SUPARTZ® (Italian)

What Is Supartz® Injection?

Supartz® is a non-surgical treatment used to relieve knee pain and improve mobility in patients with knee osteoarthritis. 

The key ingredient in Supartz® is sodium hyaluronate, a natural component of synovial fluid that surrounds and cushions the joints. Once injected, it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping to reduce pain and promote smoother movement in the joints. Over time, osteoarthritis leads to the deterioration of cartilage and a reduction in synovial fluid, causing inflammation, stiffness, and discomfort. Supartz® helps replenish the hyaluronan in the joints, reducing friction and easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, allowing patients to return to daily activities with improved comfort and mobility.

Supartz® has been shown in clinical trials to offer significant pain relief and improved joint function for up to 12 months, with a low risk of side effects or complications. It is safe for both single and repeated treatments and carries a very low infection risk.

The injection process is quick, relatively painless, and more affordable compared to surgical alternatives. After each injection, doctors often recommend a physical therapy regimen to treat and help strengthen the knee and enhance long-term results.

What Is It Intended for?

This treatment is suitable for patients with knee pain and issues who have not found satisfactory relief through other pain management strategies (such as exercise, dietary changes, pain medications, or physical therapy). Acting as an orthopedic implant, Supartz® helps delay the necessity for surgical intervention by safeguarding cartilage and surrounding tissue. It diminishes friction and further damage while alleviating pain associated with joint grinding. 

Who Is the Manufacturer?

Supartz® is manufactured by Seikagaku Corporation, based in Japan. 

Benefits and Results of Injection

• Alleviates knee pain while improving knee mobility and function
• Offers a non-surgical, non-drug approach for managing knee osteoarthritis
• The procedure is quick, generally painless, and completed in just a few minutes
• More affordable and efficient than surgical treatments, which involve recovery periods
• Doctors often recommend a tailored physical therapy plan after each injection to enhance knee strength and achieve longer-lasting results
• Demonstrates significant pain relief and enhanced functionality for up to 12 months, with a low incidence of serious side effects, according to various clinical studies
• Considered safe for both initial and repeat treatments, featuring a very low risk of infection

Main Ingredients and Device Properties

Supartz® is composed of purified, viscoelastic hyaluronan derived from chicken combs and functions as a knee implant. After extraction, sodium hyaluronate undergoes purification to eliminate unwanted proteins, followed by the addition of a physiological buffer solution to create a viscoelastic gel. The straightforward and effective design of Supartz® packaging facilitates easy dosage adjustments to meet individual patient needs. 

Accessories or Items Included

Each package of Supartz® contains 5×2.5ml prefilled containers and a package insert.

Storage Conditions

Store in the original packaging below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. The shelf life is 42 months; do not use after the expiration date.

Mode of Administration

The product should only be administered by trained and licensed professionals experienced in treating osteoarthritis through viscosupplementation.

Assess the patient’s medical history to determine suitability for Supartz® injections and establish the most effective plan. Factors such as the extent of joint damage, medications and supplements in use, and existing health issues should be considered.

Begin the procedure by disinfecting the injection site and removing any joint effusion. A local anaesthetic may be applied for increased comfort. The gel should be injected intra-articularly, directly into the affected joints, using one full 2.5ml syringe per knee. If both knees require treatment, separate syringes should be used.

While some patients may notice effects after just 3 injections, a full treatment course involves 5 weekly injections. Ensure that every step is performed aseptically to minimise infection and inflammatory reaction risks. 

Post-Treatment Care

Following the Supartz® injection, patients should be advised to refrain from strenuous activities or weight-bearing exercises for 48 hours to avoid joint swelling. It is crucial to avoid standing for over an hour within the first 48 hours post-injection.

Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended to manage any discomfort or swelling at the injection site. Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises may also be suggested to maximise the benefits of Supartz® and promote joint strength and flexibility.

Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled to monitor patient progress and address any concerns.

How Long Do Effects Last?

Supartz® can offer relief from pain and enhance functionality for up to 6-12 months, though individual responses may vary based on the patient’s condition. The regimen typically involves 3-5 injections of 2.5ml spaced a week apart, so full results may not be felt until after the third injection. Adhering to this schedule is crucial for optimal results. 

Potential Side Effects

Before initiating the process, patients should be informed about possible side effects related to the injections. Patients may experience:

• Pain and swelling at the injection site
• Rash and itching around the injection site
• Redness and warmth in the injection area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Headache 
• Fainting
• Fever
• Large, non-elevated blue or purplish patches in the skin

Patients should rest the treated joints for at least 2 days after the procedure to lessen the severity of potential reactions. Advise patients to seek medical attention if any symptoms persist.

Contraindications for the Treatment

Administering Supartz® is not advised for individuals who:

• Have hypersensitivity or an allergy to hyaluronic acid products
• Have an allergy to avian protein (poultry products, egg products, feathers)
• Have inflammatory reactions or infections in the area of injection

Who Can Purchase Supartz® Injection and Where?

Supartz® can only be purchased by licensed medical professionals, such as doctors and trained healthcare providers, who are authorised to administer it for treating knee osteoarthritis. It is essential for these professionals to obtain Supartz from reputable medical distributors or suppliers, such as the Nu Derma Supply shop, that specialise in providing professional-grade products to ensure safety and effectiveness in treatment. 

FAQ

What Is the Cost Per Product?

Typically, a single Supartz® dose ranges from $290 to $330 for a 2.5ml syringe. As the procedure usually requires a series of 5 weekly injections, the total cost for the complete course can range from $1,450 to $1,635. Supartz® FX cost may fluctuate depending on the use of additional anaesthetics or other medical services.

Does Hyaluronic Acid Work In the Same Manner?

Supartz® is a brand name for a purified form of hyaluronic acid(HA) known as sodium hyaluronate. It is utilised in a procedure called viscosupplementation, where the gel-like solution is injected into the knee to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis. While Supartz® contains HA, it is a specialised medical formulation specifically designed for joint relief.