Some people may have heard that there is a Synvisc medicine for
arthritis treatment. Synvisc
® (
hylan G-F 20) is actually not considered a medication by the United States Food and Drug Administration; instead, it is classified as a "device" or "viscosupplement."
Synvisc contains a mixture of hylan A and hylan B, two substances made from sodium hyaluronate, a natural product obtained from chicken combs. Hyaluronate is also found in the human body, especially within the joints and the synovial fluid. Synvisc helps to provide the cushioning and lubrication lacking in the arthritic joint.
Synvisc comes in the form of a gel-like liquid that is injected directly into the knee joint. The injections are administered by your healthcare provider once a week, for a total of three weeks. The product can provide pain relief for as long as six months. After six months, you may receive a repeat course of Synvisc treatment if necessary.
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