Hyalgan is similar to the fluid that surrounds the joints in your body. This fluid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints.

Hyalgan is used to treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Hyalgan is usually given when other arthritis medications have not been effective.

Hyalgan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive a Hyalgan if you have an infection in your knee or in the skin around your knee.

Hyalgan is injected directly into your knee joint. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Hyalgan is usually given once every week for 3 to 5 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

To prevent pain and swelling, your doctor may recommend resting your knee or applying ice for a short time after your injection.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should not receive Hyalgan if you are allergic to it, or if you have an infection in your knee or in the skin around your knee.

Hyalgan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 21 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• blood clots or circulation problems in your legs; or

• an allergy to birds, feathers, or egg products.

It is not known whether Hyalgan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Hyalgan.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

For at least 48 hours after your injection, avoid jogging, strenuous activity, or high-impact sports such as soccer or tennis. Also avoid weight-bearing activity or standing for longer than 1 hour at a time. Ask your doctor how long to wait before you resume these activities.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Hyalgan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe pain or swelling around the knee after the injection.

Common side effects of Hyalgan may include:

• warmth, pain, redness, stiffness, bruising, or puffiness where the medicine was injected;

• nausea, stomach pain;

• trouble walking;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• back pain, joint pain, muscle pain;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• headache, dizziness; or

• runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect Hyalgan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.