Genzyme Launches Its ”In Step” Program for Miami-Area Osteoarthritis Sufferers; Older Hispanics More Likely to Suffer Than Older Caucasians and African Americans
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that older Hispanics are more likely to suffer from arthritis than older Caucasians and African Americans. In fact, arthritis is the second most common self-reported chronic condition for Hispanics, ranking higher than hearing impairment, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, asthma and diabetes. To help those suffering from osteoarthritis knee pain better identify and treat their condition, Genzyme Corp. is launching the “In Step” program in greater Miami. The campaign began on October 15 with Genzyme’s sponsorship of the Arthritis Foundation’s West Palm Beach fundraising walk, which preceded the Pachanga Latino Festival.
According to the Florida Arthritis Partnership (FLAP), the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is estimated to be 27.5 percent of the population. Nationwide, more than 10 million Americans suffer from OA of the knee alone and many adult arthritis sufferers are not being treated by a doctor for their pain. Genzyme offers an FDA-approved, non-pill treatment option for relief from OA of the knees. Synvisc(R) is a viscosupplementation treatment that restores the properties of shock absorption and lubrication, which can reduce or stop the pain and improves mobility. The In-Step program will contain elements of patient education and support, including treatment options to help early-to-late stage osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee sufferers to find relief options.
“Osteoarthritis is a major disabling condition that limits adult mobility in this country, and it can be particularly debilitating for active adults,” said Dr. F. Harlan Selesnick, team physician for the Miami Heat. “Often untreated, early-stage sufferers of OA of the knee frequently do not seek medical help, complicating the problem. When combined with appropriate care such as diet, exercise and oral medications, viscosupplementation can significantly increase pain relief for OA of the knee sufferers, getting them back on track for their active lifestyles.”
Synvisc is a viscosupplementation treatment that restores the properties of the knee’s joint fluid, which can reduce the pain from OA of the knee. Synvisc is not a drug. It is made from a substance that is found in normal joint fluid, called hyaluronan, and is injected directly into the knee joint by a specialist. Hyaluronan acts as a lubricant in the knee joint and is needed for the joint to work properly. Individual results may vary.
“Synvisc is a viable alternative to oral medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs known as NSAIDs and COX-2s,” said Dan Deardorf, senior director of Genzyme’s Biosurgery division. “Synvisc is the only viscosupplementation treatment on the market that provides up to six months of pain relief with just three treatments.”
For more information visit knees.synvisc.com or call (888) 530-7322.
Synvisc is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It is for patients who do not get enough relief from simple painkillers such as acetaminophen, or from exercise and physical therapy. Synvisc is generally well tolerated. However, it may not work for everyone. The side effects most commonly seen when Synvisc is injected into the knee were pain, swelling and/or fluid build-up around the knee. Cases where the swelling is extensive or painful should be discussed with your doctor. Other side effects such as rash have been reported rarely. Before trying Synvisc, tell your doctor if you are allergic to products from birds – such as feathers, eggs, or poultry – or if your leg is swollen or infected. Talk to your doctor before resuming strenuous weight-bearing activities after treatment. Synvisc has not been tested in children, pregnant women or women who are nursing. You should tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant or if you are nursing a child.
Facts about Osteoarthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, 66 million (nearly one in three adults) suffer from chronic joint pain and 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, which is characterized by a breakdown of the cartilage and a deterioration of the fluid in a joint. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, from moderate to severe, and stiffness. Most of the people who have osteoarthritis are older than age 45, and women are more commonly affected than men.
About Genzyme Corp.
One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. Founded in 1981, Genzyme has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with 2005 revenues expected to exceed $2.6 billion and more than 7,600 employees in locations spanning the globe. With many established products and services helping patients in more than 80 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company’s products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme’s commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as heart disease and other areas of unmet medical need.