from the pain of having had the shots done. I still have lots of swelling in my knee, and I'm limping even more."

2 / 10
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23 Report
  • Sav...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "The first two shots weren't so bad, but the third shot had me in tears. My knee swelled up like a big balloon, red around my knee. My knee doubled in size, canceled both of my appointments, will never use this product again. I tried to explain to my orthopedic doctor, he would not listen to me, and he was not sympathetic. I used another one last year, but it was a different brand, and it did the same thing to me."

1 / 10
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23 Report
  • 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."

9 / 10
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13 Report
  • VA ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 25, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Like others have stated, insurance switched this year and would not approve Synvisc, which worked beautifully for me the last few years. I get an injection about every 10 months. The day of the injection felt fine, just some swelling. Day 2, I can barely walk and my knee is swollen, and it's painful. My face, neck, and chest are bright red. None of this happened with Synvisc."

1 / 10
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8 Report
  • 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."

2 / 10
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18 Report
  • Kem...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 17, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "Had the injections in both knees on 10/4, and was barely able to walk a day or two later, it was so painful and inflamed. I was icing and living on Tylenol and ibuprofen. Called the doctor after several days, and he gave me a 5-day pack of prednisone, which took away the inflammation. It has now been 6 weeks, and I don’t feel as if they worked, my knees are worse than prior to the injections. My insurance approved Monovisc, so I have no idea why the doctor changed... worse experience with my knees ever. I would not recommend."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Kne...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 27, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I had meniscus repair in December 2015. The doctor tore my hamstring during the process, so I ended up in PT for 6 weeks. Within a couple of months, I was walking 3 miles a day again. By the end of April, my knee was swelling and painful. Had cortisone shots twice, and they didn't help. The doctor recommended Euflexxa. I noticed a positive difference after the 1st and 2nd shot for a day or two at a time, both shots did not hurt. By the time I had the 3rd shot, it hurt so bad I cried, and my husband had to carry me out of the doctor's office. My knee has been like a cantaloupe ever since, and my other joints are swelling and achy. Nothing positive has come from these shots for me. I'm scheduled now for a partial knee replacement this December."

1 / 10
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20 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 6, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I would give this injection a minus 10! This lab should be sued for selling this product. The pain and swelling have been excruciating right after it was injected. I have not been able to walk or sleep from the pain it has created. It also caused me respiratory problems plus swelling of the knees. Insurance decided to change it to a low-cost product like Durolane. Please do not use this injection."

1 / 10
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8 Report
  • Hel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 15, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I’m in so much pain since my Durolane injections 1 week ago. I’m bone on bone and had numerous knee surgeries; I know pain, and this by far is the most painful injection I’ve ever had. I was shocked as I could barely walk out of the doctor’s office after receiving my injections and so grateful I was driven to my appointment; I would not have been able to drive. I’m unable to stand for more than 10 minutes and still have extreme stiffness and inflammation and need to elevate and ice daily. After reading these comments about Durolane and the extremely large co-pay from my insurance, I feel helpless in ending my chronic knee pain; I’m not ready for knee replacements as I’m in my 50s. I’m praying for everyone who is suffering with pain from osteoarthritis and the lingering side effects from this drug. There has to be a better solution out there?"

2 / 10
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7 Report
  • Tay...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 23, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have had injections of 1 mg in each big toe joint over the last 2 years for severe OA. The total is 4 sessions. The first time I had relief within 5 hours. I had no side effects, and I had success in pain relief and mobility. Second injections were 9 months later, and again, no side effects. I was told they don’t usually last a full year, and I was lucky the injections lasted for that time period. Cost was $420 for both feet and covered by my insurance. The third time was a year ago, and it was a success. I had recent injections this week, and the experience was different. I have had a reaction in both feet of swelling and pain around the joints. Hope it goes away soon. I can’t get my shoes on. I have tried icing and pain relievers, but nothing helps so far."

8 / 10
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12 Report
  • Mid...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 22, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I'm about to receive my 4th injection in a few days. I've been dealing with severe pain and swelling for years. I've tried cortisone shots but only had a small amount of relief for a very short time. I tried physical therapy and was told after a few months that it's just not progressing towards anything and should see an orthopedic surgeon. He suggested these injections. After 3 weeks, I feel like I'm so much worse. More pain, more swelling, and I can't even straighten my leg all the way. It's like a stabbing pop, and it just locks with nothing but pain. They're saying to go through with the last 2 injections, and maybe after 8 weeks I'll feel some relief. I can't imagine this getting better. This pain is unreal."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Sue...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 20, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Terrible experience. I had the first and last of three Euflexxa injections a few weeks ago, and after my knees swelled to unrecognizable. I told the doctor that I'm not getting the second and third injections. He initially refused to aspirate my right knee, which swelled more than the left knee, yet did last week. I am very disappointed and sad that he will not remove more fluid, and I may seek another doctor. This is no way to live. I reported the side effects to the FDA. I wish I'd read this site before he offered this to me."

1 / 10
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4 Report
  • mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 29, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "Had Durolane in 2019, both knees was excellent. Wish I did it again in 2020, but thought would be ok, but my knees just got worse because of work, repetitive work, and my knees are now bone on bone. Spoke to my doctor, and he said I would need a knee replacement in a year or so, so I decided to get another Durolane knee injection. I had it last Friday, 4/23/2021, and needed to rest for 3 days, which I did. It's been very good, just need to take it easy. Pain and swelling come and go, at least I can sleep at night. I did some research, and they say that it takes a week or so for the best results, so far not bad. I just need to really take it easy. I am going to do the left knee too soon and will post for updates. I think you just have to wait, say, 2 weeks for the best results to kick in."

10 / 10
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8 Report
  • Jan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I did not have a good experience with Euflexxa. I was recovering from a tibial plateau fracture with a plate installed. The surgeon thought the Euflexxa might help. The injections caused my knee swelling to double in size and the pain level to intensify dramatically. It's been 2 months, and my pain level continues to be around an '8', where it was about a '4' prior to the injections. My activity level went from being able to walk for exercise about 3-4 miles a day and hike 6 miles weekly to not being able to walk any distance without swelling and pain that puts me to bed. I can only handle the basic household chores and nothing that requires standing for any length of time. This was the worst decision I and my surgeon ever made to have these injections. Euflexxa has ruined my life. A second opinion surgeon has suggested total knee replacement at this point. I am devastated."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • HBD...
  • December 29, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "After 3 years of astounding results from Supartz, I had to miss injections due to having ObamaCare, where my policy was not accepted by my Ortho MD for 15 months. Medicare is accepted, and I returned for my semi-annual injection series, wherein he told me he has seen slightly better results with Euflexxa. After the first injection, I noticed significant swelling associated with an increase in pain from zero to 3. After the second injection, the swelling had increased and pain worsened to a 6, with my inability to climb stairs. The third injection was followed by a steroid to help reduce the swelling, and an infection was ruled out. I am now scheduled for an MRI. Supartz works, Euflexxa does not."

2 / 10
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11 Report
  • BAD...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 11, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I saw an orthopedic doctor for knee pain. Got a cortisone. Then back in pain in 2 days. Doctor stated my cartilage was wearing thin but was not gone. Suggested I get the Hyalgan shots. Insurance approved BC/BS. What happened to the in-between treatment? First shot nothing. Knee was swollen before the shot. Asked about it, was told no need to worry. Knee was still in the same amount of pain. One week later, second shot. Leg hurt so bad and muscles locked and tightened up. Was told because my knee was swollen and I did not give it enough time. Now my knee pops. Third shot the next week. Was told I had to give it at least 2 weeks after the last shot. I have all these symptoms: warmth, pain, redness, stiffness, bruising, or puffiness, and locking and popping. My whole knee was swollen. Now, after the fact, they want me to see a doctor to find out if I have inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis. I think this should have taken place before they gave me the Hyalgan shot."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Ire...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 28, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I had 4 Hyalgan injections 7 years ago, which caused me great pain. I refused the 5th injection because I could barely walk. The doctor recommended Euflexxa because he said this was a different formula. I had 3 injections, a week apart. For about a month, my knee felt better. Now it has been 8 months, and I think this stuff is leaking out from the bottom of the kneecap. When that happens, I can barely walk. Pain and swelling are getting worse. The doctor's PA asked if I was ready for more Euflexxa injections. I refused. No more! Now, I don't know what to do."

2 / 10
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12 Report
  • Eli...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 4, 2024

For Osteoarthritis "I have had 4 Durolane injections in my right knee without ultrasound guidance, all with the same nurse practitioner. I was lucky the first 3 times. The shot wasn't comfortable, but it didn't hurt too bad. He got the medicine into my joint those times, and I had significant pain relief from my bone-on-bone OA for months each time. The last time he did my Durolane injection, he missed. I could tell he missed and did not get it into my joint by the way it felt. It was absolutely excruciating. I sobbed and hyperventilated for a long time before I was able to hobble home. Now I know what the rest of these 1/10 reviewers experienced. I'm so terribly sorry for all of us. I had a weird golf ball-sized swelling above my knee for about a week. I couldn't walk and had to use a cane. I will get ultrasound guidance next time. I won't let anybody wing it again."

10 / 10
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1 Report

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