SYNVISC ONE®

What Is Synvisc One?

Synvisc One is an injectable orthopedic gel made from rooster combs. It contains hylan polymers that are chemically cross-linked to create a thick, viscous, elastic, bioresorbable, and biodegradable gel, mimicking the properties of natural synovial fluid. This makes it effective for treating osteoarthritis in knee joints.

A synovial joint is flexible and filled with synovial fluid, which is secreted by articular cartilage covering the bones. Hyaluronic acid is a crucial component of this fluid, allowing for smooth movement without pain. However, wear and tear can damage cartilage, reducing fluid production and leading to pain as bones rub together. This can also result in bone fragments accumulating in the synovial space, worsening pain and swelling, and contributing to chronic osteoarthritis.

When injected, the gel helps prevent bone friction, alleviating pain and enabling patients to move comfortably. This treatment may also delay the need for procedures like knee replacement surgeries.

What Is Synvisc One Used for?

Synvisc One is specifically designed to alleviate pain and damage caused by osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee joints. This treatment is especially beneficial for individuals who have not found relief from oral pain medications, supplements, mobility aids (like knee braces), or other non-pharmacological therapies. 

Who Is the Manufacturer of Synvisc One?

Synvisc One is manufactured by Genzyme Corporation, based in New Jersey.

Benefits and Results of Using Synvisc One

• Specifically targets knee pain associated with osteoarthritis
• Functions as a lubricant and shock absorber, enhancing joint function
• Demonstrated superior efficacy compared to saline injections or fluid removal in clinical trials
• Provides long-lasting relief for patients who have not responded to alternative treatments
• Administered as a single injection for convenience

Synvisc One Main Ingredients and Device Properties

Synvisc One comprises hydrated hylan A and B polymers, sourced from rooster combs. These polymers are chemically cross-linked to enhance viscosity and elasticity, creating a viscoelastic injectable gel that mimics the properties of naturally occurring synovial fluid. 

Each syringe contains hylan, along with sodium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate hydrate, and water for injection. 

Is Synvisc One Synthetic?

Synvisc and Synvisc One are synthetic intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections intended to treat the pain and limitation of motion associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Accessories or Items Included

This product comes in a single prefilled 6mL syringe for single-use, accompanied by traceability labels and a product pamphlet. It is recommended to use an 18-20G needle for injection, which must be obtained separately.

Storage Conditions

Store the product between 2℃ and 30℃. Do not freeze.

Mode of Administration

Before administering intra-articular injections, there should be an evaluation of the patients’ suitability by examining the damaged joint and reviewing their medical history. Only certified physicians with expertise in intra-articular injection techniques should perform this procedure. 

Sanitize the treatment area before injections and remove any excess fluid if needed. Ensure the package is unopened and sterile, and that the syringe has been maintained at the appropriate temperature. 

Follow these steps for proper injection technique:

• Twist and gently pull off the cap from the syringe to minimise product leakage
• Attach and secure an appropriately sized needle (18G to 20G) to the prefilled syringe
• Inject the gel into the synovial cavity of the damaged joints
• Safely dispose of any unused gel, syringes, and needles

The entire 6mL syringe is the recommended dosage for a knee joint in one session. Use aseptic techniques throughout to reduce infection risk. Avoid injecting the solution into blood vessels or synovial tissues to prevent serious complications like blood clots or severe inflammation.

Post-Treatment Care

After the injection, patients should avoid strenuous activities, including high-impact sports and prolonged weight-bearing activities, for about 48 hours. Patients should consult their physician before resuming these activities.

How Long Does Synvisc One Last?

Synvisc One can provide relief from osteoarthritis knee pain for up to 6 months, until the hylan gel is metabolised by the body. The longevity of the results may vary by individual. 

Potential Side Effects

Synvisc One injections into the knee can lead to mild side effects, including pain, swelling, heat, redness, and fluid buildup around the knee. These reactions are usually temporary. Patients should inform their doctor if swelling is severe and painful, as reactions are more common with repeat injections.

Typically, resting and applying ice can help manage these reactions, but some may require oral pain relievers, steroid injections, or fluid removal. Rarely, surgical procedures like arthroscopy might be necessary.

Less common side effects can include allergic reactions, rashes, hives, itching, muscle cramps, facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, headache, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the limbs. 

Contraindications for the Treatment

Synvisc One should not be administered to patients:

• With known hypersensitivity or allergies to hyaluronan or sodium hyaluronate products
• Existing knee joint infections, or skin diseases at the injection site 

The safety and effectiveness of Synvisc injections have not been established in pregnant or lactating women, nor patients under 21 years of age.

Who Can Buy Synvisc One and Where?

Synvisc One is exclusively available to licensed healthcare professionals. These injections can be purchased from authorised medical distributors or reputable online pharmacies specialising in medical supplies. To ensure product safety and efficacy, it’s crucial to obtain Synvisc from a reliable source such as Nu Derma Supply, your trusted partner in medical supplies.