Supartz vs Synvisc: Comparing Two Popular HA Injections

Key Takeaways

• Supartz FX requires 5 weekly injections, while Synvisc-One is a single injection
• Both contain hyaluronic acid but have different molecular weights and formulations
• Synvisc-One offers more convenience, but Supartz may provide gentler treatment buildup
• Typical costs range from $500-$1,500 per injection, with total treatment costs varying significantly
• Both are Medicare-approved for knee osteoarthritis when conservative treatments haven’t worked

If you’re considering hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for knee osteoarthritis, you’ve likely come across two popular names: Supartz and Synvisc. Both are FDA-approved treatments that work by restoring the natural cushioning fluid in your knee joint. But which one is right for you?

The biggest difference comes down to how you receive the treatment. Supartz FX follows a series schedule with 5 weekly injections, while Synvisc-One delivers everything in a single shot. Let’s break down what this means for your treatment plan, your wallet, and your results.

What Are HA Injections?

Before comparing these two brands, it helps to understand what they’re both trying to do.

Healthy knee joints contain a thick, slippery fluid called synovial fluid. This fluid acts like motor oil for your knee, reducing friction and absorbing shock when you walk, climb stairs, or play with grandchildren.

Osteoarthritis gradually breaks down this natural fluid, leaving your knee with less cushioning and more bone-on-bone contact. That’s where the pain, stiffness, and swelling come from.

Hyaluronic acid injections work by supplementing your knee’s natural fluid. Think of it as replenishing what arthritis has worn away. The injected HA helps lubricate the joint, reduce inflammation, and may even help protect remaining cartilage.

Both Supartz and Synvisc use this same basic approach but with different formulations and delivery methods.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how these two treatments stack up:

Feature	Supartz FX	Synvisc-One
Manufacturer	Bioventus	Sanofi
Number of Injections	5 weekly shots	1 single shot
Treatment Duration	5 weeks	1 day
HA Molecular Weight	620-1,170 kDa	6,000 kDa (cross-linked)
Volume per Injection	2.5 mL	6 mL
Relief Duration	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months
FDA Approved Since	2001	2009 (single-injection formulation)
Medicare Coverage	Yes	Yes
Typical Cost per Injection	$500-$800	$900-$1,500
Total Treatment Cost	$2,500-$4,000	$900-$1,500

The Schedule Difference: What It Means for You

The most obvious difference between these treatments is how you receive them.

Supartz FX: The Series Approach

With Supartz, you visit your doctor’s office once a week for five consecutive weeks. Each injection takes just a few minutes, but you’ll need to factor in travel time and scheduling.

Pros of the series approach:

• Spreads out treatment gradually, which some patients find gentler
• Lower upfront cost per visit
• Allows your doctor to monitor your response throughout treatment
• May adjust schedule if you experience any issues

Cons of the series approach:

• Requires 5 separate appointments over 5 weeks
• More time commitment with travel and waiting room time
• Five chances for injection site reactions (though usually mild)
• Need to maintain treatment consistency

Synvisc-One: The Single-Shot Option

Synvisc-One delivers all the hyaluronic acid you need in one office visit. One injection, and you’re done.

Pros of the single injection:

• Maximum convenience with just one appointment
• Less time away from work or activities
• Only one injection site to care for
• Faster completion of treatment course

Cons of the single injection:

• Larger volume injection (6 mL vs 2.5 mL)
• Higher upfront cost per visit
• No ability to adjust mid-treatment
• Slightly higher risk of temporary swelling due to larger volume

How They Work: Molecular Differences

While both products deliver hyaluronic acid, they’re not identical substances.

Supartz uses naturally-derived HA with a molecular weight between 620-1,170 kilodaltons (kDa). This is similar to the molecular weight of HA naturally found in healthy knee joints.

Synvisc uses a cross-linked hylan formulation with a much higher molecular weight of around 6,000 kDa. This cross-linking process creates a gel-like substance that may stay in the joint longer and provide more viscosity.

What does this mean for you?

The difference is somewhat like comparing motor oil weights. Both lubricate the joint, but they have slightly different properties. Some research suggests the higher molecular weight in Synvisc may provide slightly better cushioning, while others find no clinically significant difference between formulations.

Your doctor can help determine which formulation might work better based on your specific knee anatomy and arthritis severity.

Effectiveness: What the Research Shows

Both Supartz and Synvisc have been extensively studied, with thousands of patients receiving these treatments worldwide.

Clinical effectiveness:

• Both typically provide pain relief for 3-6 months
• Most patients notice improvement within 2-8 weeks after completing treatment
• Success rates range from 60-80% of patients reporting meaningful pain reduction
• Both show better results in mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis compared to severe cases

A 2015 systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that single-injection HA products (like Synvisc-One) showed similar effectiveness to multi-injection products (like Supartz) with no significant difference in pain relief or function improvement.

What patients report:

• Reduced knee pain during daily activities
• Less morning stiffness
• Improved ability to walk longer distances
• Better sleep due to reduced nighttime pain
• Delayed need for knee replacement surgery

It’s important to note that HA injections don’t work for everyone. About 20-40% of patients experience minimal or no benefit. Factors that may affect success include arthritis severity, body weight, previous treatments, and individual biology.

Cost Comparison

Here’s where things get interesting. While Synvisc-One has a higher price per injection, you only need one. Supartz costs less per injection but requires five.

Typical out-of-pocket costs:

With Medicare:

• Supartz FX series: $500-$1,000 total (20% coinsurance after deductible)
• Synvisc-One: $180-$300 (20% coinsurance after deductible)

With private insurance:

• Supartz FX series: $750-$1,500 total (depending on copay structure)
• Synvisc-One: $300-$600 (depending on copay structure)

Self-pay (no insurance):

• Supartz FX series: $2,500-$4,000 total
• Synvisc-One: $900-$1,500

Medicare coverage note: Both products are covered under Medicare Part B when you have a documented diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and have tried at least 6 weeks of conservative treatment (like physical therapy, pain medications, or cortisone injections) without adequate relief.

Hidden costs to consider:

• Travel expenses for multiple appointments (Supartz)
• Time off work for appointments
• Parking fees at medical facilities
• Post-injection care supplies

For patients with good insurance coverage or Medicare, Synvisc-One often ends up being more cost-effective despite the higher per-injection price.

Who Might Prefer Supartz?

Consider Supartz FX if you:

• Prefer a gradual treatment approach
• Want to spread out costs over several weeks
• Like the idea of smaller volume injections
• Don’t mind making multiple appointments
• Want your doctor to monitor your response throughout treatment
• Have had issues tolerating larger volume injections in the past

Patient perspective: “I chose Supartz because I liked knowing my doctor could adjust my treatment if needed. The weekly appointments became part of my routine, and I actually appreciated having regular check-ins.” — Margaret, 68, Kansas City

Who Might Prefer Synvisc-One?

Consider Synvisc-One if you:

• Value convenience and want minimal office visits
• Have a busy schedule or live far from your doctor’s office
• Don’t mind a larger volume single injection
• Want to complete treatment as quickly as possible
• Have transportation challenges
• Have insurance that makes a single visit more cost-effective

Patient perspective: “One and done was perfect for me. I drove an hour each way to see my specialist, so having just one appointment saved me a lot of time and gas money.” — Robert, 72, rural Nebraska

Preparing for Your Injections

Regardless of which option you choose, here’s what to expect:

Before the injection:

• Your doctor may remove excess fluid from your knee (called aspiration)
• The injection site will be cleaned and possibly numbed
• Some doctors use ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for precise placement

During the injection:

• You may feel pressure or a brief pinch
• The injection typically takes less than 60 seconds
• Some patients report a feeling of fullness in the knee

After the injection:

• Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours
• Apply ice if you experience swelling
• You can typically return to normal activities within 1-2 days
• Avoid high-impact activities for the first week

Common side effects (both products):

• Mild pain or swelling at injection site (20-30% of patients)
• Temporary warmth or redness around the knee
• Feeling of fullness or tightness
• Rare allergic reactions (less than 1%)

Side effects are generally mild and resolve within a few days.

Insurance Coverage and Authorization

Both Supartz and Synvisc are widely covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans, but coverage usually requires:

Pre-authorization requirements:

1. Documented diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (usually with X-rays)
2. Record of conservative treatment attempts (6+ weeks)
3. Documentation that conservative treatments didn’t provide adequate relief
4. Medical necessity determination by your doctor

Medicare-specific requirements:

• Must be administered in an outpatient setting
• Requires a face-to-face visit with documentation
• Cannot exceed approved frequency (typically once every 6 months)
• Must meet local coverage determination criteria

Tips for smooth insurance approval:

• Make sure your doctor documents all conservative treatments you’ve tried
• Keep records of your pain levels and functional limitations
• Ask your doctor’s office to handle pre-authorization before scheduling
• Confirm coverage limits and out-of-pocket costs upfront

Making Your Decision

There’s no universally “better” choice between Supartz and Synvisc. The right option depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and medical situation.

Questions to discuss with your doctor:

1. Based on my knee condition, do you recommend one over the other?
2. What has been your experience with both products?
3. Which option is more cost-effective with my insurance?
4. Are there any reasons I should avoid one of these products?
5. If one doesn’t work, can I try the other?

Your lifestyle factors to consider:

• How far do you live from your doctor’s office?
• How flexible is your schedule?
• Do you have reliable transportation?
• What does your insurance cover?
• Do you prefer convenience or gradual treatment?

Many doctors are experienced with both products and can provide personalized recommendations based on hundreds of patients they’ve treated.

What If Neither Works?

If you try one HA injection brand without success, your doctor might recommend:

• Trying the alternative brand (some patients respond better to one formulation)
• Physical therapy to optimize joint function
• Weight loss if appropriate
• Different medications or injection types
• Alternative treatments like PRP injections
• Evaluation for surgical options if conservative treatments have been exhausted

It’s also worth noting that some patients experience better results with a second round of HA injections, especially if the first course provided partial but incomplete relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Supartz to Synvisc or vice versa?

Yes, if you’ve tried one without success, your doctor may recommend trying the other. Some patients respond better to different formulations. Wait at least 6 months between different HA injection brands.

How long do the results last?

Both typically provide relief for 3-6 months. Some patients experience benefits lasting up to 12 months. Results vary based on arthritis severity, activity level, and individual response.

Can I get these injections in both knees?

Yes, but many doctors prefer to treat one knee at a time to monitor your response. If you respond well, the other knee can be treated. Some insurance plans require separate authorizations for each knee.

Are these injections painful?

Most patients report mild discomfort during the injection, similar to a flu shot. The pressure of the liquid entering the joint may feel unusual but typically isn’t very painful. Any post-injection soreness usually resolves within 1-3 days.

Will I need to repeat the treatment?

Many patients receive HA injections every 6-12 months as long as they continue to experience benefit. Medicare and most insurance plans cover repeat treatments when medically necessary.

Can I exercise after getting these injections?

Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours after each injection. After that initial rest period, gradually return to normal activities. In fact, gentle exercise and movement can help distribute the HA throughout the joint.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about hyaluronic acid injections or any medical treatment.

Last medically reviewed: February 2025