Sanofi recalled Synvisc-One® arthritis gel injections after several people developed knee infections due to bacterial contamination.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Synvisc-One induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a knee infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What is in Synvisc-One?
Synvisc-One® is an injectable arthritis gel that is injected directly into a person’s knee joint to relieve pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis for up to 6 months.
Synvisc-One contains hyaluronic acid gel, which is found naturally in healthy joints and acts as a lubricant and shock-absorber. It is made from the gelatinous crests on top of a chicken’s head.
Sanofi Recalls Contaminated Arthritis Injections
In December 2017, Sanofi Genzyme recalled more than 12,000 Synvisc-One® arthritis gel injections due to a risk of microbial contamination. Dozens of knee infections and other adverse events were reported to the FDA.
The recalled Synvisc-One injections (Lot Number 7RSL021) were distributed in 36 states from October 25, 2017 to November 7, 2017.
What is the Risk?
Patients who develop a knee infection will be unable to walk or put weight on their knee. They may experience trouble standing, severe pain, swelling, redness, and fluid build-up in the knee or around it.
Adverse Events Linked to Synvisc-One Injections
One week before Sanofi recalled Synvisc-One injections, the company issued an urgent warning about “an unexpected increase in the number of labeled adverse events.”In one adverse event, a patient had to have fluid drained from their knee twice and suffered continued pain afterward.
Synvisc-One Tests Positive for Microbial Contamination
The shots tested positive for contamination with “a common airborne microbe” that rarely causes infections in people, according to Sanofi.
In a Class II recall notice, Sanofi identified the microbe as a gram-negative bacteria called Methylbacterium thiocyanatum, which usually originates from environmental sources, such as soil, water, or sewage.
Unfortunately, this microbe is slow-growing, resists chlorine-based sanitation processes, and creates a biofilm, which means it could contaminate Synvisc-One syringes long before it is detected.
Risk of Antibiotic-Resistant Infection
Gram-negative bacteria in Synvisc-One may be resistant to antibiotics. Patients who develop an antibiotic-resistant infection may need to be hospitalized and undergo intensive treatment. They are also more likely to suffer long-term side effects, such as chronic pain.
Was My Arthritis Injection Contaminated?
Patients who receive an injection of bacteria-contaminated gel in their knees can develop severe infections and long-term knee problems. These symptoms will likely begin within days of receiving the injection, but they can last for months.
Symptoms of Contaminated Synvisc-One Knee Injections
- Infection
- Trouble walking
- Knee pain
- Swelling
- Heat
- Redness
- Fluid build-up in or around the knee
Treatment for Knee Infections
A person who develops an infection from Synvisc-One may need to have the fluid drained from their knee with a needle (called a “joint aspiration”). They may also need to receive anti-inflammatory cortisone injections, antibiotics, or even surgery to flush out the gel.
Was My Knee Injection Recalled?
If you are not sure if your arthritis injection was recalled, contact our law firm for more information. Our attorneys may be able to investigate specific details regarding your arthritis injections.
Knee infections are extremely painful, debilitating, and may require hospitalization or surgery. Patients who were injured may be facing long recovery periods with a limited ability to work.
If you decide to file a lawsuit, we may be able to help you seek justice and compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, decreased quality of life, and more.
Do I have a Synvisc-One Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Synvisc-One induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a knee infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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