What is hylan G-F 20?
Hylan G-F 20 is similar to synovial fluid, a substance that occurs naturally in the joints. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber. Hylan G-F 20 is injected into the knee joints for the treatment of pain in individuals with osteoarthritis. Hylan G-F 20 may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
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What are the possible side effects of hylan G-F 20?
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to hylan
G-F 20.
Other less serious side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I use hylan G-F 20?
Hylan G-F 20 is administered by a healthcare professional as an intra-articular (into the joint) injection. Temporary pain or swelling of the affected joint may occur after injection of hylan G-F 20. Avoid strenuous activity or prolonged (longer than one hour) weight-bearing activity such as jogging, tennis, or lifting weights for 48 hours following an injection, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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What is the most important information I should know about hylan G-F 20?
Talk to your doctor before using hylan G-F 20 if you have an allergy to birds or bird products, feathers, or egg products.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if a dose of hylan G-F 20 is missed.
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What other drugs will affect hylan G-F 20?
It is not known whether other medications will interact with hylan G-F 20. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products during treatment with hylan G-F 20.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Hylan G-F 20 has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Hylan G-F 20 is only recommended for use during pregnancy if benefit outweighs risk.
There are no data on the excretion of hylan G-F 20 into human milk.
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What does my medication look like?
Hylan G-F 20 is available with a prescription under the brand name Synvisc. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of hylan G-F 20 is unlikely to threaten life. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if an overdose of hylan G-F 20 is suspected.
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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hylan G-F 20?
Talk to your doctor before using hylan G-F 20 if you have an allergy to birds or bird products, feathers, or egg products. Hylan G-F 20 should not be used if there is an infection or skin disease at the site of injection. It is not known whether hylan G-F 20 will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use hylan G-F 20 without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hylan G-F 20 will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use hylan G-F 20 without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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