MONOVISC®

WHAT IS MONOVISC®?
MONOVISC®, a single-application hyaluronic acid injectable by Anika Therapeutics, is indicated for treating knee osteoarthritis. Among other viscosupplement options, Monovisc boasts its sterile, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate substance with a 22mg/mL concentration. The non-animal sodium hyaluronate comes from bacteria fermentation, reducing the risk of hypersensitivity in patients.
Monovisc comes in a single 4mL prefilled syringe with implant fluid. It is also accompanied by traceability labels, a product manual, and other information. All contents must be sterilized. This item should not be frozen.
CAN IT BE USED FOR TREATING KNEE PAIN?
MONOVISC® can be used to provide a viscosupplement to patients with painful symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. The protective fluid and tissues that protect the joints from this progressive disease wear down, causing the bones to contract and rub together. The substance is injected and protects the bones from friction contact, making movements smoother.
MONOVISC® can supplement or replace other osteoarthritis management treatments in the knee, such as weight loss, taking analgesics and supplements, and wearing rehabilitation gear. Viscosupplements like Monovisc injections can also help patients delay total knee replacement surgery.
HOW DOES IT WORK FOR KNEE PAIN?
Osteoarthritis, a progressive disorder caused by the breakdown of cartilage between the joints, is irreversible. This is most commonly seen in older patients and may be caused by a strong family history. The healthy joint is composed of bones that are covered by articular cartilage and provide smooth movement. The cartilage also produces a lubricating fluid between the bones, preventing direct contact, absorbing sudden impacts, and providing more lubrication to allow normal movement. Osteoarthritis can cause damage to articular cartilage, causing bones to grind against one another with more friction. Osteoarthritis patients often feel agonizing knee pain, swelling, and loss of movement.
MONOVISC® is for patients who have not been able to manage their osteoarthritis symptoms using other pharmacological (e.,g. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or prescribed drugs such as celecoxib are available, but there are also non-pharmacological options (e.,g. Some possible treatments are weight loss, diet changes, proper exercise, and wearing mobility support gear.
Inject Monovisc into the affected knee joint for the high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate to replace the lubricating fluid lost in the affected joint contact areas. The implant substance creates a protective, slippery layer over the bones. The bone can move easily without any painful friction or contact, reducing knee pain and restoring mobility and quality of life for patients.
HOW TO INJECT IT INTO THE KNEE?
After determining a patient’s suitability for MONOVISC® treatment, this viscosupplement can only be injected intra-articularly. Any fluid buildup should be removed immediately, and the needle should be thrown away. Make sure that the prefilled syringe remains in its original packaging and has not expired. Aseptically remove the syringe from its packaging and attach a suitable (18G to 21G) needle.
After thorough skin sanitization, a medical professional administers Monovisc into the knee joint. Properly dispose of any product or used needles, as they pose a biological risk. MONOVISC® can be a convenient alternative procedure for knee pain and other chronic osteoarthritis symptoms. Instead of receiving multiple injections every week, a single dose is sufficient to improve symptoms.
The injection site and the severity of the damage will determine how much is required. This is a medical procedure, and only qualified medical professionals should perform it. You should not inject the product into any blood vessels or nearby tissues. Doing so could cause life-threatening reactions, such as blood clots and stroke. Refer to the product manual for a complete list of precautions and instructions.
HOW LONG DOES THIS INJECTABLE GEL LAST?
MONOVISC® can provide pain relief for up to six months with a single treatment. However, individual results may vary. It’s essential to discover Monovisc through qualified and licensed healthcare providers to ensure a complete understanding of the product and treatment before making informed treatment decisions.
IS THIS PRODUCT SAFE?
MONOVISC®, a safe viscosupplement, has been refined to be free of harmful endotoxins and animal proteins. The formulation actually contains ultra-pure, non-avian hyaluronic acid, which sustains knee pain relief. It shares the same viscoelastic properties as the slippery synovial fluid. Patients are very unlikely to develop foreign body reactions. This single injection is contraindicated for some people because it is made through a bacterial fermentation process.
Patients with skin conditions or inflammation around the joints and infections are not advised to use this implant. The safety profile remains unknown for pregnant and nursing mothers and children. If your patients suffer from systemic bleeding disorders, you should exercise extra caution. For a complete list of contraindications, refer to the product manual.
Furthermore, its US Food and Drug Administration approval makes it appealing among viscosupplement options. The FDA has rigorously conducted clinical trials, studies, and evaluations to ensure its safety and efficacy before it is released into the market.
MONOVISC® SIDE EFFECTS
While Monovisc knee injections are generally well-tolerated and have a favorable safety profile, individuals must be aware of potential side effects. These side effects are usually temporary and tend to resolve as the body adjusts to the injectable. Most patients experience a reduction in these side effects within a few days.
Medical professionals should also address the rare but severe side effects associated with Monovisc. Providing patients a thorough understanding of these potential risks enables them to make informed healthcare decisions. Moreover, if these symptoms occur or persist, patients should seek immediate medical attention to ensure prompt and proper management, thereby avoiding further complications.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS:

Arthralgia (joint pain)
Temporary swelling and redness
Pain at the treated site

Like any other non-invasive viscosupplementation procedure, patients should rest the treated area by not participating in strenuous exercises like jogging and tennis. They should also avoid activities that last longer than an hour. You may also recommend applying a cold compress at the injection site to lessen these typical reactions.
RARE ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Allergic reactions
Infections

If patients do not recover from these reactions or develop allergic attacks,s (e.g., swollen tongue and mouth, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness, body aches), urge them to get immediate medical attention. Refer to the product manual for a detailed list of adverse reactions.
Patients should remain alert for unusual or severe symptoms following Monovisc knee injections. Promptly recognizing and reporting these symptoms to medical professionals can help ensure proper management and prevent further risks.
WHAT IS IT MADE OF?
MONOVISC® is a sodium hyaluronate viscosupplement derived via bacterial fermentation. The molecules are highly purified and extracted before being partially cross-linked to produce an elastic and viscous substance. The substance is biocompatible and biodegradable. After administering, it covers and lubricates the bones for better motion and support.