Orthovisc Syringe (Sodium Hyaluronate) helps treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. This medication acts as a fluid that naturally occurs in the joints. This medication works by acting as a lubricant and a shock absorber for the joints that helps the joints to work properly. Orthovisc Syringe is usually prescribed to patients with osteoarthritis when they have been treated with other pain relievers and treatments that did not work well.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Orthovisc Syringe is injected directly as a shot into your knee joint. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may take more than one injection for the pain to go away. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. This medicine should give you relief from pain for several months.

You should not be treated with Orthovisc if you are allergic to hyaluronan, or if you have:

• an allergy to gram positive bacteria proteins (ask your doctor if you are not sure);

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;or

• an infection in your knee or in the skin around your knee.

Do not strain your knee joint for two days after receiving this medicine. Avoid activities such as jogging, soccer, tennis, heavy lifting, or standing on your feet for a long time.

Temporary pain or swelling in the knee joint may occur after receiving hyaluronic acid injection. Call your doctor if the pain or swelling in the knee persists or becomes worse after receiving this medicine.

Do not use this medicine with disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts. This may prevent hyaluronic acid injection from working properly.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Orthovisc is not approved for use by anyone younger than 21 years old.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Orthovisc: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• bleeding;
• increased knee pain; or
• signs of infection (warmth, swelling, redness) around your knee.

Common Orthovisc side effects may include:

• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling;
• itching, numbness, or tingling;
• headache, dizziness;
• back pain;
• swelling, pain, redness, or mild discomfort where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Orthovisc is usually given in a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

If you need to receive more than one Orthovisc injection, contact your doctor for instructions if you miss your next injection appointment.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

For at least 48 hours after your injection: Avoid jogging, strenuous activity, or high-impact sports such as tennis. Also avoid weight-bearing activity or standing for longer than 1 hour at a time.

Is there a generic alternative to Orthovisc Syringe?

There is currently no therapeutically equivalent generic alternative to Orthovisc Syringe.