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Published: August 19, 2024

Does Synvisc Cause Weight Gain?

When considering treatments for osteoarthritis knee pain, especially the ones that go beyond the intake of simple analgetics or the usage of physiotherapy, many patients worry about their potential side effects. Among the common concerns is whether Synvisc (or, more precisely, Synvisc Hylan G-F), a popular injectable medication for the pain in the knee, might lead to weight gain. If you are wondering whether it could tip the scales, this article dives into the facts and separates myth from reality. Let’s explore if there’s any truth behind this common concern.

Before We Start

Synvisc Hylan G-F is an injectable treatment intended for professional use. In other words, it belongs to the class of osteoarthritis-related knee joint pain relievers that might be administered exclusively by certified healthcare providers with valid medical licenses.

What Is Synvisc?

Before talking about the relation between the Synvisc treatment and weight gain, let us take a close look at its definition, composition, indications, contraindications, expected results, and possible side effects. How about going through the information below together right away?

Does Synvisc Cause Weight Gain

Definition

Synvisc is a minimally invasive injectable treatment designed to alleviate joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (or, in other words, it is a medication developed to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis). Its active ingredient, hylan G-F 20, works by replacing the depleted hyaluronic acid in the affected joint, helping to restore comfort and mobility.

Produced by Sanofi, a leading pharmaceutical company known for its innovation, Synvisc is part of a broad portfolio that includes other well-known medications such as Adlyxin, Allegra, Apidra, Dupixent, and Ranexa. These drugs address a variety of health conditions, ranging from allergies to diabetes.

The flagship product of the Synvisc line is Synvisc-One (hylan G-F 20), a prescription medication recognized for its safety, quality, and effectiveness. It typically does not cause any serious side effects, making it a reliable option for those seeking relief from joint pain.

Composition

The Synvisc injection is composed of hylan polymers (derived from chicken combs) and sodium chloride. This combination of the substance called hyaluronan (which, by the way, occurs naturally in the human body) and sodium chloride forms an effective formula that mimics and replaces the synovial fluid in a patient’s joint.

It is also worth mentioning that the blend of hylan polymers and sodium chloride is particularly effective in reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. As a result, Synvisc-One is commonly known as a Synvisc knee injection.

Indications

Synvisc is mainly prescribed to alleviate knee pain and improve joint mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. Typically, Synvisc knee injections are recommended when other non-invasive treatments for osteoarthritis-related knee pain have been tried without success.

It is important to say that the common non-invasive approaches to managing osteoarthritis-related knee pain include physical therapy and the use of simple analgesics. These methods often serve as effective supportive treatments and can be used in conjunction with a Synvisc injection.

Contraindications

Although serious side effects from Synvisc are uncommon, the treatment is not suitable for every patient. To reduce the risk of complications, Synvisc should not be administered if the patient has any of the following contraindications:

  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to birds, feathers, or egg products (as the primary ingredient in Synvisc is hylan G-F 20);
  • A patient history of serious chronic diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, untreated epilepsy, skin disease, or autoimmune disorders);
  • An active infection near the injection site;
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
  • And so on.

There may also be additional individual contraindications for Synvisc injections. It is the responsibility of the healthcare provider to carefully assess the patient’s current health status to ensure that Synvisc is safe for use in each specific case.

Expected Results

In most cases, the effects of Synvisc begin to show by the fourth week after the injection. By this time, patients typically experience significant pain relief in the treated joint, allowing them to regain full mobility.

The results of Synvisc generally last up to six months, though this can vary depending on factors like age, overall health, and lifestyle. Periodic touch-up treatments may extend the duration of its effects.

As concurrently controlled clinical trials show, a patient is not expected to have any severe pain, severe swelling (no matter whether we talk about body or facial swelling), or any other severe symptom after undergoing the treatment.

IMPORTANT:
To maximize the positive results of the Synvisc treatment, it is important to avoid prolonged weight-bearing activities and unexpected drug interactions in two to five days after the procedure. While the temporary pain after the Synvisc treatment might be effectively addressed with the application of an ice pack to the injection site (shortly after it, a patient is expected to feel pain relief).

Possible Side Effects

While studying the Synvisc potential adverse events, clinical trials have shown that the treatment usually leads to generally mild side effects and does not pose serious health risks. Most of these side effects do not appear in nine patients out of ten patients. Moreover, they typically subside within two to five days after the procedure without the need for medical attention.

The Synvisc device-related adverse events vary from one patient to another. Still, as the injected joint clinical trials show, the following adverse events are the most typical ones:

  • Discomfort at the injection site;
  • Pain in the legs;
  • Tenderness;
  • Uncomfortable swelling;
  • Fluid buildup around the treated area;
  • Joint stiffness or swelling;
  • Joint effusion;
  • Headache;
  • Muscle cramps (especially knee muscle pain);
  • Itching of the skin around the injected knee;
  • Redness of the skin;
  • Rash sprain;
  • Peripheral edema;
  • Knee joint infections;
  • And rare reports of other adverse events and injection site reactions (such as upper chest tingling of the hands or feet).

While the adverse events identified after the Synvisc treatment are usually mild and not harmful, it is advisable to contact your healthcare provider if any unexpected medical events occurred shortly after the procedure. In most cases, the most common adverse events might be easily and effectively reduced by a non-invasive symptomatic therapy of the treated patients (for instance, non-drug treatments).

IMPORTANT:
If an injection of Synvisc caused pronounced pain, strong injected knee swelling, hardly bearable lower legs swelling, pulse pain, or lymphatic or venous stasis, a patient should seek for medical help as soon as possible. Such reactions might lead to serious complications unless properly treated in time.

 

What Is the Relation Between Synvisc and Weight Gain?

Although not being mentioned above, many people consider weight gain to be one more potential side effect of Synvisc. But is it really so? And does Synvisc promote the appearance of extra kilos? Well, let us try to find an answer to this question together!

It is worth remembering that Synvisc is an injectable treatment of osteoarthritis-related knee main that works as a lubricant and shock absorber. In other words, it does a great job when it comes to mimicking the natural synovial fluid in the affected knee joint, improving lubrication and reducing discomfort.

At the same time, it has nothing to do with the hormones responsible for weight. Thus, there is no evidence to suggest that Synvisc causes weight gain. The treatment is focused on joint relief, and any changes in weight are more likely related to other factors such as changes in physical activity levels due to reduced pain, rather than the injection itself.

Moreover, there have been no statistically significant differences in weight gain between the patients who have undergone only one injection of the medication and patients who have undergone three injections of the treatment. In both cases, weight gain has not been among the adverse events accounted after the treatment.

Just in case a patient has concerns about weight gain or other uncommon and common adverse events reported after the Synvisc treatment (such as knee joint infection, stiffness, pain, and so on), it might be the best option to consult with a healthcare provider.

Relation Between Synvisc and Weight Gain

A Bottom Line

In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence linking Synvisc injections to weight gain. Synvisc is designed to alleviate joint pain caused by osteoarthritis, not to influence body weight. Any changes in weight following treatment are likely due to increased mobility and activity levels rather than the injection itself. As with any medical treatment, it’s important to discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best possible care tailored to your individual needs.

Post Scriptum

If you are a certified healthcare provider with a valid medical license who is currently looking for a beneficial place to buy Synvisc wholesale, rely on OGOMED. Here, you will find a wide range of professional medical and aesthetic treatments offered at advantageous prices.

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