MONOVISC®

MONOVISC® Technology — Ultra-Pure HA and How It Works

MONOVISC® operates through viscosupplementation: restoring the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid that are progressively degraded in knee osteoarthritis. In a healthy joint, synovial fluid acts as both a lubricant and shock absorber, protecting articular cartilage and enabling smooth movement. In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid concentration and molecular weight decline, reducing fluid viscosity and contributing to pain and functional limitation [4][5]. MONOVISC® addresses this by supplementing the joint with cross-linked, high-molecular-weight, ultra-pure sodium hyaluronate [2][3].

The HA in MONOVISC® is derived from bacterial fermentation, making it non-avian and eliminating exposure to avian protein associated with rooster-comb-derived products [3]. The cross-linking process enhances residence time within the joint space, extending the mechanical lubrication and cushioning properties of the injected solution [3][4]. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial supports clinically meaningful pain reduction through 26 weeks following a single injection [1].

About the Manufacturer — Anika Therapeutics

MONOVISC® is manufactured by Anika Therapeutics, a US-based global medtech company headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, with a focus on joint preservation and regenerative medicine [2]. Anika’s viscosupplementation portfolio includes MONOVISC®, ORTHOVISC®, and CINGAL® — products that share the company’s underlying HA technology platform while addressing different clinical protocols and patient profiles [2]. MONOVISC® and ORTHOVISC® in particular share the same ultra-pure sodium hyaluronate technology; the difference is the injection format — MONOVISC® delivers a full treatment in a single visit, whereas ORTHOVISC® is administered over three to four weekly injections [2][3][5].

FDA approval for MONOVISC® was granted in 2014 following PMA review of controlled trial data establishing safety and efficacy for symptomatic knee OA [2].

When you buy MONOVISC® online through Medica Depot, you are getting the authentic product, in the original manufacturer’s package.

Buy MONOVISC® – Product Spotlight

Each syringe of MONOVISC® contains 88 mg of lightly cross-linked, high-molecular-weight, ultra-pure, non-avian sodium hyaluronate at a concentration of 22 mg/mL, supplied as a single-use sterile device for intra-articular knee injection [2][3].

While viscosupplement products range from 1 to 5 injections per treatment course, depending on the formulation [5], MONOVISC® sits at the single-injection end of that spectrum. Clinics managing scheduled viscosupplementation programs can buy MONOVISC® injection online through Medica Depot with verified LOT numbers and consistent supply.

Patient Indications and Treatment Areas to Know Before You Order MONOVISC®

MONOVISC® is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative, non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics [2]. Typical candidates include adults with confirmed knee OA whose symptoms remain inadequately controlled by non-pharmacological measures.

The single-injection format has particular appeal for patients with scheduling constraints or mobility limitations, and for practices where reducing multi-week treatment schedules improves clinic throughput and patient compliance [1][2]. This is why clinics buy MONOVISC® wholesale, as it satisfies a eral market need that has to do with more than just a brand preference.

MONOVISC® vs Competing Viscosupplements

MONOVISC® vs ORTHOVISC®

Both products use Anika’s ultra-pure sodium hyaluronate technology, but the practical distinction is their injection schedule:

• MONOVISC®: Single injection of 88 mg/4 mL per treatment cycle—one office visit.
• ORTHOVISC®: Three to four injections administered weekly, requiring multiple visits.

For practices that stock both, the choice typically reflects patient preference for visit frequency and scheduling logistics. Practitioners can buy ORTHOVISC® at Medica Depot alongside MONOVISC® to offer both formats within the same formulary.

MONOVISC® vs SYNVISC®

MONOVISC® and SYNVISC-ONE® are both single-injection viscosupplements but differ in their HA sources and formulations. MONOVISC® uses non-avian, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate [3], while SYNVISC-ONE® contains avian-derived hylan G-F 20. For practices that buy SYNVISC® alongside MONOVISC®, source material becomes the decisive clinical factor — particularly when managing patients with avian protein sensitivities.

MONOVISC® vs EUFLEXXA®

MONOVISC® provides a complete treatment in a single injection; EUFLEXXA® requires three weekly injections per course. Both are non-avian products, making source material a neutral factor — the comparison centers on course structure and total HA dose per treatment cycle [3][5]. Clinics that stock both can buy EUFLEXXA® from Medica Depot to cover single- and three-injection patient preferences within a single formulary.

MONOVISC® vs HYALGAN®

MONOVISC® is a single-injection, non-avian, cross-linked HA product, while HYALGAN® is an avian-derived, non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate administered over three to five weekly injections [3][5]. The differences span source material, cross-linking, and visit frequency. Practices that weigh all four variables at once will find it useful to buy HYALGAN® through Medica Depot and evaluate both products against the same patient population.

MONOVISC® vs SUPARTZ®

SUPARTZ® is an avian-derived, non-cross-linked sodium hyaluronate requiring three to five weekly injections, in contrast to MONOVISC®’s single-visit, non-avian, cross-linked format [3][5]. The scheduling difference is often what drives the decision — and practitioners who buy SUPARTZ® alongside MONOVISC® at Medica Depot can offer both course-length options without splitting their supplier base.

MONOVISC® vs DUROLANE®

Durolane is a competitor single-injection alternative [9].

• MONOVISC®: 88 mg cross-linked sodium hyaluronate [1]; ultra-pure non-avian HA [1]; extensive clinical validation [1]
• Durolane: 60 mg cross-linked sodium hyaluronate [9]; non-animal source [9]; single injection [9]

MONOVISC® delivers a higher HA dose (88 mg vs. 60 mg), supporting extended therapeutic benefit. Both are single-injection, cross-linked products [1], [9]. Anika’s extensive post-market data support MONOVISC® as the preferred choice for practitioners seeking maximum evidence-based confidence when selecting a viscosupplement.

Administration Protocol and Aftercare

MONOVISC® is administered as a single intra-articular injection into the knee by a licensed healthcare professional using aseptic technique [3]. Any significant joint effusion should be aspirated before injection to optimize intra-articular distribution [3]. The complete MONOVISC® dosage — 88 mg in 4 mL — is delivered in a single injection, completing a full treatment cycle [2][3].

Onset of Pain Relief

Onset varies and is patient-dependent; clinical trial data show clinically meaningful improvement for many patients, with benefit seen through 26 weeks post-injection [1]. MONOVISC® injection aftercare includes avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours and monitoring the injection site; most patients resume normal daily activities within one to two days [3]. Practitioners should follow the current product IFU for full administration and aftercare guidance [3].

Regulatory Status and Insurance Coverage

Before you buy MONOVISC® online, it’s important to familiarize yourself with its regulatory status. MONOVISC® is FDA-approved as a medical device for the treatment of pain from knee osteoarthritis in patients with an inadequate response to conservative, non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics, with PMA approval granted in 2014 [2]. It is classified as a medical device, not a pharmaceutical, reflecting its local mechanical mechanism of action within the joint [2][3].

Medicare coverage for MONOVISC® may apply when coverage and documentation criteria are met, including confirmed knee OA and failure of conservative therapy. Many commercial insurance plans also extend coverage for eligible patients. Practitioners should verify current coverage and eligibility for each patient before treatment. When you order MONOVISC® online through Medica Depot, you can also consult with our support staff on documentation, which will provide more insight on the final MONOVISC® cost of treatment to your patients.

MONOVISC® Safety Profile — Side Effects and Contraindications

Adverse events reported in clinical studies of MONOVISC® are primarily localized and transient [1][3]. Common injection-site reactions include pain, swelling, and warmth, most of which resolve within a few days without intervention [3]. How long do MONOVISC® side effects last? Most reactions resolve within a few days [3].

Rare adverse events include acute local joint reaction, typically self-limiting, and the low but nonzero risk of joint infection associated with any intra-articular injection procedure [3]. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to hyaluronate or any MONOVISC® component, active joint infection, and skin disease or infection at the proposed injection site [3]. Practitioners should review the full contraindication and precaution information in the current MONOVISC® IFU before administering [3].

Why Practitioners Choose MONOVISC®

• Single-Injection Convenience: One visit per treatment cycle, versus three to five visits for multi-injection alternatives, reduces the patient scheduling burden and improves compliance, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or demanding schedules [1][2]. For practices that manage high volumes of viscosupplementation patients, a single-injection protocol offers a practical clinical and operational advantage.
• Ultra-Pure HA at Optimal Concentration: MONOVISC®’s combination of a non-avian HA source, cross-linking technology, and a high total HA dose per single injection provides practitioners with a clinically validated option, supported by multicenter RCT evidence, that addresses avian protein sensitivity concerns while delivering concentrated treatment in one visit [1][3][4].

Medica Depot supplies MONOVISC® 88 mg/4 mL prefilled syringes at competitive wholesale prices for licensed practitioners, with group buy options, fast shipping, and verifiable LOT numbers. Buy MONOVISC® wholesale by adding it to cart or contact our team for volume pricing. Practices consolidating injectable procurement can also buy dermal fillers and HA dermal fillers through the same platform.

FAQs

Why is MONOVISC® described as a single-injection treatment?

The complete labeled treatment for one knee is contained in one syringe: 88 mg of hyaluronan in 4 mL, administered in a single intra-articular injection.

Who may be considered for MONOVISC®?

Its US indication covers patients with knee osteoarthritis pain who have not responded adequately to conservative non-drug measures or simple analgesics. Patient selection requires an individual clinical assessment.

Does MONOVISC® contain material from birds?

MONOVISC® hyaluronan is produced by bacterial fermentation rather than extracted from avian tissue. The full contraindication and allergy information should still be reviewed before use.

Can MONOVISC® be injected into joints other than the knee?

The FDA-approved US indication is limited to osteoarthritis pain of the knee. Use in another joint falls outside that indication and must be evaluated under applicable clinical and regulatory requirements.

How soon can normal activity resume?

Routine activity may resume according to clinical advice, but strenuous exercise and prolonged weight-bearing should generally be avoided for 48 hours.

What adverse effects are reported most often?

The most common reactions are temporary pain and swelling in or around the treated knee. Symptoms that are severe, prolonged, or suggest infection should be assessed promptly.

Is relief guaranteed after MONOVISC®?

No. Individual response varies, and some patients do not obtain meaningful improvement from viscosupplementation. Treatment expectations should reflect the patient’s condition and the broader evidence base. Professionals can order MONOVISC® wholesale through Medica Depot, but it is important to understand that individual treatments can vary in terms of results.

How is MONOVISC® different from SYNVISC-ONE®?

Both use a single-injection format, but their materials differ. MONOVISC® contains non-avian cross-linked sodium hyaluronate, while SYNVISC-ONE® contains avian-derived hylan G-F 20. This makes it attractive for practitioners who want to offer a broader range of treatments to patients with different preferences and clinical requirements. To order MONOVISC® online, simply add to cart or contact our team from bulk pricing.

Where to order MONOVISC® wholesale?

You can order MONOVISC® wholesale directly through Medica Depot. We offer wholesale pricing across the catalog, designed specifically for clinics and practitioners who are too small to find competitive offers. We are a MONOVISC® supplier that works with clinics of all sizes, providing equal attention to customer service and personalized custom offers.

Disclaimer

The contents of this page are meant for licensed medical professionals. They serve informational purposes only and are not to be taken as medical advice.

Citations and Resources

[1] Petterson SC, Plancher KD. Single intra-articular injection of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid reduces knee pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30159738/

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. P090031 — Premarket Approval (PMA): MONOVISC Injectable Intra-Articular Device. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=P090031

[3] Anika Therapeutics, Inc. Instructions for Use MONOVISC. Anika Therapeutics. 2023. https://www.anikaifu.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Monovisc-USA-AML-500-299-E.pdf

[4] Altman RD, Manjoo A, Fierlinger A, Niazi F, Nicholls M. The mechanism of action for hyaluronic acid treatment in the osteoarthritic knee: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26503103/

[5] Sheth, N. Viscosupplementation Treatment for Knee Arthritis. OrthoInfo/American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/viscosupplementation-treatment-for-knee-arthritis/