Viscosupplementation, or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, is a popular therapy for treating knee osteoarthritis symptoms. According to Legré-Boyer (2015), these treatments work in a straightforward manner and are well-tolerated by most individuals. Their appeal lies in their cost-effectiveness, minimally invasive nature, and moderate efficacy.
HA injections for knee osteoarthritis treatment have led to the development of single and multiple injection regimens. For those seeking a safe and effective solution to knee osteoarthritis pain, medical professionals may recommend Euflexxa and Supartz’s multiple injection therapies to address the concerns and bring symptomatic relief.
This article will delve into hyaluronic acid injections for the knee, compare Euflexxa and Supartz, and discuss factors that influence patient considerations for their therapy.
Key Takeaways
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections can help manage knee OA by supplementing the body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid.
- Euflexxa and Supartz can lubricate the joints for smooth movement, relieve joint pain, and diminish inflammation and swelling.
- These HA injections have shown significant efficacy in reducing knee OA pain and enhancing joint mobility.
- Medical professionals should inject these treatments into the knee joint via an intra-articular injection.
- After the treatments, patients can expect temporary and minor side effects such as local pain and swelling.
- Safety, efficacy, and the number of injections required may impact patient preferences for Euflexxa or Supartz treatments.
Introduction to Euflexxa and Supartz – Osteoarthritis Treatment Drugs
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that causes various symptoms. It is a progressive condition involving the gradual wearing away of the cartilage in the knee. Osteoarthritis typically develops slowly and worsens over time and may impact the knees, hips, hands, or spine.
Individuals trying to identify if they have osteoarthritis may have experienced several symptoms. However, visiting and consulting with a trusted medical professional is highly encouraged to receive an accurate diagnosis.
- Sore Joint
- Joint Stiffness
- Joint Pain when moving or doing everyday activities
- Joint Pain that prevents you from exercising
- Grating sensation when moving your joint
- Deterioration of coordination or grip strength due to joint pain and stiffness
- Weakened muscular strength near the affected joint
Unfortunately, the orthopedic field has yet to discover a cure for this joint condition. However, individuals suffering from knee OA can seek treatments that can temporarily aid the symptoms of this joint disease. Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are rapidly growing as a second-in-line treatment option for knee OA.
Medical professionals may recommend this treatment for individuals who have not responded to simple analgesics or other therapies. HA injections play a role in managing knee OA as they supplement the body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid. When injected into the affected joint, they replenish the synovial joint fluid’s HA, which lubricates and cushions it.
These injections have proven efficacy in reducing pain and improving joint function. Fortunately, Euflexxa and Supartz are HA injections used to treat knee OA. They offer solutions to reduce pain and improve joint function mobility for up to six (6) months. However, there are differences between the drugs.
Formulations and Mechanisms of Action of Knee Injections
So, what is Euflexxa made of? This injection is a viscoelastic, sterile, highly purified, high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate solution. It’s a very highly purified product derived from bacterial cells. Each 1 mL of Euflexxa contains the following:
- Sodium hyaluronate (10 mg)
- Sodium chloride (8.5 mg)
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (0.56 mg)
- Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (0.05 mg)
On the other hand, Supartz is a sterile, viscoelastic, non-pyogenic injectable solution. It also contains highly purified, high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate extracted from chicken combs. According to the Food and Drug Administration, each 2.5 mL prefilled syringe includes these ingredients:
- Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronan) (25.0 mg)
- Sodium Chloride (21.25 mg)
- Dibasic Sodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate (1.343 mg)
- Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate (0.04 mg)
Although these hyaluronic acid injections may have different compositions and formulations, they work similarly when targeting knee OA concerns. Medical professionals must directly administer these injections into the affected joint. HA injections deliver various actions for patients’ pain relief.
HA injections can lubricate the joints, allowing them to move smoothly. They also shield the cartilage from quickly wearing out. HA injections also improve the joint fluid, making it a better joint shock absorber. Moreover, they relieve joint pain and diminish the inflammation and swelling in the joint.
Clinical Efficacy
Euflexxa has shown significant efficacy in the three clinical trials. Patients reported pain relief in a 12-week clinical trial as early as a week after the first injection. The relief improved with the continued injection and revealed significantly less pain associated with the five essential functions of climbing stairs, walking, standing, sitting, and resting during the night.
On the other hand, Supartz also demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials. Single five-week courses of Supartz showed clinically effective pain reduction and improved functions lasting for six months. Compared to a placebo group, about twice as many Supartz-treated patients showed moderate or significant improvement in their OA conditions.
Both have demonstrated considerable efficacy in reducing knee OA pain and enhancing joint mobility. Most individuals have well-tolerated them, providing a valuable option for knee OA management. While Euflexxa exhibited a low incidence of adverse side effects after their treatment, Supartz showed no risk of serious side effects or complications.
It’s important to note that individual responses to treatment may vary. Patients should consult their medical practitioners to find the best treatment choice based on their needs, goals, and overall health.
Dosing Regimens and Administration
The recommended dosing regimen of Euflexxa requires an injection of 2 mL directly into the affected joint once a week for three weeks. Each injection should be administered one week apart. Medical professionals must inject three Euflexxa for maximum benefit and long-lasting knee OA pain relief.
Meanwhile, Supartz’s recommended dosing regimen is one 2.5 mL injection into the affected joint weekly for five weeks. Healthcare providers must complete the five-injection therapy, with relief experienced as early as three injections. However, completing the course can offer optimal outcomes from Supartz’s treatment.
The administration techniques for both injections are similar. Medical professionals should inject these treatments into the knee joint via an intra-articular injection. Before treatment, they must remove joint effusion. Moreover, providers may use a local anesthetic to achieve a comfortable injection process.
Safety Profiles and Adverse Reactions
Comparative analysis between Euflexxa and Supartz shows that both have comparable safety profiles. After the treatments, patients can expect temporary and minor side effects. Individuals tolerate these injections well, providing a safe and effective option for knee OA patients. Euflexxa’s clinical trial revealed that the common adverse events reported after treatment are as follows:
- Joint Pain
- Back Pain
- Limb Pain
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Swelling
It’s worth noting that adverse effects rates after repeated Supartz treatment were considerably lower than Euflexxa. Moreover, typical side effects of this treatment include:
- Joint Pain
- Back Pain
- Injection Site Reaction
- Headache
Patient Preferences, Treatment Guidelines, and Cost Considerations
There are several factors influencing the treatment choices of individuals choosing HA injections. These include safety, efficacy, and the number of injections required, which may impact patient preferences for Euflexxa or Supartz.
- Safety and Efficacy: These are vital for individuals seeking solutions for knee OA management. The clinic trials for each product showed significant pain relief and improved patient joint movement.
- Duration: When a single course of Euflexxa and Supartz concludes, these therapies offer long-lasting relief for up to six months.
- Number of Injections: Euflexxa recommends a three-injection therapy, while Supartz requires five injections to achieve optimal results.
Euflexxa and Supartz belong in the treatment guidelines for knee osteoarthritis. Medic professionals may recommend this treatment to patients who have not responded to first-line treatments. It’s worth noting that a few individuals should avoid these treatments to prevent further complications.
- Do not use it to treat patients with hypersensitivity to hyaluronan preparations.
- Do not treat patients with knee joint infections, infections, or skin disease in the area of the injection site.
Both treatments effectively manage knee osteoarthritis. However, medical professionals may also consider the cost of Euflexxa and Supartz. Comparing their recommended dosing and treatment process, Euflexxa may be more cost-effective with its three injections than Supartz’s five. It’s necessary to consider the direct treatment costs and potential cost savings from the treatment outcome.
In addition, licensed medical practitioners seeking an affordable supplier for their medical and aesthetic supplies can purchase them at Medica Depot. They can also buy Euflexxa online and other supplies.
Conclusion
Euflexxa and Supartz are hyaluronic acid injections offering effective treatment options for knee osteoarthritis. They may differ in formulations but share similar mechanisms of action, acting as lubricants and shock absorbers for the joints. Both have shown significant clinical efficacy in pain reduction and improving joint mobility and function.
However, patient preferences, treatment guidelines, and cost considerations are crucial when choosing between Euflexxa and Supartz. While they have comparable safety profiles, medical professionals can personalize the treatment plan based on the patient’s goals, condition, and overall health. Ultimately, Euflexxa and Supartz provide valuable options for knee OA patients opting for a non-surgical solution.
References
- Legré-Boyer, V. (2015). Viscosupplementation: Techniques, indications, results. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, 101(1, Supplement), S101–S108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2014.07.027
- Bronstone, A., Neary, J. T., Lambert, T. H., & Dasa, V. (2019). Supartz (Sodium Hyaluronate) for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety. Clinical medicine insights. Arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders, 12, 1179544119835221. https://doi.org/10.1177/1179544119835221
