How is dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate given?
A healthcare provider will give you this medicine in an outpatient clinic setting. Dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate is given as a set of 4 injections directly into the tissues of your anal canal.
You will be given an enema to clean out your rectum just before dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate is injected.
You will receive the injections while lying on your side. A small tube called an anoscope will be gently inserted just a few inches into your rectum. This will help the doctor determine where to properly place the needle when injecting dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate. You will be made to feel as comfortable as possible while the medicine is injected.
Tell your caregivers if you feel severe pain during the injections.
You will be able to get up after your injections are completed. However, you should remain resting for about 60 minutes before leaving the clinic. Your caregivers will check you for any immediate side effects the injections may cause.
Do not take a hot bath or engage in physical activity during the first 24 hours after your injection procedure.
You may use a stool softener to make your first bowel movement more comfortable after treatment. Do not continue using the stool softener unless your doctor tells you to.
Dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate injections can cause rectal bleeding or a rectal infection. Call your doctor if rectal bleeding is heavy or you have severe rectal irritation or signs of infection (pain, warmth, swelling, itching, or drainage).
You be given antibiotic medication to help prevent infection. Use the antibiotic for the full prescribed length of time, even if you have no symptoms of infection.
Dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate is not effective in every person and you may continue to have fecal incontinence. It also may take 3 to 6 months before you notice the full effects of this medicine. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not begin to improve after 1 month.
You may need to receive more than one treatment with dextranomer and sodium hyaluronate.
It is not known whether this medicine will continue to be effective for longer than 12 months.