Treatment FAQs
If you’ve recently received SYNVISC®, or are considering treatment, you may have questions. Read through the answers to some commonly asked questions, so you’ll know what to expect.
How is SYNVISC given?
How long will the procedure take?
How will the doctor prepare my knee for treatment?
When will the treatment start to work?
Are there side effects?
How long will I get relief?
Should I reduce my activity while I’m being treated with SYNVISC?
Is SYNVISC covered by insurance?
Who can I contact about insurance questions?
Can I get more than one course of treatment with SYNVISC?
Can both my knees be treated with SYNVISC?
- How is SYNVISC given?
- SYNVISC is injected directly into your knee joint 3 times, 1 week apart, over a 15-day period. You will have to receive the full course of 3 injections to get the maximum benefit. Read more about SYNVISC Treatment
- How long will the procedure take?
- SYNVISC is a simple, in-office procedure that takes just a few minutes. You’ll be able to go home immediately after you receive each treatment.
- How will the doctor prepare my knee for treatment?
- Your doctor may clean your knee with alcohol and iodine. Then, he or she may apply a local anesthetic to your knee, and withdraw any excess fluid from your joint.
- When will the treatment start to work?
- Some patients may begin to feel better after the first injection, but you need to have all 3 injections to get the maximum benefit. Most patients feel the greatest relief 8 to 12 weeks after the first injection. Read more about SYNVISC Treatment
- Are there side effects?
- Treatment with SYNVISC is generally well tolerated. Side effects from SYNVISC are infrequent. In studies, about 7% of patients experience pain, swelling and/or fluid buildup around the knee.1 Other side effects, such as rash, have been reported rarely. If these occur, call your doctor as soon as possible. Download Important Patient Information and Complete Prescribing Information for SYNVISC (PDF, 146K).
- How long will I get relief?
- Although all patients respond differently, OA knee pain relief can last up to 6 months.
- Should I reduce my activity while I'm being treated with SYNVISC?
- After the injection, you can resume normal day-to-day activities but your doctor may recommend you avoid any strenuous exercise for about 24-48 hours.
- Is SYNVISC covered by insurance?
- SYNVISC is eligible for reimbursement by Medicare and most insurance plans. Your exact benefits will vary according to your specific plan. Many insurers require that you obtain SYNVISC through your doctor. If your doctor writes you a prescription for SYNVISC, some insurance plans, including Medicare, may not cover the cost. Be sure to check with your insurer prior to receiving a prescription.
- Who can I contact about insurance questions?
- If you are denied insurance coverage or have additional questions, please contact the SYNVISC Connection(SM) at 1-800-982-8292 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.
- Can I get more than one course of treatment for SYNVISC?
- Yes. After your first course of treatment, keep track of your symptoms. When your OA side effects such as pain and stiffness start to return, talk to your doctor about another course of SYNVISC.
- Can both my knees be treated with SYNVISC?
- Yes. You can receive treatment in both knees at the same time, or at different times. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
Have more questions about SYNVISC? Find answers to other commonly asked questions.
Treatment with SYNVISC may not eliminate the need for other OA medications.
References
1 Kemper F, Gebhardt U, Meng T, Murray C. Tolerability and short-term effectiveness of hylan G-F 20 in 4253 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee in clinical practice. Curr Med Res Opin.2005;21:1261-1269.