Osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions worldwide, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Treatments like hyaluronic acid injections offer relief by improving joint lubrication, making movement easier. According to experts, viscosupplements, such as hyaluronic acid injections, can reduce OA pain for up to six months.
Two popular options in this category are Hymovis and Euflexxa. While both aim to relieve joint discomfort, they differ in their formulation and how they’re administered. Understanding these differences can help patients choose the treatment that’s best for them.
In this article, we’ll compare Hymovis vs Euflexxa, looking at their effectiveness, safety, and how they work to manage osteoarthritis pain.
Key Takeaways
- Hymovis and Euflexxa are both FDA-approved viscosupplements used to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA) by injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to improve lubrication and reduce pain.
- Hymovis offers longer-lasting relief with just two injections, thanks to its thicker, more durable formulation (HYADD®4).
- Euflexxa requires three injections and uses a highly purified, non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, making it suitable for patients with sensitivities to animal-derived products.
- Both treatments are effective at reducing knee pain and improving mobility, but the right choice depends on patient preferences, insurance coverage, and prior treatment responses.
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Understanding Osteoarthritis and Viscosupplementation Treatments
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition that develops when the cartilage cushioning the joints wears down over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a loss of joint mobility. OA can affect any joint but most commonly impacts the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
Viscosupplementation is a treatment option specifically for knee osteoarthritis. It involves injecting hyaluronic acid directly into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that acts as a lubricant and cushion, helping the joint move more smoothly and reducing pain. By restoring some of this lost lubrication, viscosupplementation can improve mobility and provide relief for people living with OA.
Hymovis
Hymovis is a viscosupplementation treatment designed to relieve pain and improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is made from a high-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the joint.
Unlike some other hyaluronic acid treatments, Hymovis is chemically modified to be more flexible and long-lasting, allowing it to stay in the knee joint for a longer period and provide extended relief.
One of Hymovis’s main benefits is its ability to offer long-lasting pain relief with fewer injections than other treatments. Most patients only need two injections spaced one week apart, making it a more convenient option for those looking to minimize doctor visits.
Hymovis helps reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and restore some quality of life for patients struggling with knee OA. Its thicker, more durable formula provides better shock absorption and lubrication, helping to reduce the friction between bones that causes discomfort.
Clinical Studies and Evidence Supporting Hymovis Efficacy
Hymovis FDA approval was granted in 2015 after rigorous clinical trials demonstrated its safety and effectiveness. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Hymovis in reducing OA knee pain. A pivotal trial showed a 34% reduction in WOMAC/VAS pain scores at six months, while post-market clinical trials reported a 37% reduction in VAS pain scores.
Real-world clinical practice studies have also shown significant improvements in pain and function, with reductions in WOMAC scores and VAS pain scores compared to corticosteroid treatments.
Euflexxa
Euflexxa is another viscosupplementation treatment used to manage the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). It contains a bioengineered form of hyaluronic acid that closely mimics the body’s natural joint fluid. It works by replenishing the hyaluronic acid in the joint, improving lubrication and cushioning to help the knee move more smoothly and reduce pain.
One of Euflexxa’s key advantages is that it is designed to be a highly purified, non-animal-based hyaluronic acid, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. It’s a great option for people looking for a viscosupplement that provides consistent pain relief without the concerns associated with animal-derived products.
Research Findings and Patient Outcomes Related to Euflexxa Use
Clinical studies have shown that Euflexxa provides effective pain relief and improved joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In a 12-week clinical trial, patients treated with Euflexxa experienced a 34% reduction in WOMAC pain scores compared to baseline. Another study showed that nearly two-thirds of patients were pain-free at the end of the 12-week study.
Real-world clinical practice studies have also reported significant improvements in pain and function, with reductions in WOMAC scores and VAS pain scores compared to other treatments.
Comparing Hymovis and Euflexxa
- Molecular Weight and Viscosity Disparities: Hymovis uses a thicker, stickier form of hyaluronic acid (HYADD®4), which helps it stay in the knee joint longer, offering extended relief. Euflexxa, with 1% sodium hyaluronate, closely mimics the natural joint fluid but is less viscous than Hymovis.
- Number of Injections Required for Treatments: Euflexxa requires three weekly injections, while Hymovis needs only two, spaced a week apart. This difference makes Hymovis a more convenient option for patients who prefer fewer visits.
- Patient Tolerance and Overall Symptom Relief: Both treatments are well-tolerated and provide effective relief for knee osteoarthritis. While Hymovis may offer longer-lasting results due to its thicker formulation, both are reliable in reducing pain and improving mobility.
- FDA Approval and Insurance Coverage Considerations: Both Hymovis and Euflexxa are FDA-approved for knee osteoarthritis. Insurance coverage usually depends on the provider, but both treatments are widely accepted and covered.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Patients
When deciding between Hymovis and Euflexxa, doctors consider a few key factors. First, the makeup of each treatment matters—Hymovis uses a thicker, longer-lasting formula, while Euflexxa mimics natural joint fluid. Both are designed to ease knee osteoarthritis pain but work slightly differently.
The choice also depends on what works best for the patient. Some might prefer Hymovis because it only requires two injections, while Euflexxa needs three. Cost and insurance coverage can also influence the decision, so doctors often discuss these practical considerations with their patients.
It’s also important to consider how a patient responded to previous treatments and whether they have any allergies or other issues that might make one option better than the other.
Conclusion
Choosing between Hymovis vs Euflexxa comes down to what works best for you. Whether it’s the number of injections, how each treatment works, or your doctor’s recommendation, both options have their strengths in managing knee pain from osteoarthritis.
The key is to have an open conversation with your doctor to find the treatment that suits your needs and helps get your knees feeling better so you can move more comfortably.
FAQs
1. How do Hymovis and Euflexxa work?
Both treatments work by injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to lubricate the joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain. Hymovis uses a thicker formula that stays in the joint longer, while Euflexxa closely mimics natural joint fluid.
2. How many injections are required for each treatment?
Hymovis requires two injections, spaced one week apart. Euflexxa requires three weekly injections to complete the treatment.
3. Which treatment lasts longer, Hymovis or Euflexxa?
Hymovis generally offers longer-lasting relief due to its thicker and more durable formulation. However, both treatments can provide pain relief for up to six months.
4. Are Hymovis or Euflexxa approved for joints other than the knee?
No, both Hymovis and Euflexxa are FDA-approved only for treating knee osteoarthritis and are not currently approved for use in other joints.
References
Dunkin MA. Hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis. WebMD. Published May 1, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hyaluronic-acid-injections-for-osteoarthritis
De Marziani, L., Sangiorgio, A., Bensa, A., et al. (2023). Intra-articular injections in sport-active patients with degenerative cartilage lesions or knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, 10(112). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40634-023-00674-0
Migliore, A., Frediani, B., Gigliucci, G., Foti, C., Crimaldi, S., De Lucia, O., & Iolascon, G. (2020). Efficacy of a Single Intra-Articular HYMOVIS ONE Injection for Managing Symptomatic Hip Osteoarthritis: A 12-Month Follow-Up Retrospective Analysis of the ANTIAGE Register Data. Orthopedic research and reviews, 12, 19–26. https://doi.org/10.2147/ORR.S239355
