Orthovisc

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Non-drug treatments for osteoarthritis include exercising, doing physical therapy, losing weight, having extra fluid removed from the knee, and avoiding activities that cause pain in your knee.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your health care professional before you start using hyaluronate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into the affected joint by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once a week. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Extra fluid may need to be removed from the joint before the medication is injected.

It is important to have this medication injected on schedule. It may take up to 3 injections before the full benefits of this medication occur.

After receiving an injection of hyaluronate, you should avoid any activities that put stress on your knee (such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting, standing on your feet for more than an hour) for 48 hours. Also, after the injection, you may experience increased pain and swelling in the knee at first. Tell your doctor if the pain or swelling lasts or gets worse.

Before using hyaluronate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. For some brands, also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to bird proteins, feathers, or egg products. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the rubber syringe cap of some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: knee joint infections, skin infections/problems in the area around the injection site, circulation problems in the legs.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.