Suplasyn® for Patient

Suplasyn® is composed of sterile sodium hyaluronate solution 10 mg/ml and is indicated in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis.

It is reimbursed by the GMS and DPS.

What is a joint?

A joint is formed by the ends of two or more bones, normally covered with a thin, smooth layer of cartilage, which plays a protective role and allows smooth movement. Some parts of the joint are surrounded by a capsule called synovium. The inner layer or synovial membrane secretes a fluid which prevents friction inside the joint and is called synovial fluid.

Bones are connected to one another by ligaments, composed mainly of collagen fibers, which have a certain level of elasticity. The main role of ligaments is to provide joint stability. Joints are designed to allow smooth movements in various directions (depending on the type of joint) and also to provide mechanical support to the body.

What is a Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic diseases and a leading cause of disability in patients over 55. It is part of a group of conditions called arthritis.

There are many forms of arthritis, the most common being OA. Osteoarthritis may be caused by previous joint injuries or surgery. It may affect weight bearing joints such as hip or knee, but also the shoulder or smaller joints in the hands and toes.

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the parts of the bones forming a joint tends to wear away, resulting over time in bones rubbing against each other, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.

In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid is reduced, causing a loss of shock absorbing and lubricating properties inside the joint. This results in joint pain, stiffness and possibly an onset or worsening of osteoarthritis.

How does Suplasyn work?

In osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid present in the liquid inside healthy joints (synovial fluid) is reduced, and this loss changes the viscosity and elasticity properties of the fluid that affects its naturally cushioning and lubricating properties. All these result in joint pain, stiffness and possibly more susceptibility to tissue damage. (1,2,3)

The introduction of Suplasyn® into the synovial space will assist in the normalisation of the joint following arthrocentesis. Suplasyn® has been shown to be beneficial in osteoarthritis for the management of pain and improvement in physical function of joints. (1,2)

1. Blanch Rubio J et al. Springer Experience & Drug Evidence. 2012.
2. Gydek A, et al. Przegl Lek.2011;68(6):307-10.
3. Petrella RJ et al. J Rheumatol. 2006 May;33(5):951-6.

How is Suplasyn administered?

Your doctor will administer Suplasyn® intra-articularly into the synovial space of your affected joint. Each administration of Suplasyn® takes only a few minutes and can be administered by a physician. Routinely once inside the medical consult, you will be asked to sit or lie in a comfortable position. Your doctor will likely apply a numbing agent before your Suplasyn®. You may feel some discomfort during the injection, but this normally disappears quickly.