Health Library

Triamcinolone (By injection)

Triamcinolone Acetonide (trye-am-SIN-oh-lone a-SEET-oh-nide)

Treats inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems. May also be used to decrease some symptoms of cancer. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

Brand Name(s):

Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, Kenalog-80, PremierPro Rx Triamcinolone Acetonide, Pro-C-Dure 5 Kit, Pro-C-Dure 6 Kit, Triamcinolone Acetonide Novaplus, Triesence

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, a joint, or a spot on your skin called a lesion.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how triamcinolone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, digitalis, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin
  • Birth control pills (including estrogen)
  • Blood thinner medicine (including warfarin)
  • Diabetes medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat infection (including clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to infants and unborn babies.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, a recent heart attack, high blood pressure, eye or vision problems (including cataracts, glaucoma), myasthenia gravis, joint problems, thyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems (including diverticulitis, ulcers), osteoporosis, or a history of mental problems. Tell your doctor if you have an infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm) or if you have recently spent time in a tropical climate. Also tell your doctor if you have been exposed to chicken pox or measles.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Brain, spine, and nerve problems, when given using other routes (including an epidural or through a needle into the spine)
  • Joint infection and damage
  • Increased risk of infections
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Eye problems or changes in vision (including cataracts or glaucoma)
  • Stomach and bowel perforation (tear or hole)
  • Bone problems (including osteoporosis)
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Increased risk for cancer (including Kaposi's sarcoma)
• If you will be receiving this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

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
• Blurred vision, eye pain, changes in vision
• Dizziness, headache, slow or fast heartbeat
• Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, body aches
• Inability to move your legs or arms, paralysis of the upper or lower half of the body
• Muscle or joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual mood or behavior
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

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

• Pain, itching, burning, or swelling where the shot is given

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: 9/6/2024