uses
What is triamcinolone used for?Triamcinolone, when injected into a joint or a muscle, is commonly used for various inflammatory, autoimmune, hormonal, and other conditions where a corticosteroid may be used, which include the following.Inflammation in or around your joints, such as certain types of arthritis, bursitis (inflammation of fluid sacs in your joints), gout, or tenosynovitis (inflammation of membranes around your tendons)Rheumatic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), which are painful and inflammatory conditions that affect your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and musclesSevere allergic conditionsCertain disorders of your skin, hormonal system, digestive tract, blood, nervous system, eyes, kidneys, or lungsCertain types of cancer (to ease the symptoms)Triamcinolone, when injected into a skin lesion, is commonly used for various inflammatory or autoimmune skin conditions, which include the following. Alopecia areata (a type of hair loss)Discoid lupus erythematosus (a type of lupus that mainly affects skin)Keloids (thick scar tissue, often larger than the original wound and shiny)Psoriatic plaques (raised rashes that occur with psoriasis)Certain types of fluid-filled tumorsTriamcinolone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does triamcinolone work (mechanism of action)?Triamcinolone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It has anti-inflammatory effects and can regulate the body’s metabolism and immune response. How is triamcinolone supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAristospanKenalogZilrettaDosage forms and strengthsTriamcinolone is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider. Triamcinolone is also available in other forms. See Triamcinolone Acetonide Topical, Triamcinolone Nasal, and Triamcinolone Dental Paste for more information.How should I store triamcinolone?Triamcinolone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store triamcinolone at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
how to use
iquid that is injected into a joint, skin lesion, muscle, or soft tissue
drug interactions
Does triamcinolone interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between triamcinolone and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect triamcinolone.Does triamcinolone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using triamcinolone.Amphotericin B, which is a medicine used to treat fungal infectionsA diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureA macrolide antibiotic, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infectionsA cholinesterase inhibitor, such as donepezil or rivastigmine (which is a medicine commonly used for Alzheimer’s disease) or pyridostigmine (which is a medicine commonly used for myasthenia gravis)Warfarin, which is a blood thinnerA medicine for diabetesIsoniazid or rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosisA barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraine, or seizuresAny medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoinItraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) or ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsCholestyramine (Prevalite), which is a medicine to lower cholesterolCyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune systemDigoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failureEstrogen, which is found in certain birth control pills, patches, creams, rings, or vaginal suppositories Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and feverA nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and feverA medicine for HIV or AIDSMany other medicines may alter the blood levels of triamcinolone. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with triamcinolone. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of triamcinolone?The most common side effects of triamcinolone are listed below. Side effects may vary based on the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Fluid retention (see below)Increased blood sugarIncreased blood pressure (see below)Mood and behavior changes (see below)Increased appetite or weight gainInflamed sinuses (sinusitis)Cough Bruises There may be other side effects of triamcinolone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of triamcinolone?While less common, the most serious side effects of triamcinolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Triamcinolone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using triamcinolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painJoint Infection and Damage. Giving triamcinolone into a joint may cause joint damage or an infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a joint infection.Worsening pain with swellingUnable to move the joint wellFeverGeneral feeling of tiredness or lack of energyInfections. Triamcinolone can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get an infection, including a serious infection. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.Burning or stinging when you pee Cough or coughing up bloodFever, sweats, chills, or muscle achesShortness of breathDiarrhea or stomach painWeight lossReduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of triamcinolone can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.Nausea and vomitingWeakness, tiredness, or lack of energyLow blood pressureIncreased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Triamcinolone may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.Sudden severe headacheChest painDizziness or confusionTrouble breathingNausea or vomitingBlurry or other changes to visionAnxietyBuzzing in the earsNosebleedFeeling of skipped heartbeatsFluid Retention (Edema). Triamcinolone can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. Chest painIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathStretched or shiny skinSwollen body parts, such as the belly or anklesElectrolyte Changes. Triamcinolone may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia). These changes can be serious. Keep appointments for blood work so that your health care provider can check your electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes. WeaknessUnusual tirednessMuscle cramps or twitchingConstipationNausea, vomiting, or loss of appetiteDizzinessAbnormal heart rhythmsVision Problems. Triamcinolone may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Cloudy or foggy visionNearsightednessChanges in how you see colorsProblems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)Loss of visionEye pain or rednessSevere headache or vomitingSeeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)Weak Bones. Using triamcinolone for a long time may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. This risk may be higher if you have gone through menopause. Tell your health care provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you.Mood and Behavior Changes. Triamcinolone can cause changes in your mood or behaviors, including mood swings, trouble sleeping, personality changes, and depression. Tell your health care provider if you notice any changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviors.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much triamcinolone?If you or someone else has used too much triamcinolone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of triamcinolone?Triamcinolone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or a clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving triamcinolone as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your triamcinolone dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use triamcinolone?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use triamcinolone.AristospanKenalogTriamcinoloneZilrettaAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific triamcinolone products they stock.Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Triamcinolone should not be given as an injection into the muscle (intramuscular) in people with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is a condition that can cause bleeding under the skin (petechiae) and easy bruising.What should I know about triamcinolone before using it?Triamcinolone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Keep all appointments for any scheduled doses of triamcinolone injection. If you have used this medicine for a while, stopping treatment too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.FatigueFeverJoint or muscle painLightheadednessLoss of appetiteDifficulty breathingVomitingWeight lossAvoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while you are being treated with triamcinolone. If you think you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your health care provider right away.Triamcinolone may affect certain skin tests, such as allergy skin testing. Tell all of your health care providers that you are using this medicine.What should I tell my health care provider before using triamcinolone?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if triamcinolone is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Other Medicines and Supplements. Triamcinolone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using triamcinolone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using triamcinolone. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Joint problemsThyroid problems, such as hypothyroidismHeart disease, such as heart failure or recent heart attackHigh blood pressureAny type of infection, including any serious infection you have had in the past (such as hepatitis B, tuberculosis, or malaria)History of trauma to the head or brain injuryKidney problemsBone problems, including osteoporosisLiver problems, including liver scarring (cirrhosis)Eye problems, such as glaucoma or a herpes eye infectionStomach or bowel problems, including ulcers, diverticulitis, diverticulosis, or ulcerative colitisNerve and muscle problems, such as myasthenia gravisMental health problemsDiabetesPregnancy. It is not known if or how triamcinolone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.Breastfeeding. It is not known if triamcinolone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use triamcinolone while breastfeeding.
about
Triamcinolone is used to treat a variety of conditions, including certain inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It is an injection given by a health care provider into a joint, skin lesion, muscle, or soft tissue. Common side effects include fluid retention, increased appetite, and weight gain. Serious side effects are less common but may include an increased risk of infections. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you have an infection while using triamcinolone.