Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a lifelong condition with no cure. Some patients opt for surgical procedures, while others prefer non-surgical, long-lasting alternatives. With their potent formulations of hyaluronic acid therapy, Euflexxa and Monovisc offer significant pain relief from knee OA that can improve patients’ quality of life.
In this article, we will compare Euflexxa and Monovisc, their mechanism of action, and the safety and efficacy of these intra-articular HA injections.
Key Takeaways
- Intraarticular therapies refer to treatments administered directly into the joint, including hyaluronic acid injections for managing knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms.
- Various medical researchers conducted studies about viscosupplementation’s safety and effectiveness, and most led to favorable treatment results.
- Compared to Euflexxa’s three sessions, Monovisc viscosupplement only requires a single injection for knee OA pain treatment.
- Euflexxa and Monivisc have shown significant effectiveness in relieving knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improving function in patients with OA.
- Patients can receive 6 mL of Euflexxa after one course (three injections) compared to Monovisc’s 4 mL.
- Like other treatments, side effects may occur after the Euflexxa and Monovisc treatments.
Introduction to Euflexxa and Monovisc
Merriam-Webster defines intra-articular as “situated within, occurring within, or administered by entry into a joint.” Medical professionals frequently use intraarticular treatments for various arthropathies or joint diseases. Intraarticular therapies refer to treatments administered directly into the joint, including hyaluronic acid injections for managing knee osteoarthritis pain and symptoms.
Intra-articular treatment can significantly help individuals seeking non-surgical options for their degenerative joint disease. Viscosupplementation is an intra-articular therapy specifically for knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. This solution involves injecting a hyaluronic acid formulation into the affected joint. Viscosupplementation aims to restore the synovial fluid’s viscoelasticity, reducing joint pain and inflammation.
Various medical researchers conducted studies about viscosupplementation’s safety and effectiveness, and most led to favorable treatment results. However, its efficacy still varies among individuals, and patients should know about the potential risks and side effects. Frequently, providers recommend viscosupplementation for individuals who have not responded to simple analgesics or other therapies.
So, what is Euflexxa? The three-injection therapy utilizes highly purified hyaluronic acid (HA), which medical professionals use to relieve knee pain due to OA. It boasts a close resemblance to the natural, healthy HA found in the body, which lubricates the joints.
On the other hand, Anika’s Monovisc offers a single-injection viscosupplement for managing knee joint pain caused by knee OA. The formulation comprises highly purified, partially cross-linked sodium hyaluronate in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. It is a non-animal sourced single injection HA treatment approved in the United States.
Formulations and Mechanisms of Action
Euflexxa’s formulation contains 1% sodium hyaluronate to effectively treat and manage joint disease. Each 1 ml of Euflexxa includes 10 mg of sodium hyaluronate, a highly purified substance extracted from bacterial cells. The injection’s hyaluronic acid (HA) resembles the natural, healthy HA found in the body.
Medical professionals must administer three injections once a week for optimal outcomes. Euflexxa’s mechanism of action involves utilizing this HA substance to replenish the synovial joint fluid. When injected directly into the affected joint, Euflexxa works as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints.
Compared to Euflexxa’s three sessions, Monovisc viscosupplement only requires a single injection for knee OA pain treatment. Its high-molecular-weight hyaluronan comes from a non-animal source. The hyaluronan is derived from bacterial cells and cross-linked with a proprietary solution.
Healthcare practitioners must only inject Monovisc for a single session to achieve its effects. Its mechanism of action involves replacing the natural HA in the body, providing significant knee OA pain relief. Monovisc also helps reduce swelling, pain, and damage in the joints. It lowers the levels of certain harmful substances in the body.
These viscosupplements have proven their efficacy and received the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Moreover, Euflexxa and Monovisc can last up to six (6) months after their initial course.
Clinical Efficacy
Individuals seeking a solution for their knee OA concerns may have compared Euflexxa vs Monovisc or Euflexxa vs Supartz. In finding an effective treatment, these patients may want to check out evidence-based studies and consult their trusted medical professionals to know the most suitable solution for their needs and goals.
Euflexxa conducted three clinical trials to prove this treatment’s safety and efficacy. In its 12-week trial comparing it to Synvisc, the study revealed that Euflexxa-treated patients felt a pain-free outcome. 81% of the patients were left highly satisfied with the Euflexxa treatment.
The 26-week FLEXX trial compared Euflexxa to saline, proving its superiority. Patients felt pain-free at six months. In addition, this clinical trial revealed that Euflexxa caused fewer adverse events after the treatment.
Meanwhile, Peterson & Plancher’s (2019) study revealed Monovisc as a safe and effective treatment for reducing knee OA pain within two weeks. They also support using this intra-articular single injection for patients 45 years and above.
In a study provided by Monovisc, this hyaluronic acid injection can deliver early and durable pain relief with a single high-dose injection. Medical professionals may also find Monovisc easy to use due to its conveniently packed 4 mL volume.
While no clinical trial data compares Euflexxa and Monovisc, the available studies from both manufacturers can provide information about the safety and efficacy of these injections. Euflexxa and Monivisc have shown significant effectiveness in relieving knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improving function in patients with OA.
Euflexxa results revealed that patients notice relief as early as one week after the first injection. On the other hand, Monovisc can deliver pain immediate pain relief within two weeks after a single injection. These injections mainly differ in the number of required injections, with Euflexxa needing three while Monovisc requires one.
Both treatment outcomes reveal that these injections were well-tolerated by most individuals. Euflexxa and Monovisc also showed a low incidence of adverse events, making them safer options for knee OA patients. The choice between Euflexxa and Monovisc may depend on the patient’s preference, OA condition, and the doctor’s expertise and judgment.
Dosing Regimens
Medical professionals must administer these hyaluronic acid injections directly into the affected joint. Only licensed and experienced practitioners can administer Euflexxa or Monovisc to ensure safe and effective injection treatment.
- Euflexxa: The recommended dosing schedule of Euflexxa involves injecting 2mL of the solution into the affected joint once a week for three weeks. This regimen needs to complete the three-injection therapy to provide optimum results.
- Monovisc: Anika designed Monovisc as a single-injection treatment. The recommended dose of this single intra-articular injection is 4 mL into the affected knee. Monovisc can relieve pain and improve joint function mobility within two weeks.
The primary difference in the dosing regimens between Euflexxa and Monovisc remains in the number of their standard injections. Both provide benefits similar to Euflexxa’s three and Monovisc’s one. However, patients can receive 6 mL of Euflexxa after one course (three injections) compared to Monovisc’s 4 mL.
This difference may affect patient convenience, treatment adherence, and overall satisfaction. Individuals should consult their trusted physician for a tailored treatment plan that aligns the treatment’s benefits with the patient’s needs, goals, and overall health.
Safety Profiles
Like other treatments, side effects may occur after the Euflexxa and Monovisc treatments. Euflexxa is generally well-tolerated by many individuals. According to Euflexxa’s clinical study, common adverse side effects of this three-injection therapy include the following:
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Limb pain
- Muscle pain
- Joint swelling
Moreover, the Euflexxa manufacturer has not tested this treatment on pregnant or breastfeeding women or children under 18 years. There are some conditions in which individuals should avoid Euflexxa injections. Patients and providers should strictly avoid these conditions to prevent any complications.
- Patients with hypersensitivity or previous allergic reactions to Euflexxa or hyaluronan products.
- Patients with knee joint infection, skin disease, or infection around the injection site.
Monovisc also offers a good safety profile for its treatments. While their study did not show typical adverse events, Monovisc shared the common side effects that may occur after the treatment.
- Episodes of transient swelling
- Episodes of discomfort
- Joint pain
- Itching
- Numbness or tingling
- Back pain
Medical practitioners can ensure patients achieve optimal outcomes from these intra-articular HA injections. According to a 2016 meta-analysis, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events for Euflexxa and Monovisc is at 4.1% and 5.0%, respectively.
For medical professionals seeking a trusted supplier to buy Euflexxa and Monovisc, Medica Depot offers authentic products of these intra-articular injections. Licensed healthcare providers can purchase in bulk to receive the per-unit discount costs of Euflexxa or Monovisc.
Conclusion
Euflexxa and Monovisc offer effectiveness and safety as intra-articular therapies for individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis. They work by replacing the natural hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid joint and act as a lubricant and shock absorber for the joints. Various clinical studies have shown significant relief in knee pain and improved joint function.
However, the choice between these treatment options may depend on various factors and their healthcare providers’ recommendations. It’s worth noting that Euflexxa offers a three-injection therapy, while Monovisc provides a single-injection treatment for knee OA pain. Discussing these options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment is essential.
About: Medica Depot is your trusted all-in-one supplier, offering a range of high-quality medical injectables and supplies. We offer a worry-free experience in searching for the best and most popular products on the market, like Euflexxa. Whether for health professionals, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, licensed estheticians, or other specialists, we can offer genuine, brand-name products you may need. With Medica Depot, we prioritize serving you better to improve the patient’s quality of life.
References
- Chavda, S., Rabbani, S. A., & Wadhwa, T. (2022). Role and Effectiveness of Intra-articular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24503
- Efficacy – Euflexxa. (n.d.). hcp.euflexxa.com. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://hcp.euflexxa.com/efficacy/
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