Chondrocytes, autologous cultured (Implant)

Chondrocytes, Autologous Cultured (KON-droe-sites, aw-TALL-oh-gus KUL-cherd)

Repairs cartilage in your knee joint after an injury.

Brand Name(s):

Carticel

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gentamicin, or to similar medicines such as amikacin, streptomycin, Amidin®, or Garamycin®. You should not use this medicine if you have an allergy to products made from cows.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

This medicine will be injected into your knee joint with a needle during surgery.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Your doctor will give you directions on how to care for your knee joint and when to exercise after your surgery.
You may have to walk with crutches for several days after your surgery.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever or chills.
Redness, pain, or swelling of your knee joint.
Sharp pain or "locking" when you try to move your knee joint.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Increased growth of scar over your knee joint.
Noise or "catching" in your knee joint when you walk.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017