Hyaluronate and Derivatives

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Amvisc; Amvisc Plus; Belotero Balance; Belotero Balance Plus; Bionect; Clearvisc; Durolane; Euflexxa; Gel-One; Gelsyn-3; GenVisc 850; Healon Duet Pro; Healon Endocoat; Healon GV Pro; Healon Pro; Healon5 Pro; Hyalgan; Hylinate; Hymovis; Juvederm Ultra Plus XC; Juvederm Ultra XC; Juvederm Volbella XC; Juvederm Vollure XC; Juvederm Voluma XC; Monovisc; Orthovisc; Penlen; Provisc; Restylane; Restylane Contour; Restylane Defyne; Restylane Kysse; Restylane Lyft; Restylane Refyne; Restylane Silk; Restylane-L; Revanesse Lips; Revanesse Versa; RHA 2; RHA 3; RHA 4; RHA Redensity; Sodium Hyaluronate [Teva]; Stablevisc; Supartz FX; Synvisc; Synvisc One; Totalvisc; Triluron; Trivisc; Visco-3

What is this drug used for?

For use in the eye:

  • It is used for eye surgeries.

Injection (when given in the knee):

  • It is used to treat arthritis of the knee.

All skin products:

  • It is used to promote healing of skin ulcers and wounds.

All products:

  • It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

All products:

  • If you have an allergy to hyaluronic acid or any other part of this drug.
  • If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
  • If you are using a product that contains ammonium salts or chlorhexidine to clean the area.

All injection products:

  • If you have bleeding problems.
  • If you have an infection or skin problem where the shot will be given.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

All products:

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Foam:

  • Do not use near an open flame or while smoking. It may burst.

Injection (when given in the knee):

  • Avoid activity for 48 hours or as you have been told by your doctor.
  • Do not stand on your feet for more than 1 hour at a time during the first 48 hours after getting this drug.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

For use in the eye:

  • Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.

Injection (when given in the knee):

  • Change in skin color where the shot was given.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All products:

  • Irritation where this drug was used.

Injection (when given in the knee):

  • Mild pain, stiffness, or warmth in or by the knee.
  • Swelling where this drug is used.
  • Bruising.
  • Back pain.
  • Muscle pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All injection products:

  • It is given as a shot.

All skin products:

  • Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash your hands before and after use. If your hand is the treated area, do not wash your hand after use.
  • Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Put a thin layer on the affected skin.
  • Cover the wound with a clean dressing.
  • Do not use this drug for longer than you were told by your doctor.
  • Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

All injection products:

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

All skin products:

  • Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
  • Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All skin products:

  • Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
  • Be sure you know how long you can store this drug before you need to throw it away.
  • Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Foam:

  • Protect from heat or open flame. Do not puncture or burn even if it seems empty.

All injection products:

  • If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2019-10-11

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022