Medihon Injection (Sodium Hyaluronate)

Adult dosage

As sodium hyaluronate, administer 25mg once a week for 5 consecutive weeks either intra-articularly in the knee joint or in the shoulder joint (shoulder cavity, subacromial bursa, or bicipital tendon sheath), adjusting the frequency based on symptoms.

This medication should not be administered to certain patients. First, patients who have experienced an allergic reaction to this medication or its components should not use it. Also, patients with skin diseases or infections in the joint area should not be administered this medication. Caution is needed for patients with liver dysfunction or a history of liver disease because liver function tests may become abnormal. Additionally, patients allergic to avian proteins should avoid this medication. Severe allergic reactions or shocks may occur rarely after using this medication, so it is necessary to observe the condition closely after administration. If symptoms of allergy such as swelling of the face or around the eyes, rash, hives, or itching occur, administration should be immediately stopped and appropriate treatment sought. Temporary pain, swelling, redness, and warmth may occur at the injection site, and bruising or severe pressure sensations may also be felt. Furthermore, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and headache may appear. In cases of severe inflammation in the joint, it is advisable to first reduce the inflammation before using this medication. Stabilizing the joint area after administration helps alleviate pain. If the medication leaks outside the joint, it can cause pain, so it must be injected accurately into the joint. Inflammatory arthritis patients, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis or gout, may experience a temporary exacerbation of inflammation, so caution is advised. It is also recommended to avoid vigorous exercise or activities that bear weight for a long time within 48 hours after administration. The safety and efficacy of using this medication with other intra-articular injectables have not been established; therefore, it is safer not to combine them. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should use this medication cautiously only when the benefits of treatment are deemed greater than the risks, as its safety has not been fully established. This medication can also be transmitted through breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided during administration. When using this medication in children, it should be administered cautiously only if necessary, as its safety has not been established. Elderly patients may have decreased physical function and should use it with increased caution. Ensure to maintain sterile conditions during injection, and administer it accurately into the knee or shoulder joint. If symptoms do not improve, repeated administration should be limited to a maximum of 5 times. If there is a large amount of joint fluid, it is advisable to remove it through puncture before administration. This medication should not be used for intravenous administration or ophthalmic use. When injecting, it is recommended to use a two-step injection needle due to its high viscosity, and carefully draw the liquid from the ampoule into the syringe. When opening the ampoule, ensure to clean it with a sterile cloth to prevent contamination. Caution is needed as it may react with disinfectants like benzalkonium chloride or chlorhexidine, leading to precipitation. This medication is for single use, so any remaining solution after opening should be discarded. Administering a local anesthetic such as lidocaine under the skin before this medication may reduce pain.

Serious side effects

• Hives
• swelling
• rash

Mild side effects

• Facial swelling
• facial redness
• rash
• hives
• itching
• pain
• swelling
• edema
• redness
• warmth

The pre-filled syringe is contained in a sealed container, and it is important to maintain a temperature between 1 degree and 30 degrees Celsius during storage. Keeping this condition will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication.

Appearance

A colorless, transparent, viscous liquid filled in a glass vial sealed with rubber stoppers at both ends (a part of a pre-filled syringe system)

Package unit

2.5 milliliters × 10 vials