Sodium hyaluronate is a substance similar to the fluid that envelopes your joints and acts as a lubricant. It is used to treat knee pain in osteoarthritis patients and is often given when other treatments have been ineffective. This drug has not been approved for use in persons under 21.

Inform your doctor of your medical history, especially if you’ve had blood clots or circulation issues in your legs or an allergy to birds, feathers, and egg products. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant. Sodium hyaluronate is usually injected by a health-care provider. You usually take this medicine once a week for 3-5 weeks. You may be asked to rest your knee or apply ice to it after your injection. Notify your physician if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Notify your physician if you miss a dose.

Do not use this drug if you have an infection in your knee or in the skin around it. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours after your injection. Avoid weight-bearing activities for longer than 1 hour. Ask your doctor how to fit these activities into your life.

Get immediate medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction. Contact your doctor at once if you have severe pain or swelling in the knee area. Other side effects include warmth and pain at the injection site, nausea, stomach pain, trouble walking, swelling in hands or feet, back/joint/muscle pain, numbness and tingling, headache, dizziness, and cold symptoms. Other drugs may interact with this medication, so inform your doctor of all other drugs you take before starting this medication.