Explanation

Triamcinolone acetonide (also called Kenalog) is a type of medicine called a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce inflammation all over your body, and can be used for things like asthma, seasonal allergies, arthritis, blood disorders, hormone problems, rheumatic fever and problems with your kidneys, lungs or skin.

What does it do?

Triamcinolone acetonide blocks the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation.

What does it look like?

Triamcinolone acetonide is a liquid for injection that comes either in ready-filled syringes, or in a glass vial.

The injection can either be given into one of your joints, or into a muscle (usually in your bum).

When do I have to take it?

Your doctor will decide how much you will need and how often. This will depend on your age, weight and what you are being treated for.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

It's important that you don't stop having your triamcinolone acetonide injections unless your doctor says it's okay.

If and when your doctor decides you don't need to have them anymore, he or she may wean you off triamcinolone acetonide. This just means that you will gradually get less and less of it each time, until after a while you will stop having the medicine completely.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

Your nurse or doctor will usually remind you when you need to have your triamcinolone acetonide injections, but if you forget to have one, you should tell your doctor straight away and he or she will tell you what to do.

How much do I use?

Your doctor will decide how much you will need to have and how often you need to have injections.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

It's unlikely that you'll get any side effects, but it's really important that you tell your doctor immediately if you get pains in your stomach or abdomen, black poo, swelling anywhere on your face, or a rash, because these might be dangerous.

You may get other serious side effects that affect how you think and feel. It's really important to tell your doctor straight away if you:

feel sad and don't enjoy things you used to, or have thoughts about hurting yourself

moods that go up and down quickly

feel worried, have trouble sleeping, feel confused and forget things

feel, see or hear things that aren't really there

Other side effects that you may get and you tell your doctor about are:

Getting dimples in your skin, changes in skin colour or pain where you have the injection

Increased appetite, weight gain and/or bloating

Feeling tired or weak

Easily broken bones or torn muscles and/or muscle wasting (losing muscles)

It taking a long time for wounds or broken bones to get better

Irregular heart beat

Bruising, rashes, redness, itching, itchy raised lumps (hives)

Acne, increased hair growth, increased sweating, sudden reddening and heat in your face, or your skin getting thinner

Glaucoma

Feeling sleepy, dizzy and/or faint

Shaking of your body that you can't stop (called convulsions)

Tingling and/or numbness

Wheezing or having trouble breathing

Bad headaches

What other side effects might I get?

Triamcinolone acetonide injection has something in it called benzyl alcohol, and this can cause harmful or allergic reactions. If you notice swelling of your face, tongue or neck, or any other signs of an allergic reaction while you are taking triamcinolone acetonide, tell your doctor immediately.

Is it safe for me to take it?

Before you start having triamcinolone acetonide, you need to tell your doctor if you have any medical problems, or have had any in the past, including allergies. It's especially important to tell your doctor if you have any of the things in the list below:

any infections

tuberculosis (TB)

bowel disorders

stomach ulcers

cancer

high blood pressure or heart failure

epilepsy

myasthenia gravis

glaucoma

You must also tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has had depression or manic depression (also called bipolar disorder) before. This includes having it while you have been taking other corticosteroids in the past.

Triamcinolone acetonide can change or hide the signs of an infection and make it harder for the doctor or the adult looking after you to tell if you are sick. When you are being treated with triamcinolone acetonide, some infections can become very serious, so if you are feeling unwell or you have a temperature you must tell your doctor.

It's especially important to tell your doctor if you have been around people who have chicken pox, shingles or measles if you have not had these illnesses before.

You MUST NOT have any vaccines while you are taking triamcinolone acetonide. If you are due to have any immunisations, make sure you talk to your doctor first.

Is it ok for me to take it if I'm already taking other medicines?

Before you start taking triamcinolone acetonide, you must tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines or any that you brought without a prescription.

You can't take some medicines at the same time as you are having triamcinolone acetonide, as they might not work as well as THEY should, or your triamcinolone acetonide may not work as well as IT should. So, tell your doctor if you're taking any of the medicines on the list below:

ibuprofen or another NSAIDs

medicines for epilepsy

medicines for tuberculosis (TB)

medicines for diabetes

medicines for high blood pressure, to slow your heart down or to thin your blood

hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

growth hormones

thyroid drugs

ciclosporin

medicines for treating fungal infections

Is there anything else I need to know about it?

When you stop taking triamcinolone acetonide you may notice flu-like symptoms, runny nose and/or itchy eye or skin, but these will soon go away. If they don't, you should let your doctor know.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people taking triamcinolone acetonide in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.