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How does a knee with osteoarthritis differ from a healthy knee?
In a normal, healthy knee there is fluid. This fluid acts as both a cushion and a lubricant. In a knee with osteoarthritis, however, this fluid may have lost these features. This can be one of the reasons you or someone you know feels pain in the knee.
What is Synvisc? How does it work?
Synvisc therapy is like lubrication for your knee. Synvisc also acts like a kind of "shock absorber" to cushion the knee joint. It can reduce pain in your knee. As a result you may be able to return to a more comfortable, active lifestyle.
Synvisc is not a drug. It is made from a substance that is found in normal joint fluid.
How do I get Synvisc?
Synvisc is only available from a doctor who knows about giving these injections. If your doctor is not a Synvisc provider, then he or she can refer you to one that is.
How is Synvisc given?
Your doctor should give you three injections of Synvisc, one week apart over a 15-day period.
How long do the benefits of Synvisc last?
Pain relief can last for months. Many patients experience some relief after the first injection. The most pain relief and the greatest amount of treatment success occurred 8 to 12 weeks after Synvisc treatment began.
Do I have to go back to the doctor for the second and third injections?
Yes. Synvisc is less likely to work without all three injections.
Is Synvisc a cure for osteoarthritis of the knee?
No. It is a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. It is not a cure. Successful treatment will reduce pain in your knee. With less pain you should have a higher level of activity.
What are the benefits of treatment with Synvisc?
Successful treatment with Synvisc should reduce or stop pain in your knee. Less pain should help you move better. Successful treatment may allow you to once again enjoy many of the things you like to do before your condition got in the way.
Does Synvisc work for everyone?
As with other osteoarthritis therapies, Synvisc does not work for everyone. In general, Synvisc works better for patients with less severe disease. In a medical study, Synvisc worked for 91% of patients who experienced osteoarthritis knee pain but had very mild x-ray changes. On the other hand, Synvisc worked for approximately 58% of patients who had severe x-ray changes. A severe x-ray change is one in which a patient may be a candidate for an artificial knee. In medical studies, the most pain relief and the greatest amount of treatment success occurred 8 to 12 weeks after Synvisc treatment began.
Are there side effects?
Because it is injected directly into the joint, you may feel some discomfort after the treatment. Temporary pain, swelling, and/or fluid accumulation in and around the joint may occur after Synvisc injection. These symptoms normally go away within a few days. Simple treatments are usually enough to provide relief if needed. In some cases, the fluid accumulation may be extensive and can cause pronounced pain. Side effects, such as nausea and rash or muscle pain affecting the body as a whole, have been reported rarely. In these cases or if you notice any other problems, please discuss them with your doctor. The occurrence of these adverse events does not necessarily affect treatment outcome. Please see the patient information provided with the booklet for a list of possible side effects.
Can I take medications while on Synvisc therapy?
Yes. Since it is given right into the knee joint, it should not interfere with any medicine you take. This includes pain relievers. You should, however, always tell your doctor about any medicine you take.
Should I reduce physical activity while taking Synvisc?
You may have to limit physical activity for a short period of time after you receive an injection. Your doctor may give you advice on this. He or she can tell you when you can introduce more activity.
How do I know if Synvisc is right for me?
Synvisc may be the right treatment for a wide range of people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to chicken or egg products, or if your leg is swollen or infected. Discuss Synvisc and other treatments with your doctor or health care professional. At that time you and your doctor can decide if Synvisc is right for you.
How can I find out more about Synvisc?
If you would like to know more about Synvisc, ask your doctor. Or call 1-800-99WYETH.
Please be sure to read important patient information.
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