Triamcinolone (Injection)

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

Treats inflammation, certain types of arthritis, and many other medical problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids.

Brand Name(s):

Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, Triam-Forte, Triamcot, Aristocort Forte, Clinacort, Aristocort, Aristospan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

Do not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to triamcinolone. You should not use triamcinolone if you have a fungal infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

 
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.  
• This medicine may be given into the buttocks, upper arm, thigh, or other large muscle. This is called an IM, or intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar) injection.  
• This medicine may be given into a joint such as a knee or shoulder. This is called an intraarticular (in-tra-are-TIC-you-lar) injection.

If a dose is missed:

 
• This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

 
• If you have your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.  
• If you have your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat. Do not freeze.  
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.  
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.  
• If you have your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles. Keep it where children or pets cannot reach it.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

 
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking insulin, diuretics (water pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantinreg;), rifampin, Coumadinreg;, or estrogen.  
• Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

 
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.  
• Before using triamcinolone, let your doctor know if you have liver or thyroid problems, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, or herpes simplex that affects your eyes.  
• Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your skin.  
• 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 chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.  
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are taking triamcinolone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

 
• Black or tarry stools  
• Muscle weakness or cramps  
• Unexplained fever, sore throat

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

 
• Fluid retention, weight gain  
• Restlessness, anxiety, mood changes  
• Sweating  
• Redness of the face  
• Easy bruising, small purple spots on your skin  
• Thinning skin, acne  
• Increased hair growth  
• Irregular menstrual periods