Ostenil (Hyaluronic Acid) Injections
OSTENIL® PLUS General Information below
Ostenil Injections
What is OSTENIL® PLUS?
OSTENIL® PLUS is a solution containing hyaluronic acid developed specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It can be injected into the knee, or any of the other synovial joints in the body to decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis.
It contains a higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) than standard OSTENIL®, plus mannitol, and offers the option to reduce the number of injections to one per treatment cycle.
How does OSTENIL® PLUS work?
This medication is injected into the space between the joint that contains synovial fluid and works to restore the balance between the breakdown and production of hyaluronic acid. This effect means OSTENIL® PLUS can help decrease pain and stiffness of the joint.
The hyaluronic acid in OSTENIL® PLUS is very pure and is manufactured using fermentation. Containing no animal proteins, it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, plus the addition of mannitol (a sugar derivative) helps the hyaluronic acid to work for longer and more efficiently in the joint.
Treatment with OSTENIL® PLUS
OSTENIL® PLUS should be injected directly into the joint(s) affected by osteoarthritis by a fully qualified clinician. It is unlikely you will notice any benefits straight away, but you should gradually begin to feel a reduction in pain and stiffness over the following few weeks, which is likely to continue for several months.
When the effect of OSTENIL® PLUS begins to wear off, if considered appropriate by your clinician, you may safely choose to have another injection whenever necessary.
Does OSTENIL® PLUS have any side effects?
OSTENIL® PLUS has been extensively tested and has not been found to cause any serious side effects, plus it contains no animal proteins, so is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
As with all injections there is a very small risk of infection and occasional post injection pain at the site, which may last a day or so.
You should always consult with your clinician or ask your physiotherapist before beginning any new treatment.
How much does Ostenil cost?
For a single Ostenil injection to a joint, we charge £200 including the prescription price (£100).
If two joints are required to be injected, we charge £390.00.
What is a synovial joint?
A synovial joint is one that allows for movement, like the knee, hip or shoulder. Where the bones meet, their surfaces are covered with a layer of thick cartilage and a thin layer of fluid (synovial fluid) that separates and lubricates the two surfaces and protects the cartilage from wear and tear. The most important component of synovial fluid is hyaluronic acid, which allows the fluid to perform effectively.
Normally there is an exact balance between the breakdown of old hyaluronic acid and production of new. However, in osteoarthritis, its breakdown exceeds production, which leads to an imbalance and lack of hyaluronic acid. The synovial fluid becomes watery and stops functioning effectively, allowing the cartilage of the bone to grate and wear more, causing the symptoms of pain, stiffness and the swelling of the joints.