Hymovis vs Synvisc – Comparing OA Treatments

Osteoarthritis is a disease that causes cartilage to break down in the joints. It affects over 32.5 million adults in the United States. This degenerative condition results in chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly diminishing the quality of life for those affected.

Among the available treatment options, Hymovis and Synvisc are two injectable therapies commonly used to alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms. Hymovis, a highly viscoelastic hydrogel, and Synvisc, a formulation of hylan G-F 20, both aim to restore joint function by supplementing synovial fluid. However, they differ in composition, effect duration, and treatment protocols.

In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison of Hymovis vs Synvisc, exploring their effectiveness, side effects, and patient experiences to guide you in choosing the best option for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Hymovis and Synvisc are viscosupplements designed to improve knee joint function in osteoarthritis patients. Both work by supplementing the natural synovial fluid in the joint, but they differ in formulation and injection frequency.
• Hymovis requires two injections spaced one week apart, while Synvisc typically requires three injections. However, Synvisc-One offers a single-dose alternative.
• Both treatments provide similar pain relief, but Synvisc may offer longer-lasting effects due to its formulation.
• Side effects for both treatments are generally mild, including pain, swelling, and stiffness around the injection site. Synvisc, derived from animal sources, may have a higher risk of allergic reactions for those with avian allergies.
• Patient outcomes and satisfaction are generally positive for both treatments, though individual results may vary depending on personal health factors.

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Introduction to Hymovis and Synvisc

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage to breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility. The knee is one of the most commonly affected joints, significantly impacting the quality of life for those with OA.

Viscosupplements offer non-surgical treatment options for alleviating OA symptoms. These injectable therapies supplement the natural synovial fluid in the joint, providing additional cushioning to reduce pain and improve mobility. While they do not repair damaged cartilage, they can help manage discomfort and slow the progression of the disease.

Comparing Hymovis and Synvisc is crucial for understanding the differences in how they work, their cost, and patient experience. Studies suggest both products may offer relief, but factors such as treatment frequency and patient tolerance make Hymovis potentially more convenient and cost-effective than Synvisc.

Formulation and Composition

Hymovis is composed of HYADD4, a unique molecule not chemically crosslinked. This formulation provides a low degree of modification, increasing viscosity, elasticity, and joint residence time. It is a highly purified form of hyaluronic acid, which helps restore the natural lubrication and cushioning in the knee joint.

Meanwhile, Synvisc (SYNVISC Hylan G-F 20) is an elastoviscous high molecular weight fluid containing hylan A and hylan B polymers produced from chicken combs. These hylans are derivatives of hyaluronic acid and are chemically crosslinked to enhance their viscoelastic properties. This formulation is designed to mimic the properties of healthy, young synovial fluid.

Key Ingredient Comparison

• Hymovis: Ultra-high-molecular-weight hyaluronan, synthesized and biocompatible.
• Synvisc: Hylan G-F 20, derived from animal sources (rooster combs), cross-linked for increased viscosity.

While both treatments aim to improve joint function and alleviate pain by enhancing synovial fluid, Hymovis may offer the advantage of requiring fewer injections due to its more durable hydrogel formulation. With its cross-linked structure, Synvisc provides immediate relief but may need more frequent doses.

Mechanism of Action

Hymovis and Synvisc both work by enhancing the synovial fluid in osteoarthritic joints, providing lubrication and shock absorption. However, their formulations result in distinct mechanisms of action.

Hymovis works by introducing ultra-high-molecular-weight hyaluronan into the joint, which closely mimics the natural properties of healthy synovial fluid. This makes the fluid thicker and more elastic, improving its ability to cushion and lubricate the joint. As a result, patients experience reduced pain and better mobility. Hymovis’ hydrogel-like structure also gives it a longer-lasting effect, reducing the need for frequent injections.

Conversely, Synvisc uses hylan G-F 20, a cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid derived from rooster combs. Cross-linking creates larger, heavier molecules that remain in the joint for extended periods. This increased molecular weight allows Synvisc to stay in the joint longer, providing continuous pain relief and improved joint function.

Treatment Protocols and Administration

Hymovis is typically given in two injections, spaced one week apart. This straightforward protocol helps alleviate knee osteoarthritis pain by enhancing the synovial fluid’s cushioning and lubricating properties. Patients usually receive these injections in their doctor’s office, and doctors closely monitor any potential Hymovis injection side effects, such as swelling or discomfort at the injection site, to ensure a safe and effective outcome.

Synvisc follows a different approach. The standard protocol involves three injections, also spaced one week apart. This method is designed to help restore the knee joint’s natural shock absorption capabilities. While Synvisc typically requires three visits, Synvisc-One offers a more convenient single-injection option for those who prefer fewer trips to the doctor’s office.

When comparing Hymovis vs Synvisc, the frequency of injections is a key difference. Hymovis requires two injections, whereas the traditional Synvisc treatment involves three, though Synvisc-One provides a single-dose alternative. Both treatments are administered directly into the knee joint, delivering the medication where it is needed most.

Clinical Efficacy and Patient Outcomes

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Hymovis can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function. For instance, a pivotal trial showed a 34% reduction in WOMAC/VAS pain score at 6 months, while a post-market clinical trial reported a 37% reduction in VAS pain scores. Additionally, real-world clinical practice studies have shown reductions in pain scores by up to 57%.

In contrast, Synvisc has a more established track record, with numerous studies supporting its efficacy. A head-to-head clinical trial demonstrated its superiority over saline control and other treatments in terms of pain relief. Synvisc typically requires fewer injections than other treatments, with some forms only needing a single injection.

Comparison of Patient Outcomes and Effectiveness

• Pain Relief Duration: Synvisc is known for its longer-lasting pain relief than Hymovis. This is partly due to the different formulations and injection schedules.
• Number of Injections: Synvisc often requires fewer injections than Hymovis, which can be more convenient for patients.
• Patient Satisfaction: Both treatments have high patient satisfaction rates, but individual responses can vary. Some patients may respond better to one treatment over the other based on their specific condition and pain tolerance.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Hymovis and Synvisc are generally well-tolerated, but as with any medical treatment, they may cause some side effects. Here’s a combined list of common side effects associated with both treatments:

• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Knee stiffness or discomfort
• Redness and warmth in the treated area
• Localized bruising around the injection site
• Minor accumulation of joint fluid (effusion)
• Itching or rash (rare, more common with Synvisc due to its animal-derived formulation)

Both Hymovis and Synvisc are considered safe, with side effects usually being mild and temporary. Synvisc, derived from chicken combs, may carry a slightly higher risk of allergic reactions for individuals with avian-related allergies, while Hymovis, being non-animal-derived, poses a lower risk of such reactions.

Synvisc-One, the single-injection version of Synvisc, may lead to more pronounced post-injection swelling due to the larger volume of fluid administered. At the same time, Hymovis’ two-injection protocol distributes the treatment more evenly and may reduce the risk of swelling.

Overall, both treatments have a solid safety record, but it is crucial to discuss personal allergies and sensitivities with a healthcare provider before choosing between the two options.

Conclusion

Choosing between Hymovis and Synvisc depends on your needs. Both relieve knee pain from osteoarthritis but differ in treatment schedules and composition. Hymovis may offer cost savings and fewer injections, but individual responses vary.

Consulting your doctor is essential to determine the best option for your condition and lifestyle.

FAQs

1. What are Hymovis and Synvisc?

Hymovis and Synvisc are injectable therapies designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by supplementing the synovial fluid in the joint to improve mobility and reduce pain.

2. How do Hymovis and Synvisc work in treating OA?

Both treatments enhance the joint’s natural lubrication and cushioning properties, reducing pain and improving joint function.

3. Are there any differences between Hymovis and Synvisc?

Hymovis requires two injections, while Synvisc generally requires three, though a single-dose option (Synvisc-One) is available. They also differ in formulation, with Synvisc containing animal-derived components.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Osteoarthritis. CDC. Retrieved from https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/arthritis/types/osteoarthritis.htm 

McElheny, K., Toresdahl, B., Ling, D., Mages, K., & Asif, I. (2019). Comparative Effectiveness of Alternative Dosing Regimens of Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Sports Health, 11(5), 461–466. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738119861545