Methods and compositions for maintaining an active agent in an intra-articular space are disclosed. Methods of delivering the compositions to an intra-articular space and methods of making the compositions also are disclosed. The compositions comprise an active agent and a polymer comprising at least one cationic group. A fluid including the composition may be injected into an intra-articular space in a human or animal whereby the composition associates with endogenous material in the intra-articular space. In some embodiments, the fluid further comprises a poorly aqueous soluble polymer.