Euflexxa Generic Name – What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?

Last Updated On: September 10, 2024

Did you know that over 54 million adults in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis (OA)? The knee is the most commonly afflicted among the affected joints, with up to 41% involvement. Fortunately, studies have found that sodium hyaluronate injections provide significant pain relief and improve joint function, offering a viable alternative to other treatments.

Euflexxa, a medication used to treat knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis, is generically known as sodium hyaluronate. Its name comes from its main ingredient, which acts as a lubricant and a shock absorber to improve mobility. When other arthritis treatments fail, Euflexxa provides relief. 

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind Euflexxa’s generic name, sodium hyaluronate, and delve into its mechanism of action.

Key Takeaways

• Sodium hyaluronate is the generic name for Euflexxa, a viscosupplement used to treat osteoarthritis (OA).
• It is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, crucial in joint health and function.
• Viscosupplementation therapy with sodium hyaluronate offers benefits in managing OA symptoms, with a favorable safety profile.

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What Is Sodium Hyaluronate?

Sodium hyaluronate, derived from hyaluronic acid, is crucial for joint health and acts as a lubricant. This clear, gooey substance, made from long sugar chains, keeps tissues moist and lubricated. Treatments like Euflexxa for osteoarthritis mimic the body’s natural fluid to restore smooth movement and reduce pain. 

As we age, natural sodium hyaluronate decreases, leading to joint issues. Viscosupplementation therapy like Euflexxa injections helps replace lost fluid, enhancing joint function and comfort. This approach provides significant relief compared to other treatments, improving the quality of life for those with joint disorders.

Pharmacological Properties of Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate, a natural component of synovial fluid, is crucial for joint lubrication and shock absorption. In OA treatment, it restores synovial fluid’s viscoelastic properties, reducing inflammation, pain, and joint friction and slowing cartilage degradation.

Viscosupplementation Therapy and Its Benefits

• Pain Relief: Viscosupplementation enhances the lubricating properties of the synovial fluid, reducing friction and wear in the joint and significantly reducing pain.
• Improved Mobility: Enhanced joint lubrication and shock absorption improve joint function and mobility, allowing patients to engage in daily activities with less discomfort.
• Delay in Surgical Intervention: Viscosupplementation can delay the need for more invasive treatments, such as joint replacement surgery for some patients.

Comparison with Other OA Treatment Options

Viscosupplementation with sodium hyaluronate offers a different approach compared to other OA treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy:

• NSAIDs: These medications are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation in OA. However, long-term use of NSAIDs can lead to gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks, and kidney damage. Viscosupplementation does not carry these systemic side effects.
• Corticosteroid Injections: While effective in reducing inflammation and providing quick pain relief, repeated corticosteroid injections can weaken tendons and ligaments and may accelerate joint damage. Sodium hyaluronate injections offer a safer, longer-term alternative.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy improves joint function and strength but may not provide sufficient pain relief for all patients. Viscosupplementation can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to enhance overall outcomes.
• Surgical Options: For patients with severe OA, surgical interventions like joint replacement may become necessary. Viscosupplementation can help delay surgery by managing symptoms and improving joint function in the earlier stages of OA.

Development and Approval of Sodium Hyaluronate for OA Treatment

Sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid, has a rich history in medical applications dating back to the 1970s. Initially used in ophthalmic surgery due to its viscoelastic properties, it was later explored for its potential in treating osteoarthritis (OA).

Researchers discovered that sodium hyaluronate could act as a lubricant and shock absorber within the joints, mimicking the natural synovial fluid that deteriorates in OA patients. By the early 1990s, sodium hyaluronate injections were being developed specifically for joint health, targeting the knee joint’s need for enhanced lubrication and pain relief.

Regulatory Approval Process for Viscosupplementation

The approval of sodium hyaluronate for viscosupplementation therapy involves rigorous clinical testing and evaluation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) require comprehensive clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy.

These trials typically span several phases, starting with small-scale studies to evaluate safety and then larger trials to confirm efficacy and monitor adverse effects. Products like Euflexxa had to undergo these stringent evaluations before receiving approval for clinical use. Approval also involves reviewing the manufacturing process to ensure product consistency and quality.

Current Status and Availability of Sodium Hyaluronate Products

Today, sodium hyaluronate is widely available and used in various viscosupplementation products designed to treat knee osteoarthritis. Euflexxa and Orthovisc are among the most well-known brands, offering relief to millions of OA patients globally. These products are accessible through prescriptions and are often covered by insurance plans, making them a viable option for long-term OA management.

The continued development and refinement of these products highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to improving joint health and enhancing the quality of life for those with osteoarthritis.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profiles of Sodium Hyaluronate

Studies show that sodium hyaluronate can help with knee pain from osteoarthritis. But, like any treatment, patients must be aware of some side effects.

In a 12-week trial comparing Euflexxa to Synvisc, both treatments significantly improved pain scores in patients with knee OA. Notably, Euflexxa demonstrated powerful pain relief, with patients experiencing pain-free periods by the end of the study.

The 26-week Flexx Trial compared Euflexxa to saline. Here, Euflexxa proved superior in reducing OA knee pain, and patients treated with it remained pain-free at the 6-month. Additionally, early treatment with Euflexxa resulted in better outcomes.

In another study, Euflexxa continued to improve OA knee pain, as evidenced by a 50-foot walk test. Although exploratory analyses shouldn’t infer causative relationships, Euflexxa’s efficacy and safety profile offer promising patient prospects.

Patient Selection and Considerations

Understanding side effects and contraindications helps doctors select suitable candidates for sodium hyaluronate treatments. Not all osteoarthritis (OA) patients will benefit from just any viscosupplement, so discussing things like Euflexxa vs Orthovisc may help patients and specialists determine the most appropriate treatment. 

Those with skin issues near the injection site or allergies to bird proteins should avoid these treatments. The choice also depends on OA severity, previous treatments, and patient activity levels, as viscosupplementation often works best for knee arthritis and may vary in effectiveness based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Sodium hyaluronate, found in Euflexxa, acts like a lubricant for joints, similar to oil in an engine. Naturally present in the body, it aids joint health. It can ease movement and reduce pain when used to treat osteoarthritis. Comparing Euflexxa with other options highlights its distinct benefits in relieving joint discomfort.

FAQs

1. What is the generic name for Euflexxa?

The generic name for Euflexxa is sodium hyaluronate.

2. How do Euflexxa and Orthovisc differ?

Euflexxa and Orthovisc differ in their molecular weight and cross-linking, affecting the duration of relief and patient response.

3. Why is knowing the generic name important?

Understanding the generic name, such as sodium hyaluronate, helps one recognize the active ingredient and compare similar products.

4. Can Euflexxa and Orthovisc be used interchangeably?

Euflexxa and Orthovisc are not always interchangeable due to differences in molecular composition and duration of relief; consult your doctor.

References

Peck J, Slovek A, Miro P, et al. A comprehensive review of viscosupplementation in osteoarthritis of the knee. Orthopedic Reviews. 2021;13(2). doi:10.52965/001c.25549

Generic Drug FAQs: What is a Generic Drug? Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/article/generic_drugs.html 

MSN. www.msn.com. Accessed July 24, 2024. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/drugs/in-euflexxa/in-euflexxa