Zilretta for Knee OA

Zilretta is the first FDA-approved extended-release steroid injection to help treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. OA is the most common form of arthritis. It is associated with increased age. It causes degeneration of the cartilage and bones in a joint. It most commonly affects the knee.

Corticosteroid, or cortisone, injections are often used to treat the pain associated with arthritis if more conservative treatment with physical therapy, bracing, and NSAIDs has failed. These steroid injections have a strong anti-inflammatory effect that helps to reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis which results in pain and swelling of a joint.

Historically, steroid injections are excellent at providing short-term pain relief. However, they typically only last a few weeks to months before they need to be repeated again. In addition, they should not be performed too often as they can cause side effects.

On the other hand, Zilretta lasts longer and has less side effects than a traditional steroid injection. It is also covered by Medicare and most private insurances.