From the Guidelines
Hymovis is used for intra-articular injections, specifically in the knee joint, to treat osteoarthritis, despite conditional recommendations against its use due to limited evidence of benefit and potential harm, as stated in the 2019 American College of Rheumatology guideline 1.
Key Points
- Hymovis belongs to a class of treatments called viscosupplements, which are made from hyaluronic acid derivatives.
- The typical regimen consists of two injections given one week apart, with each injection containing 24 mg of modified hyaluronic acid in a 3 mL solution.
- Hymovis works by supplementing the natural synovial fluid in the joint, which becomes depleted in osteoarthritis, to improve lubrication, reduce friction between joint surfaces, and provide shock absorption during movement.
- The modified hyaluronic acid in Hymovis has a higher viscoelasticity and longer residence time in the joint compared to standard hyaluronic acid products, potentially providing longer-lasting relief.
- Patients typically experience pain relief for up to six months following the complete injection course, as supported by studies on hyaluronic acid injections in knee OA 1.
Considerations
- The use of Hymovis should be considered in the context of shared decision-making, recognizing the limited evidence of benefit and potential harm, as well as the impact of contextual effects of intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections 1.
- The procedure should be performed by a healthcare professional using proper sterile technique to minimize infection risk.
- Alternative treatments, such as glucocorticoid injections, nonpharmacologic therapies, topical and oral NSAIDs, and intraarticular steroids, should be considered before using Hymovis, as recommended in the 2019 American College of Rheumatology guideline 1.
From the Research
Hymovis Injection Type
- Hymovis is used for viscosupplementation, a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) that involves injecting hyaluronic acid (HA) into the joint to reduce pain and improve function 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Specifically, Hymovis is a viscoelastic hydrogel used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, and it has been shown to provide rapid and lasting relief from pain and improvement in knee function in patients with knee OA 4, 5.
- The injection is typically administered intra-articularly, directly into the joint space, and can be given in a single injection or in multiple injections spaced apart by a certain period of time 4, 5.
Indications for Hymovis Injection
- Hymovis is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate knee OA, and it is not recommended as an alternative to surgery in advanced hip OA 3.
- The injection is also not recommended for patients who have failed to respond adequately to analgesics and NSAIDs, but rather as a treatment option for patients who have not responded to other treatments or who cannot tolerate other treatments 3.
- Hymovis has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee OA, and it may be a viable treatment option for patients who are looking for a non-surgical treatment for their knee OA 4, 5.
Administration and Safety
- Hymovis injections are typically administered by a skilled specialist, and the injection site should be guided by radiologic or ultrasound imaging to ensure accurate placement of the injection 2, 6.
- The safety of Hymovis injections has been established in several studies, and the injection is generally well-tolerated with few adverse events reported 4, 5.
- However, as with any injection, there is a risk of adverse events, and patients should be monitored closely after receiving a Hymovis injection to ensure that they do not experience any adverse effects 4, 5.