Recosyn

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Recosyn

Property Description
Active Ingredient Sodium Hyaluronate
Form Sterile solution for injection (Intra-articular)
Pharmacological Class Viscosupplementation Agent
Common Use Augmenting joint fluid properties to relieve pain
Origin Non-animal, biotechnological source

What Type of Medicine is Recosyn and What is its Purpose?

Recosyn is classified as a Viscosupplementation Agent, a specialized medicine administered directly into the affected joint space as a sterile solution for injection. This class of product is clinically recognized for its role in mitigating the mechanical symptoms of joint deterioration. The general purpose of this therapy is to help alleviate persistent joint pain and improve the range of motion that is often restricted by degenerative changes.

The treatment is supported by pharmacological studies confirming its mechanism to restore the fluid's viscoelasticity. This approach offers a focused, local intervention, typically utilized in therapeutic plans where conventional oral analgesics have provided insufficient relief, offering an established method for managing the consequences of chronic joint wear.

What is Recosyn Made of (Sodium Hyaluronate Composition)?

The sole active ingredient in Recosyn is Sodium Hyaluronate (the purified salt form of Hyaluronic Acid (HA)), which is a natural Glycosaminoglycan molecule found throughout the body’s connective tissues. Recosyn is prepared as a single-ingredient, aqueous solution designed for immediate intra-articular delivery. The product is manufactured by Recordati Pharma GmbH, reflecting its specific formulation profile.

A key feature is that the Sodium Hyaluronate component is obtained through a controlled, high-purity non-animal source biotechnological process. This manufacturing choice ensures a substance that is structurally well-tolerated and comparable to the body’s native HA, supporting the joint fluid's essential function as both a lubricant and a shock absorber.

What side effects are possible with Recosyn?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for intra-articular Sodium Hyaluronate is largely characterized by events localized to the site of administration, consistent with the formulation as a sterile solution for injection. These classifications are based on official documentation from regulatory authorities, such as the FDA and EMA.


Adverse Reaction Classifications

Common adverse reactions typically affect the treated joint and are described as transient, meaning they generally resolve spontaneously. These effects are primarily categorized under Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders and General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions in regulatory documents. Common events include joint pain (arthralgia), joint swelling, joint effusion (excess fluid), and localized pain or swelling at the injection site.

Uncommon or Rare adverse reactions are less frequent and may be systemic. These include symptoms such as headache and nausea. Officially documented Serious Adverse Reactions, while rare, encompass clinically significant hypersensitivity events, including anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions.

Safety Considerations and Restrictions

The official labeling notes several important constraints. The product is contraindicated (should not be used) in patients with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or in the joint itself (e.g., septic arthritis). Additionally, regulatory texts state that the product is incompatible with disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts, and their concomitant use for skin preparation is prohibited.

Population Safety Status

The safety and effectiveness of this treatment have not been established in certain populations, including pediatric patients, pregnant women, and lactating women. This lack of established data informs a specific safety constraint in the official prescribing information for these groups.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Official regulatory documentation indicates that systemic overdosage of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate is not observed and is officially classified as unlikely. This assessment is based on the specific formulation of Recosyn as a single-use, pre-measured solution and its required delivery through localized intra-articular injection. This route significantly restricts the potential for the active ingredient to cause systemic effects associated with excessive plasma concentrations. Consequently, regulatory prescribing information confirms that no cases of systemic overdosage have been formally reported to date.

Due to the unlikelihood and absence of reported events, the official labeling does not contain a specific description of symptoms or clinical manifestations of systemic overdose. No specific life-threatening systemic outcomes resulting from overdose are documented, nor is a definitive severity classification defined by regulators. No specific antidote is described in the official documents, and the labeling does not contain specific procedural management measures (such as gastric lavage or specific supportive treatment) required for an overdose event.

The official regulatory guidance does not mandate specific emergency actions or instructions tied to a systemic overdose syndrome. When urgent medical attention is required, it relates to the management of severe adverse reactions listed in other sections of the product information, not to a documented profile of systemic overdosage. The official overdose profile strictly reflects the constraints defined by the drug's localized administration context.

Therapeutic Uses of Recosyn

Easing Joint Pain and Chronic Discomfort

This treatment is designed to address the symptoms related to physical discomfort and persistent aching often felt within the joints due to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. It helps relieve the discomfort that may disrupt everyday activities, providing support for a more comfortable experience during movement and weight-bearing. The therapeutic area is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns. This treatment is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort and can generally assist with maintaining functional stability.

Quick Fact: Relief for Physical Discomfort


Improving Stiffness and Movement

Recosyn targets the stiffness and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning that are common signs of joint issues. It is applied in contexts where additional symptomatic support is needed to address stiffness. This therapeutic benefit contributes to an improved range of motion and overall mobility, making daily movements generally easier. The product is commonly used across conditions presenting with localized discomfort, including joint issues following trauma.


Supportive Care for Degenerative Joint Conditions

Used primarily in conditions involving recurrent or episodic manifestations, such as ongoing joint problems following trauma or due to aging, Recosyn offers symptomatic relief. It is applied when symptoms create noticeable interference with functional stability, helping to ease the overall burden of persistent symptoms and supports patient comfort over time.

“This supportive approach may assist patients in coping more steadily with symptom fluctuations and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.”

Regulatory References

  1. FDA summary on devices for knee osteoarthritis

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Official Regulatory Information

The eligibility for Recosyn (Sodium Hyaluronate) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, which establish clear restrictions for use.

Classification Population or Condition
Allowed Use Adult patients (typically ge 18 years) for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee.
Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronate preparations.
Contraindicated Patients with active infections in the knee joint or at the injection site.
Use Not Established Pediatric patients (children and adolescents).
Use Not Established Pregnant and lactating women.

Official labeling defines who must not receive the medicine by citing absolute contraindications concerning allergies and active joint or skin infections at the injection site. Furthermore, use is not established in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers, as regulatory safety and effectiveness data have not been demonstrated for these populations. Use requires caution in patients with inflammatory arthritis or evidence of venous/lymphatic stasis in the treated leg.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Recosyn (Sodium Hyaluronate) has an interaction profile primarily focused on local procedural constraints, reflecting its direct administration into the joint space and negligible systemic exposure. Consequently, official regulatory documents do not cite systemic pharmacokinetic interactions, including those mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters.


Chemical Incompatibility and Restrictions

A key restriction is the formal prohibition against co-administering or utilizing disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium salts for skin preparation. Regulatory information specifically notes that this class of substance, which includes compounds like benzalkonium chloride, causes the chemical precipitation of Sodium Hyaluronate in vitro. This procedural constraint is essential to maintain the integrity of the solution within the joint.


Local Co-administration Status

The regulatory label also addresses the use of Recosyn with other liquid medicinal products. Official documents state that the safety and effectiveness of concomitant use of Recosyn with other intra-articular injectables, such as local anesthetics or corticosteroids, have not been established by regulatory authorities. No restrictions are documented concerning food, alcohol, supplements, or herbal products. This entire profile underscores the local nature of the medicine's action.

Mechanism of Action

Biophysical Cushioning and Viscoelastic Restoration

Recosyn acts as a physical and biophysical modulator by introducing exogenous hyaluronan to the intra-articular fluid. This intervention restores the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid, a key physical property. The mechanism directly leads to enhanced load distribution and mechanical energy dissipation during joint articulation, modulating the physical forces transmitted through the joint space.


Molecular Modulation of Intra-Articular Signaling

The therapeutic molecule engages specific cellular receptors (like CD44) on joint tissues. This receptor binding functions as a local signaling modulator, resulting in the down-regulation of specific molecular pathways within the joint capsule. This action includes the reduction in the concentration of irritative factors and the modulation of local signaling dynamics.


Stabilization of Tissue Microenvironment

The physical presence of the molecule establishes a protective barrier that minimizes friction and shear forces on articulating tissue surfaces. This mechanical action reduces strain on underlying tissues and contributes to the maintenance of physiological balance within the joint microenvironment.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to Use Recosyn — Administration Guidelines

This map outlines the instructions for the use of Sodium Hyaluronate viscosupplements, defining the procedure for administration.

Administration Scope Detail
Route of administration Intra-Articular Injection (IA) only, delivered directly into the synovial joint space.
Dosing schedule Standard multi-injection regimen is typically 20 mg (2 mL) per injection. Single-shot formulations may contain up to 4 mL for one administration.
Preparation requirements The pre-filled solution requires no reconstitution or dilution. Prior to injection, any existing joint effusion (excess fluid) must be aspirated. Strict aseptic technique is mandatory.
Age-group rules Older Adults (Elderly): No dose adjustment is explicitly required. Children: A dosage regimen is not recommended due to insufficient evidence.
Course duration and cycles A treatment course is administered over three to five weekly injections. The course may be repeated after a minimum interval of six months has elapsed since the last treatment.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Detail
Administration method type Injection (Intra-articular).
Frequency pattern Weekly (once every seven days) for the duration of the course.
Use-context constraints Patients are instructed to avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activity (such as jogging) for the 48 hours immediately following the procedure.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Standard step sequence:

  • Aspiration: Remove any excessive joint effusion prior to the procedure.
  • Technique: Deliver the solution using strict aseptic precautions to ensure sterility.
  • Injection: Administer the standard labeled dose precisely into the intra-articular space.
  • Post-Procedure Constraint: Restrict strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activities for two days.

Connection to the overall use protocol: These instructions define Recosyn as a controlled, intermittent procedural treatment administered exclusively via the intra-articular route. The defined weekly schedule establishes an established multi-week treatment cycle. This protocol ensures the medicine is used according to the precise dosing and timing parameters.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Recosyn

Recosyn is classified as a viscosupplementation agent, and the official research base focuses on the clinical studies conducted with this type of therapy, primarily sodium hyaluronate injections. The evidence describes what researchers have studied regarding the use of this product in joints affected by degenerative conditions. This overview summarizes the structure of the existing research according to regulatory and scientific literature.


Evidence for Use in Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee

A substantial amount of research has explored the use of this therapy in the knee, the joint that is frequently evaluated in studies for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations. Researchers conducted many Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and subsequently summarized these findings in extensive Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. These studies typically included adults with mild-to-moderate knee OA who were applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences of physical discomfort.

The primary outcomes research examined were changes in patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, such as pain intensity (VAS), and changes in outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level. In these trials, researchers monitored whether pain and functional measurements were associated with patterns of change compared to control groups, particularly when studies monitored short-term symptom evolution.

However, when synthesized in high-level reviews, the findings were mixed regarding the consistency and magnitude of the measured changes. The aggregated data show patterns related to the variability of the product itself (molecular weight) and the specific design of the trials. For this reason, certainty remains low for some aspects, and scientific literature highlights that the inconsistency of findings published across different systematic reviews remains a limitation.


Evidence for Use in Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hip

The research base for the hip joint, which is also evaluated in conditions marked by functional limitations, is less extensive than that for the knee. Evidence includes some Randomized Controlled Trials along with multiple Prospective Observational Studies. The studies focused on adult patients with symptomatic hip OA and primarily monitored outcomes related to physical discomfort and changes in functional status.

In these studies, research highlights changes measured during the study period in pain and function compared to controls. However, due to the sample sizes were modest and the methodological challenges of hip injections, the evidence quality varies across studies. Synthesis of the trial data reports a limited and smaller set of findings compared to knee OA, where outcomes often focused on short-term changes.

Long-term effects are not fully established, and there is limited information on how measured outcomes in the hip compare across different treatment options. The number of high-quality comparative evidence is lacking for the hip joint, and the evidence base appears to be still data are still emerging for this specific application.


Evidence for Use in Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Shoulder and Related Conditions

Research was studied for outcomes related to physical discomfort and limited movement in the shoulder, covering both true glenohumeral OA and other conditions associated with acute or disruptive episodes. The available evidence is a mix of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Studies that explored changes in pain and functional measures, like the ability to move the arm.

In reviews that combine these studies, research describes patterns of measured short-term changes in pain and shoulder function in the treated groups across various shoulder conditions. The evidence is characterized by significant heterogeneity in the types of shoulder conditions included in the research, which limits the ability to draw specific findings about OA applications.

For shoulder OA specifically, the evidence is limited by a relatively small number of high-quality, large-scale RCTs. This means that subgroup findings are uncertain when trying to differentiate between patients with pure OA and those with different mechanical shoulder issues. Research continues to explore administration techniques and patient selection for this joint.


Duration of Effect and Long-Term Follow-up

The majority of high-quality Randomized Controlled Trials for viscosupplementation were conducted over defined time intervals of typically three to six months post-injection. The follow-up durations were primarily limited to assess short-term symptom changes and initial patterns of response.

While some observational settings evaluating daily-life functioning and post-marketing data research describes longer-term tracking of patients (up to a year or more), definitive data are still emerging from large, comparative trials regarding the long-term effects are not fully established or sustained nature of the measured outcomes. Thus, the evidence provides insight into short-term changes, but there is limited information for long-term outcomes and the durability of the effect.


Study Populations and Evidence for Specific Groups

Viscosupplementation was evaluated in studies that primarily focused on adults across a wide age range (typically 40 years old). The results apply only to the populations studied, which were generally individuals with mild-to-moderate disease severity.

Evidence concerning the measured outcomes in patients with severe joint deterioration (advanced stages) is less common in the foundational trial data. Similarly, data for certain groups remain insufficient, including evidence for use in adolescents, pregnant populations, or patients with multiple concurrent conditions (comorbidities). The research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, but instead findings describe group patterns based on the specific conditions under which the studies were conducted.


Gaps in Research and Areas of Uncertainty

Scientific reviews consistently highlight several areas where research is still required. The primary uncertainty stems from the inconsistency of findings across the numerous meta-analyses, leading to differing conclusions regarding the overall magnitude of the measured effect.

The methodological characteristics vary across studies due to differences in product formulation (molecular weight, concentration) and study methodology. The comparative evidence is lacking to definitively establish how this treatment compares to all other non-surgical treatment options over the long term. Overall, the research provides context but not individual predictions, and key limitations relate to the fact that the follow-up durations were limited in many of the key trials.

Key Studies & References

  1. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: systematic review and meta-analysis
  2. Less Pain with Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Compared to Placebo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
  3. Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review (Focus on follow-up duration and control groups)
  4. Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid for Osteoarthritis of the Hip, Shoulder, and Ankle: A Rapid Review (Addressing heterogeneity of joint evidence)
  5. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty) - American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Clinical Practice Guideline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Recosyn (FAQ)

Q: Does Recosyn address the underlying cause or just the symptoms of the condition?

A: Official documents describe the effect of Recosyn as mechanical and biochemical. It works mechanically by restoring the viscoelasticity (shock-absorbing property) of the joint fluid. This molecule is described as modulating local inflammatory factors and pain signals within the joint space.


Q: How quickly can a person generally expect to see results from Recosyn?

A: Clinical studies often follow patient outcomes over a period of several months, typically three to six months, to assess the full effect of the treatment course. Research has observed that some individuals may show patterns of early improvements in joint function and movement quality within the first 30 to 60 days after beginning the injection cycle.


Q: What is the expected time frame for the full therapeutic effect of Recosyn?

A: The treatment course is followed by assessments of therapeutic effect, which clinical trials usually track over a follow-up of three to six months. Studies and official information indicate that the measured response duration has been tracked for periods of up to one year or more in some studies.


Q: How common are the most serious or 'boxed warning' side effects listed for Recosyn?

A: The most serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), are categorized as very rare based on post-marketing experience. More common local adverse events, like pain or swelling at the injection site, typically occur in 1% to 10% of patients, according to regulatory data.


Q: Are there any known long-term side effects associated with Recosyn use beyond the initial trials?

A: Post-marketing surveillance data has been gathered for patients receiving repeated treatment cycles over several months or years. Official reports have shown no evidence of an increased safety risk or frequent occurrence of serious long-term adverse events with repeated use.


Q: Do side effects of Recosyn usually lessen or go away over time?

A: Common adverse reactions are typically described as transient, meaning they are temporary and localized to the joint area. Patient information describes that symptoms like injection site pain or swelling are transient and may lessen or resolve within a few days.


Q: What are the key symptoms or signs of a serious reaction to Recosyn to watch for?

A: Serious systemic reactions are rare, but patients are informed about signs of a rare allergic response. These may include a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing. In rare cases, a serious reaction can be accompanied by a sudden drop in blood pressure, also known as transient hypotension.


Q: Is Recosyn considered a first-line treatment for its approved condition?

A: Regulatory approval indicates that Recosyn is intended for adult patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacological therapies. This indicates the medicine is considered an option for use after simple pain relievers and other initial measures have not provided sufficient relief.


Q: Are there any restrictions on using Recosyn for people with existing liver or kidney conditions?

A: Regulatory information does not list restrictions for use in people with existing liver or kidney conditions. This is consistent with the drug's local action, as it is administered directly into the joint space and has negligible systemic exposure to these organs.


Q: Can people with a history of heart problems use Recosyn?

A: The official regulatory label does not list a history of heart problems as a general contraindication or precaution for the use of Recosyn.


Q: How long after taking Recosyn does the active ingredient stay in the body?

A: The active ingredient is a naturally occurring substance that is cleared quickly from the joint. Pharmacokinetic data indicates clearance from the joint area with a half-life of approximately 20 hours. It is then rapidly metabolized and excreted from the body primarily through expired gas and urine over a few days.


Q: Does Recosyn need to build up in the system to reach its full effect?

A: No, Recosyn is a local joint therapy, not a systemic medicine that requires blood levels to build up. The treatment is administered as a series of weekly injections to complete the therapeutic cycle, which is necessary to achieve the intended local mechanical and biochemical effect in the joint space.


Q: Is Recosyn intended for short-term or long-term management?

A: Recosyn is intended for intermittent use, administered as a defined course of injections over several weeks. Official regulatory instructions specify that a treatment course may be repeated after a minimum interval of six months has passed since the last treatment.


Q: Can Recosyn cause changes in body weight, such as weight gain or weight loss?

A: Changes in body weight, including weight gain or weight loss, are not listed as a reported adverse event in the regulatory documentation for Recosyn.


Q: Is it normal to feel unusually tired or fatigued after starting Recosyn?

A: Unusual tiredness or fatigue is not listed as a commonly reported or specified adverse event in the regulatory documentation for this medicine.


Q: Does Recosyn affect sleep patterns or cause insomnia?

A: Changes in sleep patterns or insomnia are not listed as a reported adverse event in the regulatory documentation for Recosyn.


Q: How should common, mild side effects from Recosyn be managed, according to official sources?

A: Patient information states that localized symptoms, such as mild pain or swelling, usually disappear within a few days. The official label describes that localized symptoms are often managed by resting the affected joint and applying ice locally.


Q: Is Recosyn associated with any risks to blood pressure or heart rate?

A: The regulatory documentation does not list common or specific risks to heart rate. A risk of transient hypotension (temporary low blood pressure) has been rarely reported in association with systemic allergic reactions.


Q: Do I need to get regular blood tests or other monitoring while taking Recosyn?

A: The regulatory information does not mandate routine blood tests for general use, given the drug's local action. However, official guidance instructs physicians to check the patient's progress closely while receiving the medicine.


Q: What kind of patient numbers were involved in the main clinical trials for Recosyn?

A: Studies and post-marketing surveillance for this viscosupplementation agent have been extensive. The number of patients included in large-scale studies and post-marketing surveillance ranges widely, from hundreds to thousands of subjects, depending on the specific trial type and joint studied.


Q: Is Recosyn physically addictive or does it cause dependence with long-term use?

A: Recosyn is a local joint fluid therapy and is not listed in regulatory documentation as having any potential for physical addiction or dependence.


Q: Can Recosyn affect mood, mental state, or cause irritability?

A: Changes in mood, mental state, or irritability are not listed as a reported adverse event in the regulatory documentation.

How should Recosyn be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Recosyn?

The official storage conditions for Recosyn (Sodium Hyaluronate) are strictly defined to maintain the product's integrity and sterility.


Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature, specifically between 2 C to 25 C (36 F to 77 F). The product must NOT FREEZE.
  • Protection: The product must be protected from both sunlight and moisture and stored in its original packaging.
  • Use: The syringe is for single use only. It must be used immediately after the sterile packaging is opened and must not be used beyond the expiration date.
  • Child Safety: Store the product out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

All used Recosyn syringes are classified as sharps and must be disposed of according to institutional or local regulations for pharmaceutical waste and sharps disposal. Any unused solution must also be discarded, and the syringe must not be re-sterilized.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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