What Are Possible Side Effects of Hylan G-F 20?
As with most
treatments for osteoarthritis,
hylan G-F 20 (
Synvisc®) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives this treatment will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with hylan G-F 20. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of hylan G-F 20 side effects with you.)
Serious Hylan G-F 20 Side Effects
Some side effects with hylan G-F 20 are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Knee pain or swelling (which is usually not serious but can be a sign of an infection in rare cases)
- Signs of an allergic reaction to hylan G-F 20, such as:
- An unexplained rash or hives
- Itching (more than the usual itching related to eye allergies)
- Unexplained swelling, especially of the mouth, lips, or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
During clinical trials, the most common side effect of hylan G-F 20 was knee pain or swelling, which occurred in up to 7.2 percent of people. In most cases, this problem is mild and can be treated with pain relievers, if necessary. More severe cases may require the joint to be drained or steroid injections into the joint. Because knee pain and swelling may be signs of serious problems (such as an infection), be sure to report such problems to your healthcare provider right away.
