Note: This document contains side effect information about hylan g-f 20. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Synvisc.

Applies to hylan g-f 20: solution.

Serious side effects of Synvisc

Along with its needed effects, hylan g-f 20 (the active ingredient contained in Synvisc) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hylan g-f 20:

More common

• Difficulty with moving
• fluid build up around the knee
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain and stiffness in the joints

Less common

• Bleeding after defecation
• bluish color
• changes in skin color
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• pain or aching in the lower legs
• swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs
• tenderness
• uncomfortable swelling around the anus
• warmth or swelling of the joints

Rare

• Redness in the joints

Incidence not known

• Black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blood in the urine or stools
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chills
• feeling of warmth
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• muscle cramps
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid weight gain
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects of Synvisc

Some side effects of hylan g-f 20 may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Itching of the skin
• rash
• sprain in the lower back

Rare

• Pain at the injection site

Incidence not known

• Dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to hylan g-f 20: intra-articular solution.

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Rash, itching, hives, itching, face swelling, generalized urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Hemorrhoids, nausea, tonsillitis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Low back sprain, calf cramps, muscle cramps

Postmarketing reports: Acute inflammation (e.g., joint pain, swelling, effusion, joint warmth and/or stiffness)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Tachyarrhythmia, phlebitis with varicosities, flushing^[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness, chills, paresthesia^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Respiratory difficulty^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Synovial eosinophilia^[Ref]

Local

Postmarketing reports: Injection site pain, injection site swelling^[Ref]

Hematologic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Ankle edema, fever, peripheral edema, malaise^[Ref]