Frequently Asked Questions

FlexiSEQ is a topically applied, drug-free gel clinically proven to lubricate the cartilage in joints to relieve pain and stiffness associated with all stages of osteoarthritis (OA).

FlexiSEQ is approved as a medical device for the treatment of all joints affected by OA.

There are two different FlexiSEQ devices sold under the brand names: FlexiSEQ (Max Strength for Osteoarthritis) – formerly known as FlexiSEQ Osteoarthritis or FlexiSEQ Osteo, and FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear) - formerly known as FlexiSEQ Active.

The two devices are available in different size tubes:

• FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis): 30g, 50g or 100g
• FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear): 50g or 100g

Both FlexiSEQ products contain Sequessome Technology (SEQ Tech) in an aqueous gel. When the gel is applied topically, SEQ Tech delivers lubricating plant-based phospholipid vesicles through the skin and into joints to help relieve pain and improve mobility.

FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis) contains the maximum concentration of Sequessome vesicles and is intended for patients who have received a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and need relief from the associated joint pain and stiffness. Patients seeking maximum strength treatment for their symptoms should choose FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis).

FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear) contains a lower concentration of Sequessome vesicles and is intended for patients who have early stage osteoarthritis, or ongoing joint pain caused by wear and tear that is perhaps not as severe as osteoarthritis but continues to be painful and cause discomfort. SEQ Tech inside FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear) helps to restore joint function and relieve the pain associated with joint wear and tear.

Both products offer a drug-free alternative for the relief of joint pain and stiffness which means patients can avoid drug-based side effects that can be caused by traditional painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen. In addition, FlexiSEQ products can be used alongside medications without interference, and by patients with other conditions (co-morbidities) without exacerbating their other conditions.

Both FlexiSEQ products have exactly the same physical mode of action and work by lubricating the affected joint to relieve pain and stiffness and improve impaired joint function.

Any patients with osteoarthritis or joint pain and stiffness caused by wear and tear to the cartilage can use FlexiSEQ products. They are of particular interest to:

• • Patients for whom other treatment options (NSAIDs, COX-II inhibitors, paracetamol, etc.) should be avoided or used as little as possible, either because of their other medical conditions, patient age or their concomitant medications. This includes patients with cardio-vascular (CV) or gastro-intestinal (GI) risk factors and problems.
• • Patients who are not receiving adequate symptomatic relief from their current treatment and want to add another option.
  
  

Precautions:

• • Patients with known sensitivity to any of the ingredients listed on the box should not use FlexiSEQ.
• • FlexiSEQ has not been tested on children, pregnant or breast-feeding women, so these patients should consult their doctor before using FlexiSEQ

FlexiSEQ is an aqueous gel packed with microscopic spheres called Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech). These spheres contain molecules called phospholipids which naturally occur in all cells of the body and variants of which contribute to the lubricating properties of synovial fluid and cartilage. FlexiSEQ is drug free because it uses these Sequessome vesicles, and therefore has none of the side effects associated with other osteoarthritis gels that contain Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). FlexiSEQ has a physical mode of action, whilst NSAIDs such as ibuprofen have a pharmacological effect and alter physiological pathways in the body. NSAID use is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as ulcers, and cardiovascular (CV) effects such as increased risk of heart attack, and these side effects can be very serious. In contrast, the side effects most commonly reported for FlexiSEQ are mild or moderate skin irritations at the site of application that are temporary and will resolve over time even without stopping treatment in some cases.

Yes, FlexiSEQ contains no animal derived ingredients.

FlexiSEQ is suitable for vegetarians as it doesn’t contain animal derived ingredients. FlexiSEQ is classified as a medical device and has had to fulfil regulatory requirements in order to gain registration, which included some level of mandatory animal testing. We as a company do not voluntarily conduct testing on animals.

No, there are no ingredients in FlexiSEQ that are of animal origin.

We do not make sample size tubes, but FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis) is available in a 30g tube size in some markets.

We have recently rebranded our products and some older batches are still selling through the market-place. Should you wish us to look into this further, then please contact us at enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 and provide us with a batch number and expiry date. However, please rest-assured that so far, we have not come across any counterfeit FlexiSEQ products.

We would like to reassure you that the product is genuine. Certain older batches of FlexiSEQ had to undergo a relabelling exercise in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Should you wish us to look into this further, then please contact us at enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 and provide us with a batch number and expiry date. However, please rest-assured that so far, we have not come across any counterfeit FlexiSEQ products.

We would like to reassure you that the tubes do contain 30g, 50g or 100g of gel as stipulated on the packaging. Because the capacity of the tubes is greater than 30g, 50g or 100g there is always some air in the tubes, which can give the impression that they are not filled properly. However, every single tube is weighed automatically on the production line and those falling outside the very strict tolerances are rejected. Therefore, we can be quite sure that the correct amount is in the tubes.

FlexiSEQ products are widely available without prescription at several high street retailers and independent pharmacies, including their on-line stores. Please contact enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 if you require a current list of retailers.

Please contact enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 if you require a current list of wholesale distributors.

If you could not find FlexiSEQ in your local store please contact their customer service departments as some retailers do not have 100% distribution of FlexiSEQ. Most stores have full availability online. Alternatively, please contact us at enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 and we will help you to source the product you require.

The price of FlexiSEQ products will vary in different countries and different stores so please contact your local pharmacy or online pharmacy for up to date information.

FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear) contains a lower concentration of Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech), the most cost intensive ingredient and part of the manufacturing process, and therefore costs less.

At the moment, whilst many doctors are recommending FlexiSEQ to their patients, FlexiSEQ is not included in the relevant section of the Drug Tariff therefore it is not possible for them to prescribe FlexiSEQ on the NHS.

FlexiSEQ is available in Ireland and certain other countries worldwide. Please contact enquiries@flexiseq.com or phone us on +44 (0)800 254 0119 if you require a current list of authorised countries.

The price of FlexiSEQ is based upon the cost of the ingredients and the manufacturing process. It is worth noting that FlexiSEQ is applied twice per day and no more, whilst the majority of topical competitor products can require up to 6 applications per day to achieve similar results. With this in mind, FlexiSEQ is a cost-effective option.

FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis): Aqua, Phosphatidylcholine, Alcohol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Metabisulphite, BHT.

FlexiSEQ (for Joint Wear & Tear): Aqua, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycerin, Alcohol, Carbomer, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 80, Benzyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Metabisulfite, BHT.

Patients with joint disorders such as osteoarthritis have been found to have reduced levels of lubricants in their synovial fluid and this is one of the factors contributing to the pain and loss of joint function in patients with osteoarthritis. There is strong evidence in published literature that liposome vesicles can act as a bio-lubricant in the knee joint, and hence can relieve pain and improve mobility.

FlexiSEQ is drug-free and has no pharmacological, metabolic or immunological activity. FlexiSEQ exerts its pain-relieving effect via lubrication of the joint which is a physical mode of action.

FlexiSEQ is a gel containing Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech), which are tiny lipid spheres or liposomes. They are compressible and deformable, yet stable. Research has shown that following topical application of FlexiSEQ, as the gel dries on the skin the vesicles change their shape and pass through the skin, then enter the synovial joint where they collect in the synovial fluid and on cartilage surfaces to supplement the reduced levels of naturally occurring lubricants. The physical properties of Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) make them particularly efficient at lubricating the joint surfaces to provide relief from pain and stiffness.

A study using fluorescent labelled Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) demonstrated that following topical application of FlexiSEQ, they pass through the skin, penetrate the synovial fluid within the joint and collect on cartilage surfaces.

There have been several clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of FlexiSEQ across a range of doses representative of the two products, and these have consistently demonstrated average reductions in pain and average improvements in physical function.

One of the key studies in this extensive clinical programme also demonstrated that FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis) is as effective at alleviating joint pain as an oral prescription drug which, unlike FlexiSEQ Max Strength (for Osteoarthritis), but in common with other treatments in the same class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), has well recognised systemic side effects (problems resulting from the drug being spread throughout the body).

In a recent FlexiSEQ User Experience Study, the key findings were:

• • 86% of participants agreed that FlexiSEQ helped improve their overall joint health.
• • 84% of participants agreed that FlexiSEQ improved their joint mobility.
• • 73% of participants reported they could go longer without taking pain relief.
• • 48% of participants reported a reduction in the number of painkillers taken.
• • 82% of participants would definitely recommend FlexiSEQ to a friend.

These same studies have also demonstrated the safety of FlexiSEQ products: the most commonly reported side effects were mild/moderate skin irritations. In addition, there have now been over 160 million applications of the product and, unlike other oral and topical treatments, there have been no reported incidences of systemic side effects (such as gastro-intestinal problems) related to the use of FlexiSEQ. This lack of systemic exposure also makes these products safe to use alongside any other therapy.

FlexiSEQ products are approved for long-term use and there is no maximum treatment duration. We have data from a 52-week study that shows that FlexiSEQ is extremely well tolerated for a year and that treatment effects are maintained. In addition, since the launch of FlexiSEQ over 10 years ago, there have been over 160 million applications of the product and, unlike other oral and topical treatments, there have been no reported incidences of systemic side effects related to the use of FlexiSEQ.

There is no evidence that FlexiSEQ can aid in the regeneration of damaged cartilage. Because cartilage does not have any nerve endings or blood supply running through it, once it’s damaged, it has no capacity for self-healing.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

Application of a line of gel as long as your index finger is recommended. The gel should be evenly applied to the soft tissue at the sides and the back of the knee but should not be applied to the bony patella (knee cap).

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time. Please wash your hands after applying the gel.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

It is difficult to give precise dosing amounts for the hip as the size of this joint can vary widely from patient to patient. Use enough gel to evenly cover the soft tissue around the joint. Locate the edge of your pelvis (or hipbone) at your side and apply a line of gel approximately as long as your index finger to soft tissue below the edge of the hip bone. Do not spread towards the buttocks but instead towards your groin.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time. Please wash your hands after applying the gel.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

You should apply a pea-sized amount of gel evenly to the area around the affected joint.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time. Please avoid washing the affected hand for 10-15 minutes after application.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger to the soft tissue around the area of pain, avoiding the shoulder blade. Please make sure you apply our gel on the top of your arm where your shoulder starts, making sure you cover the area around your joint leading into your armpit.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time. Please wash your hands after applying the gel.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

The easiest way to make sure that the affected ankle area is covered, is by applying a line of gel as long as your index finger from one side of the ankle joint all around the other side, making sure that the Achilles heel and the space between both ankle joints at the front is covered. You should not apply FlexiSEQ directly on your ankle bone but please make sure you do so on the soft tissue around it.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

You should apply a pea-sized amount of gel evenly to the area around the affected toe joint. Spread the gel on the top of the joint as well as under the sole of the foot.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time.

In order to achieve optimum effect, FlexiSEQ gel should be applied twice daily, usually morning and evening, not rubbed in but left to dry.

Apply a line of gel as long as your index finger to the soft tissue around the area of pain.

FlexiSEQ must be allowed to dry before covering; drying should take no longer than 10 minutes if the product is applied to clean, dry skin. If drying takes longer than this, ensure that the skin is dry (for example, if applying after a bath or shower) and try using a little less gel. If the drying time is considerably less than 10 minutes, then a little more gel should be used next time.

You can find application videos for the hand, hip, knee and shoulder on our website.

You can find a written application guide in our FAQ section on our homepage  https://flexiseq.com/pages/faqs

FlexiSEQ has an excellent tolerability and safety profile. There are no anticipated safety issues if it is applied incorrectly, however it is possible that the relief of pain and joint stiffness might be reduced.

We always recommend applying FlexiSEQ on the soft tissue around the joint and discourage it being applied to bone such as the kneecap or shoulder blade because the Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) cannot travel through bone. There are no safety issues but it would merely be a waste of the gel.

There are no safety issues with applying too much gel. It will simply take longer for all of the gel to dry. You can wipe off excess gel and apply less the next time. As a general guide, it should not take longer than 10 minutes for the gel to dry completely.

As with most topical treatments, you should avoid allowing the gel to enter the eyes. If gel does enter the eyes, they should be rinsed with plenty of cold water. If excessive stinging/symptoms occur, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

The gel should not be taken orally, but if it has been ingested, it should not cause major problems. As with other medical products, care should be taken to store it out of reach of children. If symptoms occur, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

As with all treatments, if you have any concerns, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

FlexiSEQ products should be applied twice a day, usually morning and evening.

The best results are achieved when using FlexiSEQ on a continuous twice daily basis as this will ensure that the joints are being continuously lubricated. In similarity to naturally occurring phospholipids, Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) do degrade in the body over time and must be reapplied regularly.

The proven clinical efficacy is based on twice daily dosing and we have no data to recommend reducing the dose. However, a lot of our long-term customers have found they can lower the dosage to one application daily or dose every second day in order to maintain Sequessome levels at a level effective for them.  

FlexiSEQ products are approved for long-term use and there is no maximum treatment duration.

If body lotion is applied alongside FlexiSEQ or before FlexiSEQ dries, it may reduce its effectiveness. However, patients may apply a little body lotion or light cream, preferably unperfumed, when necessary to keep their skin moisturised once FlexiSEQ is fully dried off and absorbed into the skin.

If massage oils are applied before applying FlexiSEQ, it may reduce its effectiveness. It may also cause the gel ingredients to separate, making it unpleasant to apply to the skin.

Please allow around 20 minutes after the application of FlexiSEQ before you start exercising or showering. Once the gel has dried and the Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) have passed through the outer skin layer on their way to the joint, they do not reverse their journey.

Applying sun cream or lotion before FlexiSEQ dries may reduce its effectiveness. You may apply a little lotion or cream, when necessary to keep the skin protected from the sun once FlexiSEQ is fully dried and absorbed into the skin.

No trials have been conducted comparing FlexiSEQ products with other topical treatments for pain associated with osteoarthritis.

One of the most commonly used class of topical treatments for pain is topical Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Depending on the amount applied, these products can still result in absorption of the NSAID into the blood (systemic exposure) and hence can cause the same side effects, potentially serious, commonly seen with the oral NSAIDs. Many topical NSAIDs carry the same warnings as the oral NSAIDs and cannot be used alongside oral NSAIDs.

Twice-daily treatment with FlexiSEQ provides pain relief after as little as 2 days, which is comparable with the onset of sustainable pain relief to other osteoarthritis therapies. It may take several days for the full effect to be seen.

FlexiSEQ works by delivery of lubricating Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) into the joint. These vesicles are made of naturally occurring phospholipids and will degrade in the body over time and will need replacing. Pain will return a few days after stopping treatment; however, the severity of the condition will be a key influencing factor on the return of pain. Therefore, patients will need to continue to use FlexiSEQ in order to maintain efficacy. 

FlexiSEQ products are registered for treatment of all joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). The joints affected by OA, such as the knee, hip, hand, shoulder, elbow, ankle, foot, toes etc., are all synovial (articulating) joints and it is established that treatment with FlexiSEQ would benefit any synovial joint with OA, regardless of its location.

FlexiSEQ can be used to treat osteoarthritis of the spine or neck. Please do bear in mind that the effect in that particular area might vary from person to person and you must be sure that your back or neck pain is caused by osteoarthritis and not by muscular or nervous issues as can often be the case.

FlexiSEQ brings best results when used on joints with cartilage present. However, while Sequessome vesicles’ (SEQ Tech) main function is to lubricate cartilage surfaces, they also circulate in the synovial fluid to help its lubricating function too. Our product is drug-free and we would certainly advise you to try it out yourself.

The use of FlexiSEQ on artificial joints has not been studied. FlexiSEQ is a gel containing Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech), which are tiny lipid spheres that collect in the synovial fluid and on cartilage surfaces to supplement the reduced levels of naturally occurring lubricants. The physical properties of Sequessome vesicles (SEQ Tech) make them particularly efficient at lubricating natural joint surfaces to provide relief from pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. If you are considering the use of FlexiSEQ on artificial joints, we would recommend that you discuss the potential benefits with your doctor first. If you do decide to try FlexiSEQ, we would be very grateful if you could share your feedback and experience with us.

FlexiSEQ is a topically applied, drug-free gel clinically proven to relieve the pain and improve the joint stiffness specifically associated with osteoarthritis.

The pain from degenerative or collapsed disks in the neck and back cause pain that usually results from inflammation and pressure on surrounding muscles, joints and nerves, rather than decreased joint lubrication. FlexiSEQ is developed as a joint lubricant and so is unlikely to relieve pain caused by degenerative or collapsed discs.

FlexiSEQ is a topically applied, drug-free gel clinically proven to relieve the pain and improve the joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. FlexiSEQ is a joint lubricant only and will not relieve muscular pain.

FlexiSEQ is a topically applied, drug-free gel clinically proven to relieve the pain and improve the joint stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

FlexiSEQ is not indicated for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as that is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and stiffness throughout the body. However, any pain arising from arthritic joint damage (wear and tear) can be treated using FlexiSEQ as it will still lubricate the affected joints, increasing the flexibility and lessen the wear and tear.

RA patients may be on an array of medication to control their condition however since FlexiSEQ is drug free it remains a viable addition to the treatment approach.

No treatment will work for all patients. However, before it is assumed that you are one of those for whom this treatment does not work, please check that:

• • You are applying FlexiSEQ correctly – the product will not be effective if you do not apply a thin layer of gel and let it dry, have under-dosed or if you are covering the treated area too soon.
• • Treatment has been ongoing for long enough for an effect to be seen (we recommend waiting for up to 4 weeks although an effect will usually be seen sooner, normally within 2 days; some more severely affected patients may take longer)
• • FlexiSEQ has been specifically developed for osteoarthritis and wear and tear of the joints. Our product is a joint lubricant only. FlexiSEQ will not relieve pain from muscle soreness or nerve damage
  
  

If you are using the gel correctly and not receiving benefit, then unfortunately it may simply not be the treatment for you.

There is no logical reason as to why FlexiSEQ would cause increased pain. FlexiSEQ is totally drug free, which makes it very easy on the body and the main component is the extract of the soy bean. The Sequessome vesicles in our gel help to lubricate the joint, which in turn increases flexibility and lessens the pain associated with wear and tear. Some patients report that because FlexiSEQ has improved their condition, they undertake more physical activity, which can sometimes lead to exercise-related pain.

Yes, FlexiSEQ is drug-free and has no contraindications. There is no evidence from the extensive and growing market experience and the study programme that FlexiSEQ in any way influences other underlying conditions or interacts with treatments for such conditions. This therefore should reassure you that using FlexiSEQ will not compromise your existing condition or medication. As with any treatment, if you have specific concerns, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Please consult your doctor before using FlexiSEQ, but as FlexiSEQ is drug-free you should be able to use FlexiSEQ if you have a blood disorder.

Yes, as FlexiSEQ is drug-free you can have acupuncture at the same time as using FlexiSEQ.

Yes, you can use FlexiSEQ if you have a pacemaker.

FlexiSEQ does not contain any active pharmaceutical ingredients and therefore cannot compromise any existing oral medications, such as low-dose aspirin, paracetamol, diuretics. If you have any specific concerns, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.

Yes, as FlexiSEQ is drug-free you can use Warfarin at the same time with no drug-to-drug interactions.

Yes, FlexiSEQ can be used alongside herbal medicine.

Yes, FlexiSEQ can be used alongside topical anti-inflammatory drugs however they should not be applied at the same time. Please allow at least 30 minutes after FlexiSEQ has dried before applying your other topical gel or cream.

Yes, as FlexiSEQ is drug-free you can use blood pressure medications at the same time with no drug-to-drug interactions.

Yes, you can use FlexiSEQ after a cortisone injection.

FlexiSEQ has not been tested on pregnant women in clinical trials, and therefore the use of FlexiSEQ products during pregnancy is not advised unless deemed appropriate by your doctor or physician. Likewise, it is unknown whether FlexiSEQ may be harmful to your child if you are breastfeeding. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using the product.

FlexiSEQ has not been tested on children in clinical trials and therefore the use of FlexiSEQ products on children is not advised unless deemed appropriate by your doctor or physician.

FlexiSEQ has been formally tested on horses with arthritic joints and has demonstrated great efficacy and we do also have anecdotal evidence that it works well in treating the arthritic hips of some breeds of dog. This is not altogether surprising as it is the same disease as observed in humans and the product works by lubricating the joints to reduce wear and tear which can occur in both human and animal species.

In the clinical programme, just under 2000 patients have been treated with FlexiSEQ with the duration of treatment lasting from 6 to 52 weeks. Some of these patients received FlexiSEQ alone whilst others received FlexiSEQ in combination with other treatments.

The safety and efficacy of FlexiSEQ have been demonstrated in an extensive trial programme where just under 2000 patients have been treated with FlexiSEQ for up to 52 weeks. Several key studies have demonstrated that FlexiSEQ reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, improves joint stiffness and physical function and has an excellent safety and tolerability profile.

FlexiSEQ was commercialised and branded at the end of its clinical study program and therefore its name will not appear in published clinical research papers. If you would like to research FlexiSEQ clinical studies, you must search for its study reference code “TDT 064”.

FlexiSEQ is regulated as a medical device and as such it had to go through some mandatory animal testing as part of its original development and registration. The company does not voluntarily test its products on animals and only when it is required to do so by medical device regulations.

As FlexiSEQ is a medical device rather than a medicine there is no Summary of Product Characteristics. The Patient Information Leaflet – Instructions for Use provided within the carton provides relevant information on FlexiSEQ and can be downloaded from www.flexiseq.com.

FlexiSEQ products are drug-free topical treatments and the side effect most commonly reported is mild or moderate skin irritations manifesting in rash, dry skin, itchiness and erythema (redness). The majority of the skin irritations that have been reported were temporary and minor and resolved over time, sometimes without the need to stop treatment.

We are sorry to hear that you have developed a skin irritation. Unfortunately, this is a potential side effect of FlexiSEQ and many therapeutic topical products for that matter. The issue is dealt with extensively in the Patient Information Leaflet – Instructions for Use that can be found inside the carton. Customers, who have complained about skin irritation, have advised us that they have used moisturising lotion whilst using FlexiSEQ and this helped to calm the skin in that particular area. The skin irritation usually disappears by itself after a certain amount of time. In the case of continuing side effects, you may first reduce the dose (e.g. from twice daily to once daily). If the area feels too sore to continue with the treatment, then discontinue using FlexiSEQ. If you have to stop treatment, once the condition is resolved, usually within a few days, you may then be able to restart administration if there is no evidence of a hypersensitive reaction as a result of skin contact. If you are at all worried, please consult a doctor or a pharmacist.  

Please also have a look at the ingredients list to make sure you are not sensitive to any of its components.

FlexiSEQ has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Unlike many painkillers taken by patients, the majority of the side effects seen in clinical trials were mild-to-moderate skin irritations. Most patients in the clinical trials continued using the product, even if skin reactions were experienced. The majority of these irritations will resolve over time without stopping treatment. In the case of continuing side effects, you may first reduce the dose (e.g. from twice daily to once daily) and only if this does not improve the condition should you consider interrupting or stopping treatment. If you have to stop treatment, once the condition is resolved, usually within a few days, you may then be able to restart administration if there is no evidence of an allergic reaction as a result of skin contact.

If you are at all worried, please consult a doctor or a pharmacist.

The reason why we state that the product should be used within 3 months of opening is because that is the maximum amount of time that was tested during simulated in-use stability studies. Once a product is opened, it is exposed to the environment including the customers skin and the air. It is possible that microbial contamination could occur which would potentially cause degradation of the product so that it would no longer work and could potentially be a safety risk if contaminating micro-organisms adversely affected the customer’s skin. The product does contain preservative ingredients that should inactivate any invading micro-organisms.

Stability studies have been performed up to 4 years so we can guarantee the product is fine if stored unopened as recommended (8°C and 25°C) for 4 years, but we have not tested it beyond that time so cannot guarantee its safety or efficacy after the expiry date.

FlexiSEQ products are sold under global licence by Ascension Healthcare plc and its affiliates.

FlexiSEQ products are manufactured in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Germany and Italy.