The Side Effects of Hyalgan

Hyalgan is one of several brand names in the United States for a generic drug called hyaluronate sodium. A doctor may prescribe Hyalgan for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, specifically of the knee, the Mayo Clinic reports. The organization states that hyaluronate mimics a shock-absorbing lubricant normally found naturally in the joints. Taking injections of Hyalgan can help to reduce the pain of the patient suffering from osteoarthritis. It can produce some side effects, although serious ones do not commonly occur.

Pain

Taking the Hyalgan injections can induce some pain side effects, Drugs.com indicates. The person may feel prolonged pain at the site of injection, meaning the pain may last beyond the normal sting of the needle. The medication can cause the person to experience pain in his back, far from the injection site. He may get headaches and feel pain in his stomach from taking the drug, the Mayo Clinic reports. He may feel a general sensation of bodily aches, Drugs.com states. None of these painful side effects classifies as serious and all of them typically cease without the help of a medical professional. Seek medical aid if the pain seems severe or does not end within a few days of the injection.

Gastric Problems

The use of Hyalgan can cause discomfort in the person's stomach other than pain. She may feel nauseated because of the injections and she may vomit. She may lose her appetite temporarily following each injection, the Mayo Clinic reports. Lower down, she may experience diarrhea along with the potential for abdominal cramps. Get advice from a doctor if any of these nonserious side effects continues or occurs severely.

Inflammation

Hyalgan can produce some inflammation in the knee where it is injected, Drugs.com reports. This generally occurs as a temporary phenomenon and should cease by itself. Ask the doctor for help if inflammation continues or feels severe.

Skin Problems

The person using Hyalgan to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis may find he has some skin problems. His skin may itch for a time following the injection. He may notice large patches of purple or blue on his skin. While these may be alarming, they classify as nonserious and should go away on their own.

References

Article reviewed by Dan Mausner Last updated on: Sep 30, 2010

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