Kenalog-10 Vial 5ml

Triamcinolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid. It exerts its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects by binding to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. This complex then translocates to the nucleus, where it modulates gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins (e.g., lipocortin) and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha). It also suppresses the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reverses increased capillary permeability.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of infection: fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Signs of Cushing's syndrome: weight gain in the upper back or abdomen, moon face, severe headache, or slow wound healing.
Signs of adrenal insufficiency: severe nausea or vomiting, severe dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, fatigue, mood changes, decreased appetite, or weight loss.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, drowsiness, increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity-smelling breath.
Signs of high blood pressure: severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Signs of low potassium levels: muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular heartbeat.
Signs of pancreatitis: severe abdominal pain, severe back pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Abnormal heartbeat (fast, slow, or irregular).
Chest pain.
Stomach pain, black, tarry, or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or coffee ground-like vomit.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
Bone pain.
Joint pain or swelling.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Fatigue or weakness.
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat.
Changes in vision.
New or worsening mental, mood, or behavioral changes.
Changes in menstrual periods.
Seizures.
Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, or excessive hair growth).
Purple, red, blue, brown, or black bumps or patches on the skin or in the mouth.
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations.
Redness or swelling at the injection site.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or don't go away, contact your doctor:

Trouble sleeping.
Nausea or vomiting.
Weight gain.
Restlessness.
Excessive sweating.
Hair thinning.

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

To ensure safe treatment, inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have to this medication, its components, or other substances, including foods and drugs. Describe the allergic reactions you've experienced.
Stomach or bowel problems, such as diverticulitis, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, or ulcers.
Current or recent infections, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, amoeba infections (like traveler's diarrhea), herpes infections of the eye, cerebral malaria, threadworm infestations, or any other type of infection.
If you have an infection at the site where the injection will be administered (for intramuscular injections).
* If you have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a condition affecting platelet count (specifically for intramuscular injections).

It's crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health issues you're experiencing. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions and ensure it's safe for you to take this medication. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor will also need to monitor your blood work regularly. If you are taking this medication long-term, you may require additional tests to check your eye pressure and bone density.

This medication can interfere with allergy skin tests, so be sure to notify your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking it. You may need to reduce your salt intake and increase your potassium consumption; consult with your doctor for guidance. If you have diabetes, it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels.

Before receiving any vaccines, discuss the potential risks with your doctor, as some vaccines may not be effective or may increase the risk of infection when taken with this medication. If you have not had chickenpox or measles before, avoid exposure to these illnesses, as they can be severe or even life-threatening in people taking steroid medications like this one. If you have been exposed, notify your doctor immediately.

Steroid medications, including this one, can increase the risk of infection, which can be mild or severe, and even life-threatening. The risk of infection is higher with higher doses of steroids. To minimize this risk, wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who have infections, colds, or flu, and notify your doctor if you experience any signs of infection.

In some cases, this medication can reactivate latent infections, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B. Inform your doctor if you have a history of these infections.

This medication can also lower the levels of natural steroids in your body. If you experience a fever, infection, surgery, or injury, consult with your doctor, as you may require additional oral steroids to help your body cope with these stresses. It is recommended that you carry a warning card indicating that you may need extra steroids in certain situations.

It is essential to note that administering this medication into the spine (epidural) has been associated with severe health problems, including paralysis, loss of vision, stroke, and death. This use is not approved, and you should discuss the risks with your doctor.

If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects. If you have been taking this medication for an extended period, consult with your doctor before stopping, as you may need to gradually taper off the medication. If you experience fatigue, weakness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness after missing a dose or stopping the medication, notify your doctor.

Long-term use of this medication can increase the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones) and eye problems, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss your individual risk factors with your doctor.

Some formulations of this medication contain benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to newborns and infants. If possible, avoid products containing benzyl alcohol in these age groups, and consult with your doctor for alternative options.

Prolonged use of this medication has been associated with an increased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer. Discuss this risk with your doctor.

In children and adolescents, this medication may affect growth and development. Regular growth checks may be necessary; consult with your doctor for guidance.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Live or live attenuated vaccines (when receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids)

• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine): May decrease triamcinolone levels.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin): May increase triamcinolone levels.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Increased risk of GI ulceration/bleeding.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May alter anticoagulant effects (increase or decrease).
• Diuretics (thiazide, loop): Increased risk of hypokalemia.
• Digitalis glycosides: Increased risk of digitalis toxicity with hypokalemia.
• Antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemics): May increase blood glucose, requiring dose adjustment.
• Neuromuscular blockers: May prolong or antagonize neuromuscular blockade.

• Cholestyramine, colestipol: May decrease absorption of corticosteroids.
• Cyclosporine: Increased risk of seizures and other CNS effects.
• Estrogens (including oral contraceptives): May decrease corticosteroid clearance.
• Isoniazid: May decrease isoniazid plasma concentrations.
• Vaccines (inactivated): Reduced immune response.
• Aspirin (high dose): Increased risk of GI side effects and salicylate toxicity upon corticosteroid withdrawal.

• Not specifically categorized as minor for triamcinolone injection, but general corticosteroid interactions apply.

• Increased thirst or urination (hyperglycemia)
• Swelling of ankles, feet, or hands (fluid retention)
• Unusual weight gain
• Muscle weakness or cramps (hypokalemia)
• Mood changes, irritability, depression, insomnia
• Increased appetite
• Stomach pain, black/tarry stools (GI ulceration)
• Blurred vision or eye pain
• Slow wound healing
• Increased susceptibility to infections (fever, chills, sore throat)

Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies show teratogenicity. Human data are limited but suggest a possible association with cleft palate and intrauterine growth restriction.

Triamcinolone is excreted in breast milk. While the amount is generally small, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for signs of adrenal suppression (e.g., poor weight gain) or other adverse effects.

Corticosteroids can suppress growth in children. Long-term use should be carefully monitored. Adrenal suppression can occur. Dosing must be individualized and the lowest effective dose used for the shortest possible duration.

Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly osteoporosis, fluid retention, hypertension, and diabetes. Use the lowest effective dose and monitor closely.

• Triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension is NOT for intravenous administration. Accidental IV administration can lead to serious adverse events, including death.
• Aseptic technique is crucial for all injections to prevent infection.
• Local injection site reactions (e.g., post-injection flare, atrophy) can occur.
• Patients on long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy should not abruptly discontinue the drug due to risk of adrenal insufficiency.
• Monitor for signs of Cushing's syndrome with prolonged systemic use.
• Patients with active infections should generally not receive corticosteroids unless the infection is adequately controlled by anti-infective therapy.

• Other injectable corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone acetate, betamethasone acetate/phosphate)
• Oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone)
• NSAIDs (for inflammatory conditions)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics (for chronic inflammatory diseases)
• Topical corticosteroids (for skin conditions)
• Physical therapy, rest, ice/heat (for musculoskeletal conditions)

If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure safe use, never share your prescription medications with others, and do not take medications prescribed to someone else.

Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications. Unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult with your pharmacist, who can provide guidance on safe disposal practices or inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.

Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet; check with your pharmacist to see if this applies to your prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide critical information, including the name of the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, to ensure prompt and effective treatment.