Long-term Pain Relief From Osteoarthritis

Although there is still no permanent cure, osteoarthritis patients can now hope for long-term relief of pain symptoms. Claims by the Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc. indicated that Hyalgan, in use for over a decade, has recently been shown to provide extended pain relief with a single course of treatment. Furthermore, the recently issued company press release asserts that there are no safety restrictions on repeat treatment with Hyalgan.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is chronic disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage in the patient. The exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown to date; it is suspected to be brought on by an interaction of mechanical, biological, biochemical, inflammatory and immunologic factors. It is estimated that over 15 million Americans experience painful symptoms caused by osteoarthritis.

Hyalgan is a sterile preparation made up mostly of natural, highly purified sodium hyaluronate (a natural chemical present in high amounts in the joint tissues and surrounding fluids). Hyalgan increases the concentrations of hyaluronate often decreased in osteoarthritis patients, thereby restoring normal lubrication in the joint and alleviating pain.

Patients receive Hyalgan via an injection given directly into the knee joint. Five injections at weekly intervals constitute a single course of treatment. A newly released study shows Hyalgan as avoiding side effects associated with some other common osteoarthritis medications.

“This is good news for patients with osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Roland Moskowitz, Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, in the recently issued press release. “There is no cure, but now, with Hyalgan, patients often have long-term pain relief,” Dr. Moskowitz concluded.