Hyalgun

Indications

Sodium Hyaluronate is a moisture-holding substance found naturally in the body. Depending on the product, it is used:

• As eye drops for dry, gritty, tired or irritated eyes (dry eye), including dryness from screens, contact lenses, air conditioning or after eye surgery.
• As an injection into the knee or other joints to ease pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis.
• In gels, creams and dressings to help heal wounds, burns and mouth ulcers, and in some skin care and nasal products.

How It Works

Sodium hyaluronate holds a large amount of water and forms a smooth, slippery layer. On the eye it keeps the surface wet and protected for longer than plain drops. In a joint it adds to the natural joint fluid, acting as a cushion and lubricant. On wounds it keeps the area moist, which helps healing.

Dosage and Administration

• Eye drops: usually 1 drop in each affected eye 3 to 6 times a day, or as often as needed. Do not touch the dropper tip to the eye or any surface.
• Joint injection: given only by a doctor into the joint under clean conditions. The number of injections (single or a weekly course) depends on the product and is as prescribed. Avoid heavy activity on the joint for about 48 hours afterwards.
• Gels and creams: apply a thin layer to the clean area as directed on the pack.

Interactions

Few interactions are known. Leave about 5 to 10 minutes between eye drops if using more than one. Joint injections should not be given where disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts (such as Benzalkonium Chloride) were used on the skin, as these can affect the product.

Contraindications

• Allergy to sodium hyaluronate or any ingredient (some injection products are made from bird proteins and should not be used with egg or feather allergy).
• Joint injection: infection or skin disease at or near the injection site, or an infected joint.

Side Effects

Eye drops: brief blurred vision, mild stinging or sticky eyelids. Joint injection: pain, swelling, warmth or stiffness of the joint for a few days. Gels: mild local irritation.

Get urgent medical help for: a hot, very painful, red and swollen joint with fever after an injection (possible infection); eye pain, increasing redness or a change in vision; or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Eye drops and topical products are generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little is absorbed. Joint injections are not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the doctor advises them, as there is little information.

Precautions and Warnings

• Eye drops: remove contact lenses before use unless the product says it is suitable for lenses. Wait until vision is clear before driving.
• Discard eye drops after the period stated on the pack once opened.
• If dry eye does not improve or eye pain develops, see an eye doctor.
• Joint injection should not be given into a blood vessel or into a joint with a large swelling of fluid until it is drained.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely. Using extra eye drops is not harmful. If any product is swallowed by a child, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Ocular lubricant (artificial tears); viscosupplement for joints.

Storage

Store below 25°C, away from light, as stated on the pack. Do not freeze. Keep eye drop bottles tightly closed and out of the reach of children.