What Are They?
Synvisc (Hylan G-F 20) is the brand name for the high-molecular-weight injectable fluid that contains both hylan A and hylan B polymers. The polymers in Synvisc, like most hyaluronic derivatives, are derived from rooster combs and are classified as avian-derived hyaluronic acid (AV-HA).
Euflexxa, on the other hand is made from a very highly purified product extracted from bacterial cells. It is a polysaccharide consisting of a repeating disaccharide of N-Acetylglucosamine and sodium glucuronate that are linked by glycosidic bonds.
What are the Differences?
While Supartz, Synvisc, and other AV-HA brands are similar in their efficacy, Synvisc offers a one-dose treatment that prevents multiple trips to a doctor’s office. According to the National Institute of Health, AV-HA treatments all appear to relieve pain for between 4 and 14 weeks by restoring both mechanical and biomechanical homeostasis in the joint.
A difference in price gives Euflexxa a bit of an edge.
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