Frequently asked questions
••• How is Arthromac® given ?
Administered by a single injection into the affected joint. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and is performed by a physician or other qualified health care professional experienced in intra-articular injections.
••• How long will the effects of Arthromac® last ?
The durability varies from several months to more than a year depending on :
- the patient’s condition and age
- the patient’s lifestyle
- the severity of the osteoarthritis
- the type and size of the affected joint
- the technique of injection
It should also be noted that the effectiveness of a viscosupplement increases with the number of treatment courses.
How will the doctor prepare my joint for injection ?
Before injecting ANTALVISC® into your joint, the doctor will :
- clean your joint with disinfectants
- apply a local anesthetic to your joint
- withdraw any excess fluid from your joint.
••• Is Arthromac® injection painful ?
The injection is relatively painless. The topical application of an anesthetic agent is possible to improve patient comfort.
••• What type of joints can be treated with Arthromac® ?
All synovial joints affected by osteoarthritis can be treated. Particularly the knee and hip, but also the ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, toes, and the temporomandibular and facet joints.
••• What degrees of severity of osteoarthritis can be treated ?
ARTHROMAC® can be used for the treatment of all grades of osteoarthritis.
••• Are there any adverse events following Arthromac® injection ?
Following injection, transient pain and swelling of the injected joint may occur. These temporary reactions which generally subside over 72 hours do not have to be the source of concern and can be simply treated by resting and applying ice to the injected joint. Arthromac® does not have the serious side effects associated with NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
••• What are the recommendations to follow after Arthromac® injection ?
After the injection, you can resume normal day-to-day activities, but an articular rest of approximately 24 hours is recommended (no strenuous exercise).
••• How effective is Arthromac® compared to NSAIDs and corticosteroids ?
Arthromac® provides comparable pain relief to NSAIDs and corticosteroids during the first weeks, with a much longer duration of action (up to 15 months).
Moreover, contrary to NSAIDs and corticosteroids, ANTALVISC® provides :
- a correction of the stiffness and an improvement of the mobility
- a complete safety. Numerous side effects and counter-indications are linked to the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids
- chondroprotective and wound healing properties, enabling to protect and repair cartilage
- an easier evacuation of cartilaginous remains
Clinical studies also show that the use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids in combination with viscosupplementation is more effective for reducing pain than NSAIDs or corticosteroids alone.
••• When will I start to feel pain relief ?
Everyone responds differently, but the pain relief generally starts between 2 and 4 weeks after the injection.
••• Can both my knees be treated with Arthromac® ?
Yes, you can receive one injection in each individual knee at the same time, or at different times.
••• Can I repeat the treatment ?
Yes, if the symptoms return after several months, the injection of Arthromac® can be repeated safely and effectively for a new period of pain relief (generally longer than the previous one).
••• Are there other indications for Arthromac® use ?
Besides being used for the treatment of osteoarthritis, Arthromac® may also be indicated for post-surgical management, particularly in the reduction of post-arthroscopic pain.
••• Who can inject Arthromac® ?
A medical practitioner familiar and trained in the intra-articular injections. Medical specialists include (but not exclusively): rheumatologist, orthopaedic surgeon, radiologist, musculoskeletal physician, sports physician, general physician.
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