Manufacturer Sanofi Genzyme voluntarily recalled a lot of almost 20,000 Synvisc-One knee injection syringes when discovered that they tested positive for microbial contamination. This lot, number 7RSL021, was sold in the United States from October 25, 2017, through November 7, 2017.
About Synvisc-One
The FDA approved Synvisc-One in 2009 to help with pain from knee osteoarthritis. However, doctors use these injections in other joints, too. Synvisc-One injections use hylan A fluid and hylan B gel, made from a substance called hyaluronan, along with salt water. The syringe uses this gel-like mixture to relieve pain mainly associated with knee osteoarthritis or other joint pain. Hyaluronan, also known as sodium hyaluronate, is naturally present in healthy joints. The substance acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, allowing joints to move smoothly over each other. However, the substance appears to break down in people with osteoarthritis. Injecting it into a joint may lessen pain and inflammation. If non-sterile microbes contaminate the injections, then, patients experience harmful and dangerous side effects.
This medication has been a huge financial success for the manufacturer, Sanofi Genzyme. In fact, sales reached nearly $410 million last year.
Synvisc-One Knee Injection Recall
When investigators found microbes in a Synvisc-One knee injection lot, Sanofi Genzyme was forced to issue a voluntary recall. The microbe is a common airborne organism, which causes serious infections and other side effects found on the label. However, Sanofi Genzyme has not said what amplified warning patients should expect. The warnings listed on the package insert include pain, swelling, heat, redness, and fluid build-up in and around the knee.
Microbial Contamination Symptoms
Microbial contamination refers to the non-intended or accidental introduction of infectious material like bacteria, yeast, mold, fungi, or virus. Sanofi Genzyme has not conveyed which microbe caused the Synvisc-One recall.
Patients suffering from contaminated syringes may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Trouble walking
- Heat or redness
- Fluid build-up in or around knee
Many experienced these painful side effects and required hospitalization. This also means that many have mounting hospital bills all from one seemingly safe injection to help curb their pain. A legal claim could help defray these costs.
Get Justice
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has over 20 years of experience fighting manufacturers who harm consumers. We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. We are advocates for consumers who have been harmed by dangerous products, and likewise, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Therefore, if you received a Synvisc-One injection from the contaminated lot distributed between October and November 2017 and experienced a painful side effect, please speak to us to learn more about your rights.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. Please use the form on this page or call toll-free 24 hours a day at 877-513-9517.