Hymovis vs Synvisc – Comparing OA Treatments

Last Updated On: October 14, 2024

Globally, over 365 million people suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), making it one of the most prevalent joint disorders. This degenerative condition causes pain, swelling, and decreased mobility, significantly affecting daily life and overall well-being.

Among the various treatment options for knee OA, Hymovis and Synvisc are popular. Both are viscosupplementation therapies designed to lubricate the knee joint and absorb shock, easing symptoms and improving function. Understanding these treatments’ benefits and potential side effects is essential, as it enables patients and caregivers to make informed decisions based on individual needs.

This article will delve into the specifics of Hymovis vs Synvisc, comparing their advantages, application methods, and clinical outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Hymovis and Synvisc are popular viscosupplementation therapies for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) by improving synovial fluid quality, reducing pain, and enhancing joint mobility.
• Hymovis uses a non-cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid, closely mimicking natural synovial fluid and offering longer-lasting relief.
• Synvisc is a chemically modified, thicker hyaluronic acid that provides enhanced cushioning and shock absorption, which is particularly beneficial for patients with more severe OA.
• Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for selecting the best treatment based on individual needs, symptom severity, and past experiences with viscosupplements.

About: Operating since 2016, Med Supply Solutions is known for being one of the industry’s top and trusted suppliers of cosmetic and viscosupplementation products. If you’re looking to buy Synvisc online, contact our sales department for more information.

HYMOVIS® (German)

Hyaluronan

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$589.00 each

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Understanding Osteoarthritis and Viscosupplements

Osteoarthritis (OA) gradually deteriorates the cartilage between joints, leading to pain and stiffness as the cartilage cushions bones and wears down. As this protective tissue deteriorates, it leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in commonly affected areas like the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Over time, this wear-and-tear condition can significantly impair daily activities and quality of life.

Viscosupplements play a vital role in managing knee OA by enhancing the quality of the synovial fluid within the joint. This provides extra cushioning, improves joint movement, and reduces discomfort, allowing patients to experience temporary relief from pain.

Hymovis

Hymovis is composed of highly purified hyaluronic acid. This unique treatment for osteoarthritis pain uses a non-cross-linked formulation that closely mimics natural hyaluronic acid.

Once injected, Hymovis helps reduce friction between bones, easing pain and stiffness. Its non-chemically modified formulation means that it stays active in the joint longer than other treatments, leading to sustained pain relief and improved mobility. 

One prominent study evaluated the long-term benefits of Hymovis over a 52-week period, involving four injections administered directly into the knee joint. The results showed significant improvements in pain reduction, stiffness, joint function, and overall quality of life. These findings support Hymovis as a valuable option for those seeking non-surgical relief from knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Synvisc

Synvisc is composed of Hylan G-F 20, a chemically modified form of hyaluronic acid. This chemical alteration increases the hyaluronic acid’s molecular weight, making it thicker and more viscous than natural synovial fluid.

Synvisc supplements the existing synovial fluid when injected into the knee, improving its quality and volume. This not only reduces pain but also improves mobility, making it easier for patients to perform daily activities without discomfort. The higher viscosity of Synvisc provides superior cushioning, helping to absorb shock during movement, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with moderate to severe OA.

In one randomized, controlled trial, Synvisc (hylan G-F 20) was compared to a placebo in patients with knee OA. The results showed that Synvisc significantly reduced pain and improved joint function over time, providing better outcomes than the placebo.

Many patients reported sustained relief from OA symptoms, with the effects lasting for several months after the injections. These findings highlight Synvisc’s effectiveness as a viscosupplement, offering long-term pain relief and enhanced mobility for OA patients.

Patient Experiences and Considerations

Hearing from patients gives us real insight into choosing between Hymovis and Synvisc. Their experiences illuminate what works best for different needs. 

On Hymovis

• Count: “Hymovis works great! No pain, soreness or side effects. My left knee used to bother me most of the time, but after I had the two shots, all pain/soreness was gone. The injections were effective for a full year. I am now going to get a second round. Highly recommended!”

On Synvisc

• Suzan: “I’ve been having Synvisc injections every 6 to 7 months for the past 2 years. Sometimes, it’s a rough couple of days with pain, swelling, and trouble walking, as I have it done in both knees. But once that’s passed, I am almost pain-free. I hope to push off a knee replacement for a few more years. I’ll continue to get injections as they have made a significant improvement in the quality of life for me.”

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Hymovis and Synvisc

When deciding between Hymovis vs Synvisc for osteoarthritis treatment, several important factors should be considered to find the most effective option for your needs:

1. Symptom Severity: Patients with more severe symptoms may find one treatment more effective than the other, depending on how the joint responds to each formulation.
2. Formulation Differences: Hymovis uses a highly purified, non-cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that closely mimics the body’s natural synovial fluid, providing long-lasting lubrication and pain relief. In contrast, Synvisc is a chemically modified, heavier version of hyaluronic acid, offering increased viscosity and enhanced shock absorption.
3. Previous Experiences: If you’ve used hyaluronic acid injections before (whether Hymovis, Synvisc, or others), consider how your body responded and whether the treatment met your expectations for pain relief and improved function.
4. Potential Side Effects: While both injections can cause mild pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site, some patients may experience different reactions depending on the treatment. Be mindful of common Hymovis side effects, such as temporary discomfort or joint stiffness, and compare them with the known side effects of Synvisc.
5. Consultation with Healthcare Provider: Ultimately, your healthcare provider will be the best resource for determining which treatment is right for you. They will consider your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals to recommend the most suitable option.

Conclusion

Deciding between Hymovis vs Synvisc for osteoarthritis pain relief involves carefully considering several factors. While both treatments aim to reduce knee pain and improve mobility, their different formulations impact how they function in the body. Each option has unique advantages and potential drawbacks, so it’s essential to evaluate your symptoms, past experiences, and treatment goals.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine which option aligns best with your specific needs and lifestyle, ensuring the most effective relief from osteoarthritis pain.

FAQs

1. What are Hymovis and Synvisc used for?

Both Hymovis and Synvisc are viscosupplements used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA). They help reduce pain and improve mobility by enhancing the lubrication and cushioning of the knee joint.

2. Which treatment is better for severe osteoarthritis symptoms?

Due to its higher viscosity and enhanced shock absorption properties, Synvisc may offer additional benefits for patients with more severe OA symptoms. However, individual responses vary, and consulting a healthcare provider is the best way to determine which treatment is most effective for your condition.

3. How are Hymovis and Synvisc different?

Hymovis contains a non-cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid, closely mimicking the body’s natural synovial fluid, providing longer-lasting relief. On the other hand, Synvisc is chemically modified to increase its viscosity, offering better shock absorption and lubrication for more severe cases of OA.

References

World Health Organization. Osteoarthritis. Published July 14, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis

Mantuano et al. Intra-articular Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: Current Insights. Frontiers in Medicine. 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1323091/full. 

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