New FDA Approved Labeling for Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyalgan®)
Hyalgan® is most efficacious in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Recent data on controlled clinical trials (Am J Orthop 28:5-7, 1999) suggest that Hyalgan is effective at significantly relieving the pain of OA of the knee even at 12 months following one course of five intra-articular injections at weekly intervals. Additionally, in a 30-month safety study in 75 patients who received 5 courses of Hyalgan therapy over a 2-year period (Eur J Rheumatol Inflamm 15:57-62, 1995), no serious local or systemic side effects were noted. These data support the use of Hyalgan® in the long-term management of OA of the knee.