Hyaluronic acid can cause headaches and nausea in some patients.
Side effects of hyaluronic acid are not very common when administered by a doctor and can include redness, tenderness, mild pain, and swelling at the injection site. When consumed orally, side effects can be more severe. They can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, lethargy, headache, and other symptoms. Both forms can, more rarely, cause allergic reactions.
Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of using hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in medical settings during certain eye procedures. It is a substance produced naturally by the human body and is found in large quantities in the eye. By injecting into the eyes during surgery, the acid that is usually lost during these procedures is replenished. It can also be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis to cushion the joints.
Hyaluronic acid can make some people feel fatigued or lethargic.
More recently, cream-based oral hyaluronic acid has been promoted as an anti-aging treatment. There is no research indicating that oral regimens are effective, and long-term safety has not been established. Side effects can be more severe when taking an oral version and it is generally not recommended unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
When administered by a trained medical professional via a small injection, hyaluronic acid side effects are usually mild, if at all. There may be some pain and swelling at the injection site, as with most injections. Occasionally the area will remain red and tender for a short time, but this is rare. An analgesic may be administered if necessary.
Oral hyaluronic acid can help hydrate the skin and leave it looking increasingly plumper.
With oral doses, the side effects of hyaluronic acid can be much more severe. Digestive problems, breathing irregularities, and changes in energy or mood are the most serious side effects associated with taking hyaluronic acid by mouth. The exact number of people experiencing these effects is unknown because oral supplements of this type have not been fully tested or studied. If hyaluronic acid side effects become severe or prolonged, a physician should be notified and supplementation discontinued.
Shortness of breath is a possible side effect of hyaluronic acid.
Side effects of hyaluronic acid can sometimes also include allergic reactions. Mild allergy symptoms may include hives anywhere on the body or other skin irritation. More serious signs of an allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, extreme swelling, nausea, and shock. These symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency and those experiencing them should receive immediate medical attention.