How do I prepare for my appointment?

It’s very easy to prepare for iovera° treatment—there isn’t really much to do! You’ll want to remember to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the knee area. (Shorts are a good option.) Treatment with iovera° takes about 30 minutes.

You and your doctor will discuss your medical history.
Here’s a quick checklist of things to go over:

  • Any daily medicines you take (eg, blood thinners, pain medicine)
  • Health history and health conditions you have now and/or have had in the past
  • Any previous surgery, treatment, or trauma
  • Any previous medical diagnosis regarding the treatment area
  • If you have a history of keloid (a raised scar after an injury has healed) formation
  • If you have a history of reactions to local anesthetics
  • If you have a history of sensitivity to pain or cold
  • Any open or infected wounds in the treatment area
  • If you regularly use anticoagulants (such as fish oil, Coumadin, aspirin, or NSAIDS [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen])

What should I expect during my appointment?

  • To determine the treatment area, your doctor will ask you about the location and level of your pain. Your doctor will then clean and mark the treatment area.
  • Your doctor will numb the area with an anesthetic injection (you may feel a slight pinch) or a cold spray.
  • Now, your doctor is ready to use the iovera° system. The part of the system that goes into your skin is called the “Smart Tip.” You may feel pressure or tugging when it is inserted. It’s also normal to experience cold, warm, or tingling sensations, or some level of discomfort, but not pain.

iovera° treatment should not be painful.
If you feel any pain, tell your doctor right away.

See iovera° in action

What about after treatment?

Proper care for the treated area after an iovera° treatment is very important. Side effects usually resolve on their own. Here’s a list of side effects. Follow these instructions to minimize the occurrence and/or duration of expected side effects.

Hospital treatment setting icon

Immediately

  • Apply pressure (for 10 to 15 minutes) to the treatment area to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • After applying pressure, apply ice as needed for any discomfort.
Home treatment setting icon

At home

  • Keep the treatment area clean and dry as it heals.
    • The treatment area may feel tender and/or warm. You may also experience numbness or tingling in the treatment area. Some swelling and bruising may occur. These responses are normal and temporary.
  • Use ice or over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve soreness (ask your doctor for guidance).
  • Avoid blood-thinning drugs (eg, ibuprofen, aspirin) for 48 hours unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
  • Avoid exercise and/or strenuous activity for 2 to 5 days (ask your doctor for guidance on returning to normal activities and safe levels of exercise and stress).

iovera° targets your nerves
with cold for pain relief

See how iovera° works

Have a specific question
about iovera°?

Check out our FAQs

Indication

iovera° applies freezing cold to peripheral nerve tissue to block and/or relieve pain for up to 90 days. It should not be used to treat central nervous system tissue.

Important safety information

The iovera° system should not be used in people with the following conditions:

  • Do not receive treatment with ioveraº if you experience hypersensitivity to cold or have open and/or infected wounds near the treatment site.
  • You may experience bruising, swelling, inflammation and/or redness, local pain and/or tenderness, and altered feeling at the site of application.
  • In treatment area(s), you may experience damage to the skin, skin darkening or lightening, and dimples in the skin.
  • You may experience a temporary loss of your ability to use your muscles normally outside of the treatment area.
  • Talk to your doctor before receiving treatment with ioveraº.
More +

Indication

iovera° applies freezing cold to peripheral nerve tissue to block and/or relieve pain for up to 90 days. It should not be used to treat central nervous system tissue.

Important Safety Information

Additional Information

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

A subsidiary of Pacira Biosciences, Inc.

10410 Science Center Drive, Building A

San Diego, CA 92121 U.S.A

Legal Disclaimer

Zimmer Biomet acquired the iovera° business from Pacira BioSciences, Inc. on 31 Jul 2026, obtaining contractual agreement for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of iovera°.

During the transition period under the applicable Transition Services Agreement, Pacira remains the legal manufacturer for applicable iovera° products and retains the related regulatory responsibilities.

Zimmer Biomet acts as a contracted service provider, performing certain design, manufacturing, quality, and post-market activities under Pacira's quality system and oversight until the transition is complete.