Description
Indications
Kenalog injection is a prescribed medication used when oral therapy is not feasible to alleviate symptoms associated with various conditions listed below.
Kenalog Injection can be administered intralesional for:
- Alopecia areata
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Keloids
- Localized hypertrophic, infiltrated, inflammatory lesions of granuloma annulare, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis), and psoriatic plaques
- Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
- Cystic tumors of aponeurosis or tendon (ganglia)
Kenalog Injection can also be administered intra-articularly as adjunctive therapy for short-term relief in conditions like:
- Acute gouty arthritis
- Acute and subacute bursitis
- Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
- Epicondylitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Synovitis
- Osteoarthritis
Classified as a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid), Kenalog injection functions by reducing the immune response of the body to such diseases. As a result, it mitigates symptoms like inflammation and swelling.
Uses and Dosage
A trained healthcare professional typically administers Kenalog. However, if self-administration is necessary, instructions will be provided by the healthcare professional, and any unclear information should be discussed with them.
Kenalog Injection dosage, schedule, site, and duration of treatment are individualized based on the patient’s medical status and response to therapy. Pediatric patients’ weight is also taken into account.
To administer Kenelog Injection, follow the steps below:
- Before administration, wash your hands with soap and water.
- Inspect the medication visually for clumps or discoloration, and do not use the liquid if either is detected.
- Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before each dose. Rotate the injection site to prevent discomfort or issues.
- Shake the vial to distribute the suspension evenly.
- Administer the prescribed dose immediately after withdrawing it into the syringe to prevent the medication from settling in the syringe.
Follow the dosing schedule precisely as instructed by your doctor when using Kenalog Injection to derive the maximum benefit from it. Do not modify your dosage or extend your treatment period beyond the prescribed duration.
Do not stop administering this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor if you have been on it for an extended period. Some conditions may deteriorate when the drug is halted suddenly.
Side Effects
The use of Kenalog Injection may cause certain side effects, which are enumerated below. If any of these persist or deteriorate, promptly notify your physician or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
- Acne
- Skin dryness
- Skin redness
- Bruising
- Skin discoloration
- Increased hair growth
- Thinning hair
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Changes in appetite
- Stomach or side pain
- Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Slow wound healing
- Excessive sweating
- Changes in menstrual periods
Serious Side Effects
- Increased pain or swelling (after injection into a joint space)
- Joint stiffness
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Blurred vision
- Tunnel vision
- Eye pain
- Seeing halos around lights
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody or tarry stools
- Rectal irritation
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
- Seizure
- Severe headache
- Pounding in your neck or ears
- Ringing in your ears
- Dizziness
- Pain behind your eyes
- Flu-like symptoms
- Depression
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Stomach pain
- Craving salty foods
- Lightheadedness
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek immediate medical assistance.
Allergic Reactions
Although highly uncommon, a severe allergic reaction to Kenalog Injection may occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial, lips, tongue, or throat swelling
The side effects of Kenalog Injection listed here are not complete. If any unmentioned side effects arise and cause discomfort, notify your doctor immediately.
Cautions
Before using Kenalog Injection, inform your physician or pharmacist of known hypersensitivities, particularly to triamcinolone acetonide, other medications, or any inactive ingredients present in Kenalog Injection.
To determine whether Kenalog Injection is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, with a particular emphasis on the following:
- Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis)
- Cataracts
- Cirrhosis (liver problem)
- Congestive heart failure
- Depression or emotional problems
- Glaucoma
- Recent heart attack or heart disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Severe kidney disease or mental illness
- Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness)
- Stomach or bowel problems (e.g. diverticulitis, ulcers, or ulcerative colitis)
- Thyroid problems
Kenalog Injection may have interactions with various drugs. To avoid potential interactions, inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist of all current and planned medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products.
Live or attenuated vaccines should not be given to patients receiving Kenalog Injections. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be given, but their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
The use of Kenalog Injection in pediatric and adult patients may increase the severity of chickenpox and measles, potentially leading to a fatal outcome. Patients who have not had these diseases should be careful to avoid exposure.
Kenalog Injection may potentially inhibit a child’s growth if used for an extended duration. It is recommended to schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your child’s development and height.
Kenalog Injection should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Newborns born to mothers who received corticosteroids during pregnancy should be monitored for signs of hypoadrenalism.
There is insufficient data to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Before taking this medication while breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider for potential benefits and risks.
