Euflexxa and Swelling: What Users Say

• Ex ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2014

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 60-year-old male and active tennis player that is almost bone-on-bone in both knees. My orthopedist has recommended replacements. I opted to try Euflexxa. I had both knees injected in April of 2013 and again 7 months later. Both procedures have given me amazing relief. My doc lowered my expectations on the first round, so I didn't have high hopes. I was more than pleasantly surprised! Without these shots, I would be facing immediate surgery. I endorse Euflexxa highly. I did learn a trick: Ice your knee(s) 30 minutes BEFORE the injection! I had close to zero injection pain as a result. Also, ice afterwards to reduce inflammation. Good luck all..."

• Kne...
• April 30, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I'm about to start my third round of Euflexxa. I tried Synvisc-1 twice with great results but only lasting 4-6 months. My first round of Euflexxa lasted almost 15 months, and I was pain-free most of that time. The second round was almost 18 months! No significant side effects, a little swelling and pain after shots, but not for long. I am very physically active; I teach or take Pilates 6 times a week, take yoga 3 times a week, and do deep water aerobics 3 times a week, in addition to walking my dogs twice a day. This medicine is a godsend. I am hoping to avoid TKR for as long as possible and stay happily active as well."

• joh...
• February 10, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I am a 36-year-old male police officer and avid outdoor enthusiast. I had my 2nd ACL surgery in 2012. I am very active, and having constant knee pain was not an option. My doctor decided to try Orthovisc injections to help with the arthritis. The Orthovisc worked great. Unfortunately, my insurance required my doctor to switch to Euflexxa. After my first injection, I was in incredible pain. The second shot, my knee swelled, and the pain was unbearable. The third shot was even worse. I ran a fever, had nausea, headaches; basic flu-like symptoms. I have read a lot of the reviews on this website. It seems like patients either have good results or results like mine. I want future patients to be aware of the potential risks."

• Jas...
• December 5, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "I've had 3 series of Euflexxa with good relief from bone-on-bone pain as long as I don't overdo. They make it easier to walk and reduce general pain and stiffness. They also help significantly with preventing my knee from going into a sublux position. The injections themselves aren't painful, just uncomfortable. My doctor uses a topical anesthetic and is very gentle. Any pain is brief. I have some very minimal bleeding and swelling at the injection site and take it easy afterward. I'm so grateful for Euflexxa. I received injections of Synvisc (similar, but with actual rooster comb as opposed to a synthetic) before. They worked great and I needed only 1 shot, not 3, but like many, I had a severe painful reaction with repeat injections."

• Ale...
• October 19, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I have osteoarthritis, bone on bone, both knees. The pain in the right knee is worse than the left. I had no relief from a cortisone injection. The right knee was injected with Euflexxa. About 72 hours post-injection, I developed bruising and swelling in the area that was injected. I was nauseous, hot, and sweaty, but had no fever. The knee was extremely painful, with increased swelling. Nothing relieved the pain. The doctor aspirated fluid and sent it for analysis and sent me for blood work. Results were normal. My experience with Euflexxa has been a nightmare. I still have pain at night and cannot sleep, and there is a constant nagging pain in the area where injected that is hard and extends upward a few inches. The doctor cannot tell me what happened. He has referred me to a surgeon to discuss knee replacement. I am thoroughly depressed over the entire experience, not to mention the constant pain."

• Bet...
• July 9, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "After severe swelling of my knee, my doctor decided that I was allergic to the stuff. Of course, this was AFTER he put all three shots in. I haven't been able to work as an ICU nurse for 3 months due to complications. I now have had to have surgery to remove the stuff from my knee. It has led to a sed rate of 56 (normal is 30) and swelling of the joints in my hands. I would not recommend this to anyone."

• Cri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "I'm a 43-year-old with a left knee that has osteoporosis. I had my meniscus repaired by surgery. I went to the required physical therapy. Everything was fine until it started hurting and swelling again. The orthopedic doctor then gave a steroid injection to my knee, and my knee got much better, but because I knew that would probably be a temporary relief, I wanted a bit more long-term solution. My doctor then suggested I get the Euflexxa shots. I agreed and was hoping for longer relief. I received one injection, and that was enough for me. My knee was hurting for almost two weeks, I could barely walk, it was swollen, and medication was not giving me relief at all. Now, almost a month later, my knee is not better. It still gets swollen, it hurts, and I can't walk like I used to right before the Euflexxa injection. I regret getting this injection and do not recommend the injection to anyone. It was a waste of money and a waste of time getting it."

• Tmo...
• June 22, 2017

For Osteoarthritis "Had my last of three injections in my left knee on June 2, 2017. I had about a week of minimal pain and some return of movement. Today, June 21, 2017, the pain is about twice as bad as before the injections, and my knee is swelled up so bad it's hard to put on jeans. The swelling has also moved down to my ankle. My left ankle is twice the size of my right ankle. My doctor told me to come back in 6 weeks for a cortisone 'booster' if I still felt pain. If I might need a 'booster', why was this expensive trash recommended in the first place?"

• Sla...
• November 7, 2013

For Osteoarthritis "I am 71 years old, and both knees are bone on bone. Total knee replacements are not an option for me. I was getting cortisone shots every few months, and they were helpful. The doctor advised me Euflexxa may help me, and I was given my 1st shot in the office, but with every shot I felt worse. I advised the doctor that the pain was so extreme that I couldn't walk. One week after the 3rd shot, I was given a cortisone injection in both knees, and one week later my left leg swelled up, and I was admitted to the hospital with a flesh-eating disease. I was close to 2 days from death and in surgery within a day to remove the bacteria. I was in the hospital and rehab for almost 4 months and am still in a wheelchair, getting home nurse care and on antibiotics."

• 101...
• December 7, 2015

For Osteoarthritis "After years of pain, I decided to get relief with 'Euflexxa' shots. Worst decision I ever made. I got my first shot on 11-4-15, and I have been sick with a fever-99.3 - 101.5 since then, and it is now 12-6-15. I went back to the doctor who gave me the 2 shots for the 3rd shot on 11-18-15 and showed him the swelling in my neck, along with the constant fever, muscle spasms, back and shoulder pain, headaches, joint pain, feeling weak, and constant terrible neck pain, so I can't drive. The doctor said that I have had an adverse reaction to 'Euflexxa' as after the first 2 shots my fever spiked within 24 hours. He wouldn't give me the 3rd shot, and told me to apply ice on my neck swelling and allow the 'Euflexxa' to wear off. Horrible nightmare-never again."

• aly...
• December 3, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "Despite the reviews I read about Euflexxa, I received my first injection yesterday. I was scared at first, but I did it anyway. I have an excellent doctor. He explained everything before the injections. He said I would feel the initial stick and then pressure from the medicine going in. He also said I might have swelling and pain at the injection site the next day. I am pleased to report not only did I not feel the pressure, I did not have any pain or swelling at the injection site the next day. When I woke up, I had zero pain in my knee. I am glad I decided to get this injection. I can't wait to see what the second injection will make me feel like."

• Gro...
• April 25, 2019

For Osteoarthritis "This is my 2nd round of Euflexxa after the 1st round didn't work, it was decided that I should have arthroscopic surgery removing the torn part of my meniscus. Both times, the side effects were swelling, body aches, knees swelled, and hurt. So I'm done with Euflexxa. My opinion - not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I took all three shots of Euflexxa about 10 weeks ago. The shots themselves were somewhat painful, however, tolerable. I have not experienced any relief from the pain of having had the shots done. I still have lots of swelling in my knee, and I'm limping even more."

• Deb...
• April 16, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I have had 3 injections of Euflexxa in both knees in a 2-year period. (Each treatment lasted approx 9 mos.) After each injection, I experienced swelling and some discomfort for approx 3 days, but rest and ice took care of it. 2 weeks after the 3rd injection, both times I could return to walking, climbing steps, and riding my bike with no mobility issues or pain. I was so happy to have Euflexxa. Knee replacement is not an option for me due to a blood clotting disorder. Last week, I went in for my 1st injection in year 3. 12 hours after injections, I presented with pain, severe headaches, nausea, fever (100.8-101.6), chills, aches. I contacted the Dr. who said I was having a reaction to Euflexxa. The other 6 injections never did this. I am going on my 4th day of terrible side effects and have no idea how long this will last. The Dr. canceled my future injections. Before you try, question your Dr. on side effects and if you are high risk for an allergic reaction. It is not worth the risk."

• Kne...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "I had meniscus repair in December 2015. The doctor tore my hamstring during the process, so I ended up in PT for 6 weeks. Within a couple of months, I was walking 3 miles a day again. By the end of April, my knee was swelling and painful. Had cortisone shots twice, and they didn't help. The doctor recommended Euflexxa. I noticed a positive difference after the 1st and 2nd shot for a day or two at a time, both shots did not hurt. By the time I had the 3rd shot, it hurt so bad I cried, and my husband had to carry me out of the doctor's office. My knee has been like a cantaloupe ever since, and my other joints are swelling and achy. Nothing positive has come from these shots for me. I'm scheduled now for a partial knee replacement this December."

• Sue...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Terrible experience. I had the first and last of three Euflexxa injections a few weeks ago, and after my knees swelled to unrecognizable. I told the doctor that I'm not getting the second and third injections. He initially refused to aspirate my right knee, which swelled more than the left knee, yet did last week. I am very disappointed and sad that he will not remove more fluid, and I may seek another doctor. This is no way to live. I reported the side effects to the FDA. I wish I'd read this site before he offered this to me."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2021

For Osteoarthritis "I did not have a good experience with Euflexxa. I was recovering from a tibial plateau fracture with a plate installed. The surgeon thought the Euflexxa might help. The injections caused my knee swelling to double in size and the pain level to intensify dramatically. It's been 2 months, and my pain level continues to be around an '8', where it was about a '4' prior to the injections. My activity level went from being able to walk for exercise about 3-4 miles a day and hike 6 miles weekly to not being able to walk any distance without swelling and pain that puts me to bed. I can only handle the basic household chores and nothing that requires standing for any length of time. This was the worst decision I and my surgeon ever made to have these injections. Euflexxa has ruined my life. A second opinion surgeon has suggested total knee replacement at this point. I am devastated."

• HBD...
• December 29, 2016

For Osteoarthritis "After 3 years of astounding results from Supartz, I had to miss injections due to having ObamaCare, where my policy was not accepted by my Ortho MD for 15 months. Medicare is accepted, and I returned for my semi-annual injection series, wherein he told me he has seen slightly better results with Euflexxa. After the first injection, I noticed significant swelling associated with an increase in pain from zero to 3. After the second injection, the swelling had increased and pain worsened to a 6, with my inability to climb stairs. The third injection was followed by a steroid to help reduce the swelling, and an infection was ruled out. I am now scheduled for an MRI. Supartz works, Euflexxa does not."

• Ire...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 28, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "I had 4 Hyalgan injections 7 years ago, which caused me great pain. I refused the 5th injection because I could barely walk. The doctor recommended Euflexxa because he said this was a different formula. I had 3 injections, a week apart. For about a month, my knee felt better. Now it has been 8 months, and I think this stuff is leaking out from the bottom of the kneecap. When that happens, I can barely walk. Pain and swelling are getting worse. The doctor's PA asked if I was ready for more Euflexxa injections. I refused. No more! Now, I don't know what to do."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "Six weeks after my third injection, my right knee, which was the better of the two, is now worse. I have more pain and a lot of inflammation. My left knee is only mildly better and is still unstable. I paid a lot of money for more pain."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2018

For Osteoarthritis "Severe swelling in the right leg. Swelling of the right eye and headache on the same side. Pain prevented mobility."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 15, 2023

For Osteoarthritis "After the third injection, my knee and lower leg immediately swelled. The doctor, after a 10-day wait, drained the knee and administered a cortisone injection. The knee and leg never got better."