Orthovisc® Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis

Orthovisc is a prescription injection used to relieve knee osteoarthritis pain. It contains a form of hyaluronic acid that cushions and lubricates the joint. This page explains how the treatment works, who it may suit, and how to store it. You can also review access options and what to discuss with your prescriber.

What Orthovisc Is and How It Works

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. This viscosupplement is injected by a trained healthcare professional into the knee joint. It adds a protective cushion to help reduce friction and improve joint function. For US shipping from Canada, your prescription is required, and many patients pay out of pocket without insurance for this therapy.

The active ingredient is a high–molecular weight hyaluronan. It mimics the natural synovial fluid found in healthy knees. The treatment may help reduce pain when simple measures and oral pain relievers have not been enough. It is not a cure for arthritis, but it can support mobility during daily activities.

For learning about related conditions and options, see our guides on Osteoarthritis and Knee Pain. You can also review medicine classes in Arthritis Drugs.

Who It’s For

This medicine is intended for adults with knee osteoarthritis pain who have tried non-drug measures and oral analgesics. People with infections or skin disease at the injection site should not receive an intra-articular treatment until cleared by a clinician. Those with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate substances should avoid it. Tell your healthcare professional about past knee procedures, active swelling, or any bleeding disorders.

If you are weighing options for joint symptoms, our category pages for Joint Pain and Pain Inflammation may help you compare supportive therapies.

Dosage and Usage

Orthovisc prefilled syringe injections are administered by a healthcare professional into the knee joint using aseptic technique. A typical course is one injection per week for three or four consecutive weeks, depending on your prescriber’s plan and the official labeling in your region. Only a clinician should perform the procedure.

Before the procedure, the joint may be aspirated to remove excess fluid. The clinician will disinfect the skin, position the needle correctly, and inject the full contents of a single-use syringe into the joint space. After the visit, you may be advised to avoid high-impact activities for a short period.

Do not self-inject or give this treatment at home. Do not receive it into veins, muscles, or outside the joint. Follow the product insert and your prescriber’s instructions for your schedule.

Strengths and Forms

• Orthovisc 30 mg/2 mL single-use prefilled syringe, for intra-articular administration
• Packaging may be supplied as individual syringes or multi-syringe cartons

Availability may vary by jurisdiction and stock. Single-use syringes are sterile and should not be resterilized or reused. Discard any unused portion.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a weekly appointment is missed, contact your clinic to reschedule. Do not double up injections to make up for a missed visit. Keep to the planned interval where possible, as this supports consistent response to a Orthovisc 3 pack or similar series. Only your prescriber should adjust the schedule.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep syringes in the original carton until use. Store within the temperature range stated on the package insert. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if the solution looks cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.

For travel, carry the carton in your hand luggage with your prescription and clinic details. Avoid extreme heat or cold in cars and cargo holds. If you transport an unopened Orthovisc 2 mL syringe to a medical appointment, keep it protected in a way consistent with the label. Ask your clinic how they prefer you to bring it in.

Benefits

As a viscosupplement, this therapy provides lubrication and cushioning inside the joint. It may help reduce pain and stiffness during walking or light exercise. The course-based schedule can be convenient compared to daily oral medicines. It can be used alongside lifestyle measures such as weight management and physiotherapy, as advised by your clinician.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection-site pain
• Joint swelling
• Warmth or redness around the knee
• Joint effusion or stiffness
• Itching or bruising near the site

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe local inflammation or infection. Seek medical help for intense pain, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or rash. Do not receive the injection into infected or inflamed skin. Tell your prescriber about any allergies to hyaluronate products or components of the syringe and cap. If you use anticoagulants, discuss bleeding risk around procedures.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Systemic drug interactions are not commonly reported with intra-articular hyaluronan. However, your clinician should review all medicines and supplements you use. The knee should not be treated with other intra-articular agents at the same time unless the prescriber determines it is appropriate. Skin disinfectants should be allowed to dry fully before injection. Inform the clinic about prior corticosteroid injections, joint infections, or recent procedures on the knee.

For broader background on arthritis care, you can read our guide on Back Of The Knee Pain.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people notice gradual changes over the treatment course as the joint fluid environment improves. Your experience can vary based on disease severity, activity level, and adherence to the series. Some individuals continue supportive measures like physical therapy or gentle exercise as advised by their healthcare professional. If symptoms return later, your prescriber may reassess whether another series is appropriate according to the label and your clinical status.

Compare With Alternatives

Other hyaluronic acid options are available. Single-injection products may appeal to those seeking fewer clinic visits, while multi-injection series can suit others based on clinician preference.

Two options we offer include Durolane and Redesca Hp. Your prescriber can help choose based on your knee anatomy, prior response, and local labeling.

Pricing and Access

We offer Canadian retail options with Orthovisc cash price transparency. This product Ships from Canada to US with a valid prescription from your clinician. Review current pricing on the product page and compare your self-pay choices. If you are looking for seasonal offers, see our Promotions.

For therapy planning, you can estimate your total costs for a series and discuss timing with your clinic. Some patients use health spending accounts; others pay directly. Our encrypted checkout supports secure ordering when your prescriber has set up your therapy.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock status can change due to manufacturer supply and demand. If the item is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a comparable hyaluronan alternative from the same class. We cannot guarantee restock dates. Your clinician will determine if a substitution is suitable for your knee and medical history.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who have not found enough relief with nonpharmacologic measures and oral analgesics. It may not be suitable for those with active joint infection, significant skin disease at the site, or a history of hypersensitivity to hyaluronan products. Always share your medical history and current medicines with your healthcare professional.

To manage expenses, ask your prescriber whether scheduling a full series in advance is appropriate, as clinics may coordinate appointments more efficiently. Consider ordering all syringes for a planned course together to simplify fulfillment. Set reminders so you do not miss weekly visits. Review our condition pages on Arthritis and Pain for supportive care ideas you can discuss with your clinician.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is a three- or four-injection series better for my knee?
• How should I prepare for each appointment?
• What activities should I avoid after each visit?
• Can I combine this therapy with physical therapy or braces?
• How will we assess response and decide on future courses?
• Are there precautions given my other medicines and conditions?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

Manufacturer

Ready to proceed? You can order with US delivery from Canada and prompt shipping. Your prescription is required; temperature-controlled handling when required. This page is informational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.