December 27, 2022
In Pennsylvania, over 2.95 million adults were told by a doctor they have arthritis. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) – one of the most common forms of arthritis – is a painful, degenerative joint condition that can lead to significant downstream debilitation for patients who suffer from it. Unfortunately, that means nearly 15 million people in the United States may suffer from severe stiffness, loss of mobility, swelling, and extreme knee pain for years of their lives. In fact, a recent survey of knee OA patients found that nearly 60% of patients live in pain for 5+ years and 30% for 10 years or longer.
This may be an indicator that typical treatments – over-the-counter medications, topical creams, opioids, ice and elevation – are falling short and do not provide the sustained relief patients need. Even further, many patients get stuck in a cycle of receiving shorter-acting steroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections that end up being less effective over time. However, modern medicine and new innovations in pain management have allowed for longer-term options to join the pain management market. This means less time in the doctor’s office and more time getting back to the activities that patients love, whether it’s enjoying winter activities or simply spending time with loved ones without worrying about persistent knee pain.
One option that many physicians are utilizing for patients living with chronic knee OA pain is ZILRETTA®, a single injection, extended-release treatment that relieves pain from knee OA for three months. ZILRETTA is unique in that it is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for knee OA to use an extended-release microsphere technology. These microspheres slowly and continually release medicine over time so that a patient’s pain is consistently managed after a single injection for about three months, which is what makes it different from any other injection currently available for knee pain. With 70% of people reporting mild to no pain at 3 months, and some claiming relief through month 4, ZILRETTA is a welcome option for those who just want to get back to living their daily lives.
Patients who have benefited from this option claim substantial reduction in pain and extended relief to perform activities such as climbing the stairs, exercising, traveling, and even sleeping. The pain relief is also extremely targeted, with staying power that ensures the microspheres only release medication directly where needed in the knee joint. An added benefit is that ZILRETTA is a non-opioid treatment option for managing knee OA pain, especially when opioids are linked with worsening of symptoms, greater pain, and lower quality of life.
Knee OA pain significantly disrupts daily life. As an extended-release, non-opioid treatment for knee pain, ZILRETTA can be a differentiator for patients in their knee pain journey as the only option of its kind to provide 3 months of relief. Patients deserve options that can provide prolonged, effective relief and help them get their time and freedom to move back. As a patient, it’s important to remain educated on these options and advocate for yourself when visiting a doctor for your condition. This season, take control of your health and ask your physician about ZILRETTA so you can get back to enjoying the winter activities you love.
For more information, please visit zilretta.com/important-risk-information/
This article is sponsored by Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
ZILRETTA® (triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension) is an extended-release corticosteroid approved to manage osteoarthritis knee pain. The benefits and risks of repeat injections have not been demonstrated.
You should not receive a ZILRETTA injection if you are allergic to corticosteroids, triamcinolone acetonide, or any other component of the product.
Possible Side Effects:
• Rare serious allergic reactions
• Effects in the injected knee such as infection (with pain, swelling and restricted motion) or joint damage
• Increased chance of getting an infection, and a decreased ability to fight an infection
• Effects on hormone production. These effects can be reversible
• Elevated blood pressure, sodium and water retention, and potassium loss
• Intestinal perforation if you have certain gastrointestinal disorders
• Weakening of bones
• Changes in behavior or mood disturbances
• Increased pressure inside the eye
In multiple clinical trials, the most common side effects seen in people taking ZILRETTA were joint pain, headache, joint swelling, back pain, sore throat and runny nose, upper respiratory tract infection, and bruising.
Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking (including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines) and about any medical conditions, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, diverticulitis or other gastrointestinal disorders, kidney problems, diabetes, glaucoma, behavior or mood disorders, and/or infections.
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever or other signs of infection, have an increase in pain along with swelling of the injected knee, restriction of joint motion, or a general feeling of discomfort. Contact your doctor immediately if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, or for any new or worsening changes in behavior or mood.
These are not all of the possible side effects with ZILRETTA or corticosteroid medications. Please see the full Prescribing Information at zilrettalabel.com/PI.pdf. Always contact your doctor if you have questions or experience any side effects.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-353-9466 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
