Orthovisc Manufacturer:

Anika Therapeutics Inc USA

Orthovisc Information:

Orthovisc is a medication specifically prescribed to treat knee pain in osteoarthritis. The drug is prescribed when pain-relieving medicines and other therapies (such as physical or exercise therapy) fail to relief knee pain. The generic name of the drug is Hyaluronan. The drug needs to be administered in the knee joint under medical supervision. The process of injecting Orthovisc is known as viscsupplementation. This product is a prescription medicine. Consult your doctor before you buy Orthovisc.

Description of Orthovisc:

The drug is similar to naturally occurring synovial fluid that exists in the joints. The synovial fluid functions as a shock absorber and lubricant. In osteoarthritis of knee patients, synovial fluid fails to do its function properly. This, in turn, leads to poor functioning of the knee joints and excruciating pain in the knees. Orthovisc does exactly what synovial fluid does, that is, it lubricates and provides cushioning to the knee joints.

Advantages of Orthovisc:

Here are some of the benefits of Orthovisc:

1. The duration of action of this drug is up to 6 months.
2. The administration of the drug does not involve any form of surgery. Orthovisc is administered in series of 3 injections, given over a period of 3 weeks.
3. The Hyaluronic acid present in the formulation is derived from bacterial culture. As Orthovisc does not contain any ingredients from avian resources, it is a preferred treatement for osteoarthritis patients who are hypersensitive to avian products such as eggs, feathers, or poultry.
4. Orthovisc slows down cartilage deterioration.

How Orthovisc Works:

When the medication is injected in the knee joint it functions as naturally occurring synovial fluid, and restores the lubricating and cushioning properties back in the knee joint. You need to strictly follow the dosage schedule as you need to take 3 injections before experiencing reduction in knee pain.

Safety & Precautionary Information:

You should not use Orthovisc if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient present in it. You may experience temporary pain or notice swelling of the joint where Orthovisc injection is administered. You should notify your doctor if the swelling or pain persists for long time or worsen. The drug may not be ideal for people with certain medical conditions. You should inform your doctor if you have blood circulation problems in legs or knee or an infection in the area where the injection is going to be administered.

Patients who have received Orthovisc injection in their knee joint should avoid performing any strenuous or weight bearing activity for 48 hours after receiving the injection. The safety of this drug in pregnant women has not yet been established. Consult your doctor before using the drug if you are pregnant. It is unclear if the contents of this drug are excreted into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, take Orthovisc injection only if your doctor has approved its use.

Composition

Each 2ml Orthovisc syringe contains:

• Hyaluronan 30 mg
• Sodium Chloride 18 mg
• Water for Injection q.s. up to 2.0 ml