What Is Hyalgan Made of?
Hyalgan is the brand name for sodium hyaluranate, a medication used to treat knee pain from osteoarthritis. Other brand names that contain the same active ingredient are Euflexxa and Supartz. It's usually given as an injection at the doctor's office. Sodium hyaluranate is made to mimic the body's synovial fluid that is found in the knee. With more lubrication, it's hoped that moving the knee will be easier.
Identification
Hyaluranate or hyaluronic acid is a gel found in many places in the body, including the eyes and the joints. Hyaluronic acid is a complex sugar chain in the glycosaminoglycan family. Salt is also added to the medicine.
Main Ingredient
According to RxList.com and Lee Phillips, MD, the hyalronic acid used in Hyalgan is harvested from the connective tissues in rooster combs (the fleshy top of their heads).
Significance
Because of the use of rooster comb, anyone allergic to eggs or feathers can't take Hyalgan. Vegetarians and vegans also will not be able to take Hyalgan.
Considerations
Hyalgan doesn't work all by itself. It's usually a part of a total osteoarthritis management program of diet, exercise and painkillers.
Misconceptions
Even though it's made from chickens, people getting Hyalgan injections are not at risk of catching bird flu. According to the World Health Organization, bird flu viruses are killed at 158 degrees F (70 degrees C), which is lower than the temperature needed to make hyaluronic acid.
Tags: Hyalgan Made, hyaluronic acid, take Hyalgan, What Hyalgan, What Hyalgan Made