Durolane

The active ingredient in Durolane is hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate).

Durolane works by increasing the thickness and cushioning ability of synovial fluid inside the knee joint. The injected hyaluronic acid acts like a lubricant and shock absorber, helping reduce friction between the bones. This can improve joint movement, decrease stiffness, and relieve pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Because it stays in the joint for an extended period, a single injection may provide relief for several months.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Durolane. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Durolane:

• Durolane is injected directly into the knee joint by a trained healthcare professional.
• It is given as a single intra-articular injection.
• Your healthcare provider will clean the skin and may remove excess synovial fluid before injecting the medication.
• After the injection, you may be asked to gently bend and straighten your knee to help distribute the product.
• Avoid strenuous activity, jogging, or prolonged weight-bearing for 48 hours after the injection.
• Do not attempt to inject Durolane yourself under any circumstances.
• If you have any pain or swelling at the injection site, applying a cold compress may help. Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

Some mild or common side effects of Durolane seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Temporary knee pain.
• Mild swelling in the knee joint.
• Injection site discomfort.
• Warmth or redness around the knee.
• Joint stiffness.
• Bruising or skin irritation at the injection site.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Durolane. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of a knee joint infection, such as severe pain, fever, warmth, or significant swelling.
• Severe allergic reactions, including hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face.
• Intense or worsening joint pain.
• Rapid increase in redness or heat around the joint.
• Signs of significant inflammation, which may indicate an adverse reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Durolane. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Durolane, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• A known allergy to hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate.
• Any active infection, especially around the knee.
• Skin diseases or open wounds at the planned injection site.
• A history of knee joint infections.
• Severe joint inflammation or previous reactions to viscosupplementation.
• Plans for strenuous activity or athletic events should be made shortly after injection.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have recently received steroid injections or other treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

Durolane should not be used in individuals who:

• Have an infection or active skin disease at the injection site.
• Have a known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid or related ingredients.
• Have active joint infections.
• Are unable to avoid strenuous exercise for the recommended period after treatment.
• Your healthcare provider will evaluate whether Durolane is appropriate for your specific condition.

Pain relief typically begins within a few days to a few weeks after the injection. Many patients experience improvement for up to six months, although results vary.

The full effect often depends on the severity of knee osteoarthritis, activity level, and overall joint health.

When Durolane is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Other knee injections, including corticosteroids (methylprednisolone).
• Oral analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
• Treatments for osteoarthritis, like Synvisc-One, Supartz FX, or similar viscosupplementation products.
• Supplements marketed for joint support.
• Medications that may increase bleeding or bruising.
• Because Durolane is delivered directly into the knee, systemic drug interactions are minimal, but it is still important to review all medications with your healthcare provider.

Durolane is supplied as a single-use prefilled syringe containing a sterile hyaluronic acid gel for injection into the knee.

It is available in a standard formulation intended for one intra-articular injection per treatment cycle.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Durolane is manufactured by Bioventus, a company specialising in orthopaedic treatments and joint-care products, including viscosupplementation therapies.

There is no generic version of Durolane currently available. Similar viscosupplementation products exist, but none are considered true generics.

Since Durolane is given as a single injection, there is no daily dosing to stop. However, if you experience worsening joint pain, swelling, or symptoms of infection after the injection, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. Durolane has not been well-studied in pregnant women, so your healthcare provider will determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. Because Durolane works within the joint and has limited systemic absorption, the risk to a nursing infant is considered low, but you should still discuss this with your healthcare provider.