Euflexxa vs Supartz – Which Injection is Better?

Last Updated On: September 10, 2024

Did you know viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into arthritic joints to reduce pain and swelling? This procedure can alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms like stiffness and abnormal bone scraping when cartilage breaks down, providing an option when other treatments fall short.

Euflexxa and Supartz are popular hyaluronic acid-based injections that improve joint function and reduce discomfort. While Euflexxa typically involves three sessions, Supartz requires five, with differences in their formulations and injection schedules potentially influencing treatment outcomes.

This article explores the science behind Euflexxa and Supartz, comparing their benefits and guiding you toward the best choice for your joint health.

Key Takeaways

• Euflexxa and Supartz both treat knee pain from osteoarthritis but work in slightly different ways.
• People often find Euflexxa helps with less pain and better movement for up to six months after three shots.
• Supartz can also reduce pain but might need more yearly visits to keep patients feeling good.
• The cost of each treatment varies, with insurance covering most of the price. But Euflexxa might give better value because it lasts longer.
• Choosing between them depends on what a doctor thinks is best based on someone’s health needs and budget.

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Introduction to Euflexxa and Supartz

Euflexxa is a hyaluronic acid-based injection designed to treat knee osteoarthritis. Comprising highly purified hyaluronan, Euflexxa mimics the natural synovial fluid found in joints, providing lubrication and cushioning to reduce pain and improve joint function. Typically administered in a series of three injections, it aims to restore the natural fluidity and shock absorption properties of the knee joint.

Supartz is another viscosupplementation treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms. Derived from rooster combs, Supartz is known for its efficacy in reducing pain and enhancing mobility in the knee joint. It is usually administered in five weekly injections, providing sustained relief by replenishing the deteriorated synovial fluid in the affected joints.

Both Euflexxa and Supartz offer viable options for patients seeking non-surgical treatments to manage knee osteoarthritis, with variations in their formulations and treatment schedules catering to different patient needs and preferences.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Special ingredients in Euflexxa and Supartz help sore knees move smoothly again. They help provide relief by mimicking natural joint fluid and improving mobility for those with osteoarthritis.

Euflexxa

• This hyaluronic acid injection is composed of highly purified hyaluronan, similar to the hyaluronic acid found naturally in the synovial fluid of the joints. Euflexxa is created through bacterial fermentation, ensuring it is free from animal proteins.
• Its mechanism of action involves supplementing the synovial fluid in the knee joint, which lubricates and cushions the joint, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility. The injection mimics natural synovial fluid, restoring its normal viscoelastic properties and enhancing joint function.

Supartz

• Supartz is derived from rooster combs and contains sodium hyaluronate. This composition closely resembles the natural hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid.
• Supartz’s mechanism of action involves injecting this substance into the knee joint to replenish and restore the synovial fluid’s lubricating properties. This reduces friction between the cartilage surfaces, alleviates pain, and improves joint mobility. The treatment aims to mimic the natural cushioning and lubrication properties of healthy joint fluid, thereby easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profiles

Checking how well Euflexxa and Supartz work and their safety can help you choose the best one for your needs.

Efficacy and Safety of Euflexxa

Euflexxa improves the condition of individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Physicians administer it directly into the affected knee joint. 

Clinical trials consistently highlight its pain-relieving properties. In a 12-week study comparing Euflexxa to Synvisc, patients experienced significant pain reduction, with some becoming pain-free by the study’s end. The 26-week FLEXX Trial revealed Euflexxa’s superiority over saline in alleviating knee pain. 

Euflexxa’s safety profile remains favorable. Across trials, adverse events were minimal, with joint effusions being the primary concern. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. Individual responses may vary, and personalized assessment ensures optimal outcomes. 

These suggest that patients are largely satisfied with Euflexxa as an efficient strategy for dealing with knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Efficacy and Safety of Supartz

Supartz is an intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) product approved globally. Clinical trials have shown that single 5-week courses of Supartz provide clinically meaningful reductions in pain and improved function for up to 6 months without serious side effects or complications1. Additionally, promising initial studies suggest that Supartz may improve muscle strength, gait pattern, and balance, although further confirmation is needed through randomized controlled trials.

Repeated courses of Supartz are as safe as single courses and have a shallow risk of infection. A systematic review of safety data on repeated treatment courses of Supartz supports its safety for knee osteoarthritis. Repeated injections of Supartz appear to be at least as safe, if not safer, than the first course.

Doctors often choose Supartz after other treatments don’t work well enough. They know it’s been studied carefully and has helped many patients walk more efficiently with less pain.

Practical Considerations and Patient Satisfaction

Euflexxa and Supartz treat knee pain caused by osteoarthritis but have different treatment protocols. Doctors pick one based on a patient’s needs and the specifics of their condition.

• Initial Consultation: Doctors begin with a detailed knee examination to determine if Euflexxa or Supartz is suitable.
• Dosage Plan for Euflexxa: Typically involves three weekly injections, repeatable every six months if necessary.
• Supartz Treatment Schedule: Usually administered as three to five weekly injections, depending on patient response.
• Monitoring Side Effects: Both treatments require monitoring for adverse effects like swelling or pain at the injection site.
• Assessing Improvement: Follow-up appointments measure improvements in knee pain and mobility post-treatment.
• Repeat Courses: Multiple injections may be needed for long-term osteoarthritis relief.
• Combination with Other Therapies: Both treatments may include physical therapy or non-pharmacological approaches to enhance results.

Patient Satisfaction with Euflexxa and Supartz

Many osteoarthritis patients who’ve tried Euflexxa and Supartz are happy with the results. Studies show these injections can provide months of pain relief. Patients often find Euflexxa works better, with less pain and more effortless movement. 

Supartz also delivers good results, especially as part of long-term care. Choosing between Euflexxa and Supartz depends on personal health needs and cost. Doctors might recommend Euflexxa for quicker relief, while Supartz can be great for ongoing management. Both offer real benefits.

Cost and Duration of Relief

Understanding the cost implications and comparing osteoarthritis treatments like Euflexxa vs. Monovisc, Supartz, and others is essential for medical professionals to make informed recommendations to their patients. Here, we break down the cost comparison between these two injections, focusing on significant factors that influence overall treatment expenses.

The cost of both Euflexxa and Supartz can vary depending on the healthcare provider, geographic location, and insurance coverage. Patients should check with their healthcare providers and insurance companies for precise cost details.

Both treatments generally provide symptom relief for up to 6 months. The duration may vary depending on the patient’s condition, severity of osteoarthritis, and individual response to treatment.

Conclusion

Both options offer significant benefits when deciding between Euflexxa and Supartz for osteoarthritis treatment. Euflexxa’s unique composition and its ability to provide relief make it a strong contender, while Supartz is known for its effective pain management. Patient satisfaction is high for both treatments, with cost and duration of relief being critical considerations. 

Ultimately, each treatment has its advantages, and individual experiences often highlight successful outcomes for both options.

FAQs

1. What distinguishes Euflexxa from Supartz? 

Euflexxa and Supartz are knee pain injections, differing in composition and prescribing information.

2. Is there a generic name for Euflexxa? 

Yes, the generic name for Euflexxa is sodium hyaluronate.

3. How does Euflexxa compare to Orthovisc or Monovisc? 

Euflexxa, Orthovisc, and Monovisc aim to relieve knee pain, but each has unique properties suited to individual patient needs.

4. Where can I find information on using these injections? 

Prescribing information for Euflexxa and similar injections is available online or from your healthcare provider.

References

Viscosupplementation Treatment for Arthritis. www.hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/arthritis/viscosupplementation-treatment-for-arthritis 

Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid. Healthgrades. Published July 22, 2014. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/viscosupplementation-with-hyaluronic-acid