Triamcinolone (Injection)

Introduction:

Triamcinolone (trye-am-SIN-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, certain types of arthritis, gout, and many other medical problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Kenalog-40, Kenalog-10, Kenalog, Kenalog 40, Triesence, Clinacort, Triamcot, Aristospan

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.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles or directly into one of your joints.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, 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.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with triamcinolone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin (Lanoxin®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), an antibiotic, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or any pain or arthritis medicine, including aspirin.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have recently spent time in a tropical climate.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, tuberculosis, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, a stomach disorder, or herpes simplex infection in your eyes. Make sure your doctor knows if you have osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, or a thyroid disorder.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or have recently had a heart attack.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving triamcinolone. Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick.
• If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

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.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches.
• Muscle weakness or cramps, sudden pain in a joint.
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
• Severe headache or pain behind your eyes.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Slowed growth in children.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

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

• Changes in your menstrual periods.
• Diarrhea.
• Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
• Mood swings, unusual thoughts or behavior.
• Restlessness, anxiety, increased appetite.
• Thinning skin, acne, changes in skin color, increased hair growth.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: