Drug reference

hyaluronic acid

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Drug class

Musculoskeletal (Miscellaneous(Musculoskeletal))

Mechanism of action

When injected intra-articularly, supplements joint cushioning to temporarily provide pain relief caused by osteoarthritis. High molecular weight polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of sodium glucuronate and N-acetylglucosamine; derived from bacterial cells.

Common side effects

  • Pruritus
  • Arthralgia
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Firmness
  • Bruising
  • Lumps/bumps

Contraindications

  • Intra-articular use Hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations, avian-derived products (eg, eggs, feathers, poultry), gram-positive bacterial proteins Do not inject in knees with infection or skin diseases in area of injection site or joint
  • Ophthalmic use No known contraindications
  • Hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations and components Knee joint infections or infections or skin diseases at the site of the injection Hypersensitivity to gram-positive bacterial proteins (Hymovis, Monovisc); systemic bleeding (Monovisc)

Related conditions

Frequently asked questions

What drug class is hyaluronic acid?

hyaluronic acid belongs to: Musculoskeletal.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

When injected intra-articularly, supplements joint cushioning to temporarily provide pain relief caused by osteoarthritis. High molecular weight polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of sodium glucuronate and N-acetylglucosamine; derived from bacterial cells.

What are the common side effects of hyaluronic acid?

Pruritus, Arthralgia, Tenderness, Swelling, Firmness, Bruising, Lumps/bumps

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