Did you know that about 500 million people worldwide suffer from knee osteoarthritis (or, more precisely, osteoarthritis-related knee pain)? While this chronic condition causes significant discomfort in the joints, there is currently no cure. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and alleviate symptoms, including physical therapy and intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid into a knee joint.
One of the leading brands offering injections into the joint space for the relief of osteoarthritis-related knee pain is Euflexxa. In addition to its effectiveness, patients often inquire about the Euflexxa injection cost at Ogomed, as affordability is an important consideration when selecting treatment options. This article provides an in-depth look at the hyaluronic acid injection of Euflexxa and answers the following question: “How long does it take for it to work?”
What Is Euflexxa?
Euflexxa is a well-known brand of injectable medication designed to ease the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Produced by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a research-driven pharmaceutical company, Euflexxa injection delivers significant pain relief for patients with this chronic condition.
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The active ingredient of Euflexxa is highly purified hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joints (including a knee joint). It helps reduce musculoskeletal pain, offering osteoarthritis patients significant symptom relief of OA knee pain for extended periods. Also, it effectively compensates for the lack of hyaluronic acid that occurs naturally in the knee joint.
When Is Euflexxa Recommended?
Euflexxa is primarily used to treat knee osteoarthritis and temporarily relieve pain in the affected joint. It is especially recommended for patients who have employed simpler treatments like pain relievers or physical therapy in their treatment journey but still experience discomfort. In short, Euflexxa injections are often prescribed only after other non-invasive methods have failed to provide sufficient relief of knee osteoarthritis pain.
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While Euflexxa injections are mostly used for knee joints, some healthcare providers also apply them to other joints affected by osteoarthritis, such as the hip, ankle, wrist, or elbow, showing its versatility in pain management.
Who Should Avoid Euflexxa?
Though Euflexxa is generally a safe and effective medication that addresses knee osteoarthritis pain, there are situations where it should be avoided. You may need to postpone or reconsider Euflexxa if:
- You have allergic reactions to synthetic hyaluronic acid;
- You have an active infection or inflammation near the injection site (such as a skin infection around the affected joint);
- You have severe chronic conditions like high blood pressure or recurring severe headaches in your medical history.
Additionally, Euflexxa is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of research on its effects on infants and unborn babies.
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Euflexxa is not suitable for people with such medical conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, as it is ineffective against the inflammation and symptoms caused by it. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should consult their healthcare provider about other treatment options to restore their joint function.
What Can You Expect from Euflexxa?
It is of vital importance to have realistic expectations before undergoing the first Euflexxa injection. Namely, it is essential to know that many patients require a series of three injections, spaced one week apart, to achieve optimal results. In rare cases, up to four additional injections may be necessary after the first injection.
Also, it is worth mentioning that the majority of patients usually notice a significant reduction in joint pain caused by knee OA, with improved mobility and the ability to resume physical activities right after the first procedure.
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While some patients experience only partial relief after the first injection, full benefits and proven results are typically seen after the third injection, resulting in substantial pain reduction.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Euflexxa?
Euflexxa is a generally safe and well-tolerated treatment option that does not affect the daily life of a patient. Still, like many other medical treatments, it can cause adverse reactions. Namely, the most common side effects include temporary swelling, mild joint pain, or nausea, all of which usually subside within a few days. Some patients might also experience localized pain around the injection site, which can be eased by applying a cold compress.
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If a patient’s experience includes severe pain or other serious side effects after Euflexxa injections, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away to prevent complications.
How Long Do Euflexxa Results Last?
Realistic expectations most patients should have after a full course of Euflexxa injections include relief from osteoarthritis symptoms for around six months. However, the duration of relief may vary depending on several factors such as age, overall health, and activity levels of every individual patient. For instance, those who engage in heavy lifting or intense physical activity may see results fade sooner than those who follow their healthcare provider’s post-treatment advice.
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The natural production of hyaluronic acid in your joints can also affect the longevity of Euflexxa’s effects. Patients who naturally produce more hyaluronic acid may enjoy longer-lasting relief.
What Are the Benefits of Euflexxa?
Compared to other brands of hyaluronic acid injections, Euflexxa offers several distinct advantages, including:
- High-quality formulation;
- Enhanced safety with minimal side effects;
- Strong effectiveness in reducing pain;
- Long-lasting relief of joint pain caused by knee OA;
- Little to no pain during the treatment (especially if the local anesthetic has been used before the injection);
- Possibility to return to normal activities almost immediately after the treatment;
- Cost-effectiveness.
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The effectiveness of Euflexxa (as well as the positive effects of the treatment) largely depends on proper administration by a qualified healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In summary, Euflexxa is an excellent treatment option for managing joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (and, therefore, improving the overall health of a patient). Three injections of the medication tend to provide long-lasting pain relief and help patients regain mobility of the joints (especially when combined with physical therapy). If you are struggling with knee osteoarthritis, consider discussing Euflexxa with your healthcare provider and see if it could be the solution for you. Start your journey towards pain relief and improved quality of life today!
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The question “What next if Euflexxa doesn’t work?” should be answered exclusively by a healthcare provider. What seems to provide substantial relief of pain in a joint of one patient does not guarantee the same effect for another patient.
Post Scriptum
If you would like to order Euflexxa online advantageously, you have come to the right place. Our website offers a wide range of medications used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis.
