triamcinolone
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is a steroid injection that helps reduce inflammation in adults and children. The medication is used to treat many conditions, including allergies, skin conditions, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and gout attacks. It's typically given as a shot into the muscle (intramuscular) or directly into the affected joint (intra-articular). Side effects are similar to other steroid medications and can include trouble sleeping, mood changes, and injection side reactions.
What is Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)?
What is Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) used for?
This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
How Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) works
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is a corticosteroid. It can be used for many conditions by reducing the release of chemicals in your body that cause swelling and inflammation.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)?
Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions
- Swelling
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Muscle weakness
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in your mood
- Headache
- Acne
- Weight gain
Other Side Effects
- Skin color changes
- Thin skin
- Sweating
- Rash
- Nausea
- Bone loss or fractures
- Numbness, burning, or tingling of arms or legs
- Loss of balance or spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Slowed heartbeat
- Slowed growth in children
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Infection: fever, chills, muscle aches, constant cough, sore throat, skin redness or swelling, diarrhea, burning feeling during urination
- Extreme mood swings and severe depression
Source: DailyMed
More on Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
irritation
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
redness and scaling around the mouth
thinning of the skin with easy bruising, especially when used on the face or where the skin folds together (e.g. between the fingers)
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
burning and itching of the skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas, or pus at the root of the hair
increased hair growth on the forehead, back, arms, and legs
lightening of normal skin color
lightening of treated areas of dark skin
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
softening of the skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
Pros
Available in multiple strengths
Can be injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation
A dose can last for several weeks
Safe for children and adults
Cons
Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Can raise your risk for infections
Causes side effects like headache, mood swings, and weight gain
Has a risk for bone loss or fractures
Pharmacist tips for Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is typically given by a healthcare professional. If you're instructed to give it at home, follow directions carefully. Shake the vial before use — if the medication clumps and doesn't separate, use a new vial.
Once you draw up triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) into the syringe, inject it right away to prevent the medication from settling. Wash your hands well and use a new vial and syringe for each dose to avoid infection.
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can raise your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you might need a higher dose of your diabetes medication.
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can interact with many medications. Certain antibiotics, like clarithromycin, can lower how much triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is cleared from your body, leading to more side effects. Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can also affect how well blood thinners, like warfarin, work. Always ask your prescriber before starting a new medication.
Avoid live vaccines while receiving triamcinolone injection (Kenalog). These vaccines contain live viruses, and triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) weakens your immune system's ability to fight these viruses. If you’re unsure which vaccines are safe with this injection, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) raises your risk of infection. Call your prescriber right away if you have a fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, cough, pain with passing urine, or a wound that won't heal.
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can cause mood and behavior changes. Let your prescriber know right away if you or a loved one notice new or worsening mood swings, anxiety, depression, or unusual behavior.
If you need to take triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) long-term, you might need to lower your dose slowly before stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully and don’t stop suddenly.
Frequently asked questions about Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
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What are the risks and warnings for Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)?
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious nervous system problems
Risk factors: Epidural injection
Serious nervous system problems have been reported with epidural (spinal) injections of corticosteroids like triamcinolone injection (Kenalog). These can include spinal cord damage, paralysis, blindness, and stroke. That's why triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) shouldn't be injected into the spine.
Severe allergic reactions
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can cause serious allergic reactions. If you experience trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or a severe rash after receiving this injection, get emergency medical help right away.
Heart and kidney problems
Risk factors: High doses of triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) | History of high blood pressure | History of heart failure | History of kidney problems
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone injection (Kenalog), especially in high doses, can raise blood pressure, cause your body to hold onto excess salt and water, and lead to potassium loss. If you have a history of high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems, your prescriber will monitor you for swelling, weight gain, and electrolyte imbalances. You might need to limit salt in your diet and take potassium supplements if necessary.
Hormone effects
Risk factors: High doses | Long-term use | Stress such as trauma, injury, or infection | History of thyroid problems
Long-term use of triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can lead to adrenal insufficiency, where your adrenal glands stop making hormones naturally. If you stop this medication suddenly, you might experience steroid withdrawal, which can cause tiredness, joint or muscle pain, and low energy. This hormone imbalance can last for months after stopping treatment.
If you have thyroid problems, your body might process triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) differently. People with low thyroid hormone levels break down steroids more slowly, while those with high thyroid hormone levels break them down faster. If your thyroid function changes, your prescriber might need to adjust your dosage of triamcinolone injection (Kenalog).
Greater risk of infections
Risk factors: History of infections | Weakened immune system | Long-term use | High doses | Using other medications that weaken your immune system
Using triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) weakens your immune system and lowers your ability to fight against infections. This raises your risk of new infections and can worsen existing ones. In some cases, infections can become severe or life-threatening, especially at higher doses. Your care team will monitor you for signs of infection and might need to adjust your dose if needed.
Certain infections are especially risky with corticosteroid use. If you have latent tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B, taking triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can reactivate the infection. Chickenpox and measles can also be more serious if you haven't had them before.
Tell your care team right away if you develop fever, chills, cough, flu-like symptoms, pain when urinating, or a wound that won’t heal. These could be signs of a serious infection that might require treatment or a change in your medication.
Eye problems
Risk factors: History of eye problems
Using triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) might raise eye pressure in some people. If you receive this medication for more than 6 weeks, your prescriber will monitor your eye pressure to check for any changes.
Stomach problems
Risk factors: History of stomach problems
Taking triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can raise the risk of a tear or hole in the gut, especially if you have conditions like peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or recent intestinal surgery. Let your care team know if you have severe and sudden stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or poor appetite.
Bone problems
Risk factors: Children | Women who've gone through menopause
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can make your bones weak and brittle, which raises the risk of osteoporosis. Although the risk is higher in children and women who've gone through menopause, this can occur at any age. If this medication is given in children, it can affect their bones, growth, and development. Depending on how often you use this medication, your prescriber might need to check your bones regularly.
Changes in mood and behavior
Risk factors: History of mental health conditions
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can sometimes affect your mood and behavior. It can affect your ability to sleep and cause mood swings, changes in your personality, and depression. If you have a history of mental health conditions, let your prescriber know, because triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) can worsen these problems.
Cancer
Risk factors: Long-term use
Although rare, some people have developed a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma when taking corticosteroids like triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) for a long time. In some cases, stopping corticosteroids helped improve symptoms. If you notice unusual skin changes, purple or red spots, or swelling, talk to your prescriber right away.
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
The typical starting dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 100 mg per day depending on your condition. The injection is given into a muscle (intramuscular) or directly into the affected joint (intra-articular). Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on how well you respond and if you have any side effects.
Here are some common doses for adults:
Hay fever or pollen asthma: The typical dose is 40 mg to 100 mg injected into the muscle once.
Multiple sclerosis exacerbations: The typical dose is 160 mg injected into the muscle once a day for a week, then 64 mg injected every other day for one month.
Gout attacks or arthritis:
Smaller joints: The typical dose is 2.5 mg to 5 mg injected into the joint once. Some people might need up to 10 mg for a single dose.
Larger joints: The typical dose is 5 mg to 15 mg injected into the joint once. Some people might need up to 40 mg for a single dose.
Interactions between Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) cost?
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) contraindications
Blood condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) that lowers platelets (for injection into the muscle only)
What are alternatives to Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)?
This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Eye conditions
Kidney conditions
Lung conditions
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
What is the latest news about Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)?
Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) images
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References
Best studies we foundBristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company. (2023). Patient information leaflet Kenalog™ intra-articular / intramuscular injection 40 mg/ml triamcinolone acetonide.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2025). Triamcinolone acetonide injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Hodgens, A., et al. (2023). Corticosteroids. StatPearls.
National Health Service. (2026). Steroid injections.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Blood diseases.
Park, D. K. (2022). Spinal injections. OrthoInfo.
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