Hyalgan Caution For Usage

Instruction for Use/Handling: Hyalgan is for intra-articular injection and is supplied as a single-use, ready-to-use, sterile solution in a 2mL vial or prefilled syringe and must not be diluted. The contents of the vial and syringe are sterile and must be used immediately once the container has been opened.
Intra-articular injection of Hyalgan should be made using precise, anatomical localisation into the joint cavity of the knee to be treated. The injection site in the knee is determined by that location which is easier to reach. Usually a lateral approach can be followed, but in some cases a medial approach is preferable. Strict aseptic precautions should be observed during the administration. The solution in the vial requires a suitable sterile disposable syringe and needle while the solution in the prefilled syringe is ready for use and requires only a sterile disposable needle. To ensure sterility, the injection site must be carefully cleansed with antiseptic. Care should be taken to expel any trapped air bubbles from the syringe containing Hyalgan prior to administration.
Joint effusion, if present, should be aspirated by arthrocentesis prior to injection of Hyalgan. The arthrocentesis should be made using a 20 gauge needle and the joint should be aspirated to almost dryness, but not to a degree that would compromise the accuracy of the subsequent Hyalgan injection. An appropriate examination of the joint fluid present should be carried out to exclude bacterial infection, prior to injection.
The intra-articular injection of Hyalgan can be given using the same needle as used for the arthrocentesis by simply detaching the aspirating syringe and attaching the syringe containing Hyalgan. To make sure the needle is correctly positioned, some synovial fluid should be aspirated prior to the slow injection of Hyalgan. If the patient experiences pain during injection, the procedure may need to be stopped.
For the first 48 hours after the injection, the patient should be advised to rest the treated knee, with as little exercise as possible, avoiding any strenuous or prolonged activity. Subsequently, they may gradually return to their normal level of activity.
Discard any unused Hyalgan.
Incompatibilities: There are currently insufficient data to support the compatibility of Hyalgan with other drugs administered intra-articularly. Therefore, the mixing or simultaneous administration with other intra-articular drugs is not recommended.