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Hyaluronan User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Monovisc, Orthovisc, Hymovis

Hyaluronan has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 290 reviews on Drugs.com. 55% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 34% reported a negative experience.

Condition Avg. Rating Reviews Compare
Osteoarthritis
6.2
290 reviews for Osteoarthritis 366 medications

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Reviews for Hyaluronan

  • Jen...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 12, 2019

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I have had bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in both knees for about 4 years. On disability. The pain without an anti-inflammatory is unbearable. Cannot walk. Refuse to take opioids. I take 2400 mg of Ibuprofen every day. Really worried about continued use of that amount - my poor stomach. I got my 1st Orthovisc injection in both knees 4 days ago, the injections were nearly pain-free, but the result is now I can barely walk. I seemed to be having an improvement of about 25% the first couple of days, though the injection site was sore. But over the past 24 hours, my worst knee is much more painful and worse than it was before I went. It feels like the gel did not reach the inside of my knee, where my damage is. I am going back Tuesday for the 2nd shot but before I do, I am talking with the doctor. This is terrible. Just terrible. The pain from Orthovisc is constant and nothing helps. Has anyone else experienced this?"

1 / 10
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172 Report
  • Grt...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 6, 2020

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I had my first Monovisc injection in September 2019, my second was due in March 2020, but then COVID hit. Finally, I was able to have the second injections in May 2020. These injections have been great for both knees. I am bone on bone in my right knee. I went to two different Orthopedic Surgeons before having the injections. Both recommended getting them and I am so happy I did. No pain, no issues with the injections, and they help! I will continue with the Monovisc injections until I can't have them or they don't work. Both surgeons said I can continue these until they don't work, some patients continue and never need knee replacement. Wouldn't that be great? It's a big yes vote from me."

10 / 10
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94 Report
  • Sue...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 27, 2019

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "This can take up to 12 weeks to work, which is the case with me. It gets worse before it starts to feel better. Your joint will be inflamed, and I ain't going to lie, relief is NOT immediate. My doctor told me it takes up to 6-8 weeks to work, but from what I read online, it can take 8-12 weeks. I had a baker's cyst behind my knee - I noticed it started to feel better a couple of weeks after the injection. Seriously, a couple of days ago I couldn't move my knee at all, but now it moves so easily and practically no pain. It was like a miracle."

7 / 10
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103 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Bur...
  • March 7, 2021

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I had a Monovisc injection almost 3 years ago after being told by my first doctor I needed knee replacement. I went for a second opinion from a very highly rated specialist. He asked me what made me think I would be better off with a knee replacement. Then he suggested I take the full dose of Monovisc, not smaller ones. He also explained that this only helps 50-60% of the people who take it. I am happy to say it has helped me."

10 / 10
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  • Sun...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 25, 2021

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "So today is my 1st day with this, and as long as I don't move much, I'm pretty ok, not much pain. When I got the injection today, it wasn't painful because I was given a numbing shot 1st, then the gel injection. There was a lot of pressure, which was really uncomfortable but not really painful. Now that the numbing med has worn off, just trying to stand up is a big issue. Also, trying to bend my knees is painful as well. My doc did say that it would be really stiff and possibly painful, but to take some OTC pain relief and to ice my knees to help. The icing of my knees does help, and I find myself just trying to bend them a few times every hour so they don't get too stiff, but getting up from the bed and the amount of bend needed is very painful. I'll come back and update my review in a few days."

5 / 10
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  • Pee...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 10, 2019

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I am going in for my second shot of Orthovisc for both knees. I was extremely skeptical about it but gave it a try since the cortisone treatments only lasted for a few months. My first round of shots of Orthovisc were fantastic! I felt relief in a short space of time. No more concrete-like heaviness in the knees or crackling and shooting pain, except in the winter. Mine were in a lot of pain due to fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, plus a car accident where they got smushed between two cars. So there was A LOT to the pain. Orthovisc worked wonders for me, personally. Plus, it has been helpful for 1-2 years. I can't remember how long it's been, but it's been quite a while, maybe even 3 years. I hope the second round works as well as the first did. And that everyone using it will find similar relief in it."

10 / 10
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92 Report
  • Cat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 25, 2019

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "The injection itself is painful, for sure, and I had my doubts the first few days afterwards when my knee pain was not improved, and seemed to be occurring in different areas than before, like back of the knee. But now I am 10 days post-injection and am in so much less pain, and able to walk, stand, and even sit more comfortably. Hoping it lasts a decent amount of time! Cortisone only worked for 10 days for me."

9 / 10
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88 Report
  • She...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 11, 2021

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I’m 52. I had my first injection of 3 today. It was not a terribly painful injection. But instantly, I could not walk. I stayed in the room for quite some time. I then somehow waddled out to the waiting room. I realized then that I had parked my car very far from the front door. It was the worst pain my knee has ever felt. I’ve had a left total knee done and this pain today is way worse than after surgery pain. So it’s evening now. I’ve wrapped it, iced it, and am doing next to nothing because I cannot put any sort of weight on it without having extreme pain. Even now, resting it is incredibly painful. I sure hope I’ve done the right thing."

1 / 10
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67 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 11, 2019

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I'm 72 with bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in my knees. Orthovisc has been a miracle for me. I got THREE YEARS of relief! I know it doesn't work for everyone, but I feel like a really lucky girl that it works for me. Good luck, everyone!"

10 / 10
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86 Report
  • She...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 29, 2020

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I wrote on here about the Monovisc shots in November. Yesterday, I saw a top orthopedic surgeon, who is a knee specialist. First thing after looking at me with all of the empathy and sympathy I have ever had a doctor look at me... He said, 'Whatever you do, NEVER let anyone give you a shot like this ever again! You can have cortisone shots... that is it!' I have gone through raving nightmares with my knees and the aftereffects with Monovisc!!! Then the problems went into my back. OMG! I hope that no one ever has to go through this ever again. I feel like suing the makers of Monovisc and the sports medicine doctor who gave them to me... who refused to see me after I called about having been rendered unable to walk at all during some of the toughest times I have ever had in my life!!!! Please heed this warning of the specialist I saw!!! I was scared as I could barely take care of myself!!!!"

1 / 10
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74 Report
  • Avo...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 7, 2020

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I started Monovisc about 2 years ago when the bone-on-bone created spurs that were catching on nerves (not fun). My ortho doc said bilateral total knee was my only option, but knee appliances don't last forever, and I didn't want a revision (take it out, insert another) in 20 years. Since I am 'only 50,' I would need another knee around 70, so I am trying to get as much time as I can. I switched docs. My new doc agreed I was young for TKR and put me on Monovisc. AMAZING! I have had zero knee problems with Monovisc. Beware of insurance companies switching you off Monovisc to Duralane instead, it's HORRIBLE and has me bed-bound right now in excruciating pain. If you are on Monovisc, fight to stay on it."

10 / 10
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67 Report
  • boo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 4, 2014

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I was just diagnosed with osteoarthritis and had surgery to fix meniscus tear. Osteoarthritis is bone on bone, tibia and femur, on the outside of my left knee. Probably due to trauma playing soccer. I am a 45-year-old woman. I played soccer since 3rd grade, high school, college, and after. Since 2000, I've mainly only run. January 22, 2014, was my surgery. Just over a month after my surgery, I had my first injection. I did not say anything to anyone because I was surprised at how much better the knee felt. Normally, just walking, I would have sharp pain on the outside of the knee. After the shot, I did not feel this. On day two after the shot, I walked for exercise over 3 miles and my knee felt great. I hope the next 2 injections go just as well and hope this pain-free feeling lasts."

9 / 10
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122 Report
  • Ama...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 29, 2012

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis in both knees. I had a torn meniscus repaired in my left knee a year ago. My knees were killing me. The surgery provided some relief, but they both hurt constantly, and going upstairs or an incline was awful! I had my first of 3 injections last week. The shot was uncomfortable but bearable. My knees hurt pretty bad for the first few days after the shot. Now, almost a week later, my knees feel so much better. It's unbelievable. I had learned to deal with pain when I stood from sitting and pain when I sat down! To not feel the pain when I stand is amazing! I highly recommend the injections!"

8 / 10
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133 Report
  • Jos...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 11, 2013

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "At age 72, I had four weekly shots of Orthovisc on both bone-to-bone knees. During the first 45 minutes after injection, the knees feel like brand new again. Then, it wears off. But... after two weeks upon completion of the four shots, my knees feel wonderful. An amazing treatment, give it some time to really start working."

9 / 10
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113 Report
  • Bel...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 5, 2021

Monovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "When I first started with debilitating arthritis in my right knee, my orthopedic doctor tried a cortisone injection, it was useless. I went back, and he did a Monovisc injection. What a lifesaver! I got relief immediately, that was in 2019. I only have to go once a year for injections, as the benefit of being pain-free lasts that long. As of now, getting injections on both my knees, I have done these injections for three years now. As long as I can continue getting Monovisc, my preferred remedy, I will, as knee surgery is out of the question for me. Love Monovisc!"

10 / 10
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48 Report
  • Als...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 6, 2020

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I am 74 years old, bone-on-bone both knees. Three years ago my right leg kept collapsing, I couldn't walk down subway steps, etc. I started Orthovisc shots in the right knee and just added the left knee. I can now do squats and lunges, etc. (which they said would be totally impossible) with no pain thanks to Orthovisc shots every 6 months and regular exercise to build up muscles around the joints."

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • kmm...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 21, 2021

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "3rd injection of Orthovisc on 2-8-2021. Today and every day for the last week, I wake up and can barely walk. Have to carefully navigate up and down stairs. 62 YO male - always consider myself healthy and active. Knee was getting worse and slowing me a bit. Now I am distressed by the lack of improvement and actually being worse off. Calling doctor tomorrow to see what is up."

1 / 10
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47 Report
  • cic...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 9, 2012

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I am a 72-year-old woman, previously very active - hiking daily, doing yoga daily. I fell and tore meniscus in three places. Four doctors have told me to do knee replacements, however, I have chosen to do Orthovisc - 4 shots every 6 months. As long as I do strengthening exercises, I am 90% pain-free, however, I cannot hike hills or mountains, and yoga is limited. I can swim and cycle. Since I know many with complications from knee surgeries, I will continue on this route. Mind you, I lead a very full life and am on my feet at least 9 hours a day."

9 / 10
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107 Report
  • GYo...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2019

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "27 years old. ACL reconstruction in the left knee (quad tendon graft). Recently diagnosed with OA. Pain and stiffness were getting worse by the day as I have been increasing my activity for the past year playing basketball. I am currently on my second injection and have been pain-free ever since the first injection. My knee has become much more flexible and even stronger. No more crunchiness and stiffness. Orthovisc has simply been amazing and even life-changing for me."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • gre...
  • December 4, 2015

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I was in so much pain from my knees with arthritis, bone rubbing on bone - I had my first set of injections in April. It took a month or so to really feel the effects. No more pain and swelling when standing and doing house cleaning, etc. I had the second set 6 months later. I can go up and down stairs. I can do housework, gardening, and shopping with minimal pain. Best thing I ever did for myself."

9 / 10
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84 Report
  • Red...
  • September 24, 2014

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "While doing a twist in Zumba in January, I felt a pop and terrible pain in my knee. I was in great pain when walking for a month with a knee I have never had a problem with. When I went to the orthopedic doctor, he told me I was bone on bone and a candidate for knee surgery. I am 68 years old, very active, and have never been overweight. I was shocked at the diagnosis. Cortisone gave me no relief. Starting in March, I had one injection for 4 weeks with minimal relief. A month after the last shot (middle of May), I got out of bed with 90% relief and a bit more improvement for 5 to 6 days. It is now 5 months, and I am almost pain-free! I will have this again when it wears off."

10 / 10
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91 Report
  • Suf...
  • February 27, 2020

Hymovis (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I am a 49-year-old male and a past user of Synvisc and Hyalgen, with positive results from both. Unfortunately, I decided to try Hymovis because it came highly recommended by my doctor. What a MISTAKE! This product should be immediately recalled and taken off the market. After the first bi-lateral knee injections, I was very pleased with the results, but shortly thereafter, the second shot it wasn't good. My knees became severely swollen and extremely painful to the point that I had to use crutches, became dizzy, and felt physically ill for over a week after the second shot was administered and had a total of 240 CCs of fluid aspirated from both knees. It's been about two and a half weeks now since my last shot, and I still cannot walk unassisted. Prior to receiving Hymovis injections, I had moderate arthritis, but now I am in so much pain that I feel a total knee replacement might be warranted, and I am currently scheduled to see a knee surgeon. Please do not use Hymovis!"

1 / 10
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49 Report
  • ann...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 30, 2014

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis. I could not bend my knees. Walking was impossible. My Dr. discussed using the cortisone injections. They would help for a week or so, and then back to pain. Well, my Dr. discussed the Orthovisc injections. I'm on my 2nd injection and what a relief. There is some swelling after but nothing ice packs can take care of. I recommend these injections for me... they worked. Now hopefully they will help for 6 months... but I would certainly have them again."

10 / 10
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81 Report
  • Cit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 15, 2013

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I took my 2nd injection two days ago, and for the first time in two years, I can bend my left knee to a much greater degree. I feel very optimistic about playing tennis again. I was told that I am on bone and bone and needed a knee replacement. Go try this injection before considering surgery."

8 / 10
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85 Report
  • Sho...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 21, 2014

Orthovisc (hyaluronan) for Osteoarthritis "I have arthritis in both shoulders. It's a wear-and-tear issue as I'm 68 years old and have been exercising fanatically for 50 years. My orthopedic doctor recommended Orthovisc injections, and I have had great results. I wholeheartedly recommend Orthovisc. Some studies have shown that people facing replacement issues have been able to put off the surgery or even avoid it altogether when following a regimen of two series a year with Orthovisc."

9 / 10
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77 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.