Question
Hi!

My father is nearing 70 yrs old but he still plays tennis mostly on hardcourts.  Since a year or two ago, he has been feeling pain on his right knee.  More recently, he complains that he is bothered by a "clicking sound" whenever he bends his knees.  Right now, he's taking Viartril to relieve some of the pain.   

Some time back, a doctor friend of ours recommended that he take SYNVISC injections.  However, we've been holding back on a decision partly because of the expense involved, partly because we hear stories that it doesn't work for some people or worse, they develop complications like life-threatening allergies, etc.  The bad thing is that my dad has many allergies -- a wide variety of food, dust, etc.  

My question is:

1) What's the batting average of SYNVISC for people like my dad?

2) Is there a way to test if a person has allergies to SYNVISC before we actually administer a full injection?

Regards,

Don

Answer
Don,

I am happy to hear that you dad is so active at nearly 70.

It is a shame that Synvics has to be so expensive. It is a very well tolerated drug. Allergies to it are rare but they do happen. The only hint you can have before taking it is previous allergies to allergic reaction to hyaluronate sodium derivative, other hylans, hyaluronate sodium, bird protein, feathers, or egg products. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Despite all the hoopla about Synvisc it is not really any more effective than cortisone injections which are cheaper and have less side effects.

I wish your dad good health,

Rusty