"Oh, Mom, you can't even bend your knee..." "Dad, you're having trouble walking?"... As we get older, we often hear stories like this from our parents and relatives. Knee pain is a condition that afflicts many people. Especially when the knees are worn out, that is, the pain caused by osteoarthritis of the knee is very annoying. So, one solution to this is a special injection given to the knee. Today we are talking about one such injection, Hylan GF 20.
What actually happens with this vaccine?
Simply put, Hylan GF 20 is a special gel that is injected into your knee joint. You may have heard of it under the brand names Synvisc or Synvisc-One.
Think of our knee joint as a hinge in a machine. For this hinge to work properly, it needs to have something like grease. Our joints naturally have a lubricant called synovial fluid. In arthritis, the quality of this natural substance decreases and the cartilage in the joint starts to rub against each other. That's when pain, swelling, and difficulty bending and straightening the joint occur.
So, what this Hylan GF 20 injection does is replace that diminished natural lubricant with a higher quality, thicker substance inside the joint. This is very similar to the component called hyaluronan that is naturally present in our joints. When this is injected into the joint, it acts as a cushion and reduces the friction between the bones. It also acts as a lubricant and makes the joint easier to move. This significantly reduces knee pain.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before deciding whether this treatment is right for you, it is important to tell your doctor about certain things. See the table below. If any of these things apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Things to tell your doctor | |
|---|---|
| Knee condition | If you have severe swelling, infection, or a skin condition at the injection site in your knee. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to this vaccine (Hylan GF 20), hyaluronan, eggs, chicken, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Other health problems | Conditions such as varicose veins in the legs or blood circulation problems (venous stasis). |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How is this vaccine given?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Since this vaccine is injected directly into the knee joint, it must be given by a qualified doctor or healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic.
Typically, Synvisc treatment involves 3 injections, one per week. With Synvisc-One, the treatment is completed with one injection. It is very important to attend the appointments your doctor gives you, depending on the treatment regimen you are receiving. If you are unable to attend on the scheduled date for any reason, please inform your doctor in advance.
This medicine is not approved for use in children, so talk to your doctor about pediatric use.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is administered by a doctor, the risk of an overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Also, if you suspect any poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to be careful about after getting vaccinated
Most people experience pain relief after about 6 months of treatment. However, if your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Most importantly! For the first 48 hours (2 days) after the injection, avoid anything that puts extra strain on the knee, such as jogging, weight lifting, or strenuous exercise. It is very important to rest the joint.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing. |
| Severe joint pain/swelling | Unbearable pain or significant swelling in the knee after receiving the vaccine. |
| Other features | Fever or chills, unusual bleeding or bruising. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| At the injection site | Slight pain, redness, bruising, or inflammation. |
| Minor joint pain | Slight pain or swelling in the knee. |
| Other general characteristics | Headache , dizziness, weakness, feverish feeling, muscle twitching. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Hylan GF 20 is a special injection that is injected into the knee joint to reduce the pain of knee arthritis.
- This adds a lubricant and cushion to the joint, reducing bone friction.
- Before receiving this vaccine, you should tell your doctor all of your health information, especially any allergies.
- Avoid any activities that put strain on your knees for two days after getting the vaccine.
- If you experience severe side effects (severe swelling, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions), notify your doctor immediately.
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