SYNVISC®

About Synvisc® — Decades of Viscosupplementation Evidence in a Single Brand

Synvisc® is a long-established viscosupplementation product used to treat pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Its active material, hylan G-F 20, is a cross-linked derivative of hyaluronan designed to supplement the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid in the osteoarthritic knee joint. Synvisc® is indicated for patients who have not had adequate relief from conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics such as acetaminophen. [1][4]

Since FDA approval in 1997, Synvisc® has accumulated decades of clinical use and published study data, and it is broadly familiar among orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists, sports medicine physicians, and general practitioners managing knee OA. The brand originated with Genzyme and is now part of Sanofi’s global portfolio following Sanofi’s acquisition of Genzyme. [1][3][4]

The Science of Hylan G-F 20 — How Synvisc® Restores Joint Function

Hylan G-F 20 is a cross-linked hyaluronan derivative composed of hylan A fluid and hylan B gel, both derived from hyaluronan sourced from chicken combs. The cross-linking process produces a material with a higher molecular weight than most standard sodium hyaluronate injections, and this structural difference may affect joint residence time compared with non-cross-linked HA products — though clinical outcomes depend on multiple patient and treatment factors. [1][5]

In osteoarthritis, synovial fluid may lose viscosity and elasticity, reducing its capacity to lubricate and cushion the knee joint during movement and loading. Synvisc® locally supplements joint fluid to support lubrication and shock absorption. Its mechanism is confined to the injected joint and does not produce systemic effects. For practitioners comparing hylan-based products with non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate options such as HYALGAN®, SUPARTZ®, EUFLEXXA®, and ORTHOVISC®, the key differences lie in source, cross-linking, and molecular weight — clinical performance should be evaluated against the available evidence for each product individually. [1][2][3][5]

Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® — The Two Presentations Explained

Synvisc® is the original multi-injection format, administered as three 2 mL intra-articular injections with one injection given each week for three weeks. Each 2 mL syringe contains 16 mg of hylan G-F 20, providing a staged approach that allows practitioners to monitor patient response, tolerance, and any local joint reactions across the treatment course. [5]

Synvisc-One® is the single-injection presentation, delivering 48 mg of hylan G-F 20 in a 6 mL syringe as one intra-articular knee injection. This format completes the full treatment course in a single visit and may suit patients with scheduling limitations, those who prefer fewer clinic appointments, or practices managing high patient volume. The choice between the two presentations depends on clinical judgment, patient preference, payer requirements, and practice workflow. [5]

Most Popular Synvisc® Products

The Synvisc® category is built around two hylan G-F 20 presentations that share the same active material but differ in syringe volume, total dose, and treatment schedule. For practitioners, the primary selection factor is whether a staged weekly protocol or a single-visit regimen better fits the patient’s clinical profile, compliance capacity, and coverage requirements. Clinics building out their knee OA treatment inventory can also buy orthopedic injections through Doctor Medica’s broader catalog of viscosupplementation and joint-support products. [1][5]

Synvisc® 16 mg/2 mL Prefilled Syringe

Synvisc® is the original three-injection hylan G-F 20 formulation for knee osteoarthritis pain. Each treatment course consists of three weekly intra-articular injections, with one 2 mL syringe containing 16 mg of hylan G-F 20 administered at each visit. The staged protocol provides practitioners with a structured window to monitor tolerance and response before completing the full course, and the product has a well-documented clinical history in orthopedic, rheumatology, and sports medicine settings. [1][5]

Synvisc-One® 48 mg/6 mL Prefilled Syringe

Synvisc-One® delivers 48 mg of hylan G-F 20 in a single 6 mL intra-articular injection, completing the full treatment course in one visit. Reducing the regimen to a single appointment can simplify scheduling, lower the visit burden for patients who have difficulty adhering to a weekly injection series, and streamline authorization workflows for practices navigating payer requirements. Both presentations should be selected according to clinical judgment, product labeling, patient history, and applicable coverage criteria. [5]

Treatment Indications — Which Patients Benefit from Synvisc® Injections?

Synvisc® is indicated for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have not had adequate relief from conservative non-pharmacologic therapy or simple analgesics. Appropriate candidates typically present with chronic knee pain, joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and persistent OA symptoms despite physical therapy, weight management, activity modification, or oral analgesics. [1][3][4]

Synvisc® may be considered as part of a non-surgical knee pain management plan, particularly for selected patients seeking to delay more invasive interventions such as knee replacement surgery. It is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is clinically indicated, but it may support symptom management in appropriate patients as part of a broader osteoarthritis treatment strategy, consistent with guideline positioning of viscosupplementation in non-surgical OA care. Under approved US labeling, Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® are indicated specifically for the knee. [1][3][4][5]

How Synvisc® Is Administered — Injection Protocols and Clinical Considerations

Synvisc® and Synvisc-One® are both administered by intra-articular injection into the knee joint using aseptic technique. Before injection, the practitioner should evaluate the knee and, where clinically appropriate, aspirate synovial fluid or effusion to reduce intra-articular pressure and optimize product delivery. Both products are indicated for knee injection only under approved US labeling. If both knees require treatment, a separate syringe must be used for each. [4][5]

The Synvisc® protocol consists of three 2 mL injections administered one week apart; the Synvisc-One® protocol consists of a single 6 mL injection. Following treatment, patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activity for approximately 48 hours and to monitor for local reactions, including swelling, warmth, pain, or effusion. For billing purposes, practitioners should verify current CPT and HCPCS codes before submitting claims, as coding requirements and payer rules are subject to change. [5]

Why Orthopedic Practitioners Continue to Rely on Synvisc®

With decades of published clinical data and real-world use since its 1997 FDA approval, Synvisc® provides practitioners with a well-characterized reference point for evaluating patient response, adverse event profiles, and repeat-treatment considerations. [1][3][4]

Its dosing flexibility also appeals to practitioners. The availability of both a three-injection course and the Synvisc-One® single-injection format within the same hylan G-F 20 product family enables clinicians to match the treatment schedule to the patient’s compliance capacity, visit burden, and payer requirements — a practical advantage not offered by all viscosupplementation brands in a single product line. [1][5]

How Synvisc® Compares to Other Viscosupplementation Products

Synvisc® vs ORTHOVISC®

Synvisc® uses cross-linked hylan G-F 20 derived from an avian source, while ORTHOVISC® is a high-molecular-weight, non-cross-linked hyaluronan product. The two differ in molecular structure and cross-linking, which may affect their respective profiles in clinical use — practitioners should evaluate each product against available evidence for their patient population. ORTHOVISC® is typically administered over a 3- to 4-injection course, while Synvisc® offers both a three-injection format and the single-injection Synvisc-One®. Practices stocking both cross-linked and non-cross-linked HA options can buy ORTHOVISC® through Doctor Medica. [1][2]

Synvisc® vs EUFLEXXA®

EUFLEXXA® is a non-avian, biofermentation-derived sodium hyaluronate product, while Synvisc® is an avian-derived, cross-linked hylan G-F 20. The products differ in source, cross-linking, and molecular structure — the clinical significance of these differences should be assessed against the evidence base for each product individually. The avian-source distinction is particularly relevant for patient screening, as Synvisc® labeling advises practitioners to assess for bird-product allergies prior to use. EUFLEXXA® is typically administered as a three-injection course. Clinics that maintain both avian and non-avian HA options for patient-specific selection can buy EUFLEXXA® through Doctor Medica. [2][5]

Synvisc® vs MONOVISC®

Synvisc-One® and MONOVISC® are both single-injection viscosupplementation options, but they differ in active substance and source — Synvisc-One® contains avian-derived hylan G-F 20, while MONOVISC® is a non-animal hyaluronan product from Anika Therapeutics. The choice between them may depend on patient allergy history, payer access, and clinical familiarity with each product’s evidence base. Practitioners who want to buy MONOVISC® through Doctor Medica can evaluate both single-injection formats from a single verified source. [2][5]

Synvisc® vs HYALGAN®

HYALGAN® is an avian-derived sodium hyaluronate product typically administered as a multi-injection course, while Synvisc® contains cross-linked hylan G-F 20. The two differ in molecular structure — hylan G-F 20 is cross-linked with a higher molecular weight, while HYALGAN® is a non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate — and these structural differences may affect their respective clinical profiles, though outcomes should be evaluated against the evidence for each product. Practices building an avian-derived HA formulary that includes both product types can buy HYALGAN® alongside Synvisc® through Doctor Medica. [1][2]

Synvisc® vs SUPARTZ®

SUPARTZ® is an avian-derived, non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate viscosupplement administered as a weekly multi-injection series, while Synvisc® offers both a three-injection format and Synvisc-One® as a single-injection option. The key structural distinction is cross-linking — Synvisc® uses cross-linked hylan G-F 20, which differs from SUPARTZ® in molecular structure and may affect joint residence time, though clinical performance should be evaluated against the respective evidence bases. Clinics evaluating both product types can buy SUPARTZ® through Doctor Medica. [1][2]

Synvisc® Safety Profile — Adverse Events and Contraindications

The safety profile of Synvisc® is broadly consistent with intra-articular viscosupplementation, though acute local joint reactions have been specifically reported with hylan G-F 20 products and warrant clinical attention. Common adverse events include injection-site pain, swelling, warmth, redness, joint effusion, and temporary knee discomfort. Patients should be monitored for persistent swelling, severe pain, fever, or signs of infection after injection. [1][2][5]

Serious but less common risks include acute local joint reaction (pseudoseptic reaction), infection, marked effusion, and hypersensitivity. Synvisc® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronan products and in those with infections in or around the target knee. Because hylan G-F 20 is derived from an avian source, patients with known allergies to avian proteins, feathers, eggs, or poultry require careful pre-treatment screening. Practitioners should also assess joint effusion, prior reaction history, concurrent NSAID use, and overall knee inflammation status before administration. [2][5]

About the Manufacturer — Sanofi, Genzyme, and the Synvisc® Legacy

Synvisc® was developed by Genzyme, a US-based biotechnology company focused on specialty therapeutics and biologics. Sanofi acquired Genzyme in 2011, integrating the Synvisc® product family into Sanofi’s broader musculoskeletal and specialty-care portfolio. Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical and medical device company with commercial operations across the United States, Europe, and international markets, and Synvisc® remains a recognized product within its joint-pain category. [4][5]

Doctor Medica provides licensed practitioners with access to Synvisc® and a broader range of orthopedic injectable products through verified supply channels. Clinicians whose practices also cover aesthetic indications can buy hyaluronic acid dermal fillers or buy dermal fillers through Doctor Medica’s aesthetic injectable catalog.

Regulatory Status — Where Is Synvisc® Approved and for What Indications?

Synvisc® received FDA premarket approval in 1997 under PMA P940015 for the treatment of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics. Synvisc-One® was subsequently approved as the single-injection presentation under a supplement to the same PMA. Both products are classified as medical devices under FDA regulation. [4][5]

Synvisc® has regulatory approvals and product registrations in markets beyond the United States, including Canada, Australia, and other international regions where local product authorizations apply. Market-specific indications, handling requirements, and reimbursement criteria vary by jurisdiction; practitioners sourcing Synvisc® for non-US markets should confirm local regulatory status and applicable product monographs before procurement. [4][5]

Where Practitioners Source Verified Synvisc® Products — A Note on Supply

For licensed professionals seeking to buy Synvisc® with verified authenticity and documented provenance, Doctor Medica representatives can assist with sourcing information, product documentation, and availability details. Doctor Medica has supported professional procurement since 2006, with verifiable LOT numbers, wholesale pricing, and a dedicated support team for licensed practitioners. Are you looking to buy Synvisc® products? Contact Doctor Medica’s customer service representatives for guidance on availability and product documentation.

FAQs

What is Synvisc® used for?

Synvisc® is indicated for pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative therapy or simple analgesics. It supplements synovial fluid by supporting its lubricating and cushioning properties through hylan G-F 20 viscosupplementation. [1][4]

What is the difference between Synvisc® and Synvisc-One®?

Synvisc® is administered as three 2 mL injections over three weeks, while Synvisc-One® is a single 6 mL injection delivering the full course in one visit. Both contain hylan G-F 20 at the same total dose of 48 mg but differ in administration schedule and clinical workflow considerations. [5]

How long does Synvisc® pain relief last?

Clinical data suggest that Synvisc-One® may provide pain relief for up to 26 weeks in some patients with knee osteoarthritis. Individual results vary, and repeat treatment cycles may be considered at the clinician’s discretion and in accordance with applicable payer requirements. [1][5]

How is Synvisc® administered?

Synvisc® is injected into the knee joint by a qualified medical professional using aseptic technique. Synvisc® is given as three weekly 2 mL injections, while Synvisc-One® is given as a single 6 mL injection; joint effusion may be aspirated before injection, and patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activity for approximately 48 hours following treatment. [4][5]

What are the side effects of Synvisc®?

Common side effects include injection-site pain, swelling, warmth, redness, joint effusion, and temporary knee discomfort. Rare but serious risks include infection, acute local joint reaction, and hypersensitivity. Synvisc® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to hyaluronan products or with infection in or around the target knee. [2][5]

Can Synvisc® be used instead of knee replacement surgery?

Synvisc® is a non-surgical pain management option for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis and is not a replacement for knee replacement surgery when surgery is clinically indicated. It may help manage symptoms or delay more invasive treatment in appropriate patients as part of a broader osteoarthritis management strategy. [1][3]

Where can medical professionals buy Synvisc® products?

Contact Doctor Medica’s customer service representatives for guidance on availability, verifiable LOT numbers, wholesale pricing, and professional sourcing support.

Citations

1. Adams ME, Atkinson MH, Lussier AJ, et al. The role of viscosupplementation with hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a Canadian multicenter trial comparing hylan G-F 20 alone, hylan G-F 20 with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and NSAIDs alone. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 1995. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8689457/
2. Chevalier X, Sheehan B, Whittington C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Hylan G-F 20 Versus Intra-Articular Corticosteroids in People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33281462/
3. Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31278997/
4. S. Food and Drug Administration. P940015 — Premarket Approval (PMA). FDA. Last Updated 06/29/2026. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?ID=P940015
5. SYNVISC® Prescribing Information / SYNVISC-ONE® product information. Sanofi. https://products.sanofi.us/synvisc/synvisc.pdf and https://www.synviscone.com/what-is-synvisc-one/

For licensed medical professionals only. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.