As with other drugs, Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) can cause side effects, such as fluid retention. If the side effects of Kenalog become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a brand-name injection that’s prescribed for many inflammatory conditions in adults and children ages 1 month and older. Examples include certain joint conditions, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have problems with side effects from Kenalog, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop using Kenalog without consulting your doctor first.

Kenalog can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who used Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80 in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Kenalog use. This list does not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Kenalog include:

  • fluid retention (see “Managing side effects”)
  • weight gain
  • acne
  • dry skin
  • petechiae (small colored skin spots) and bruising
  • pain or swelling at the injection site
  • sweating more than usual
  • skin rash
  • thinning hair on the scalp
  • unusual or excessive hair growth

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Kenalog and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

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Kenalog may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the prescribing information for Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80.

If you develop serious side effects while receiving Kenalog, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

Allergic reaction

For some people, Kenalog can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep receiving the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Kenalog, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

While receiving Kenalog, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Fluid retention

Fluid retention was reported in studies of Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • talking with your doctor about taking prescription diuretics
  • sitting with your legs above your heart several times a day, if the fluid retention is in the lower limbs
  • limiting salt intake in your diet

Changes in mood or personality

Changes in mood or personality were reported in studies of Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80. These may include depression, changes in mood, or mania.

Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • talking with your doctor about whether working with a mental health professional is right for you
  • letting your family and friends know of symptoms or changes in behavior to watch out for

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Kenalog may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Kenalog in adults compare with those seen in children?

Most side effects of Kenalog in children are expected to be the same as those in adults.

Additionally, long-term treatment with Kenalog may delay growth in children. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80. But, long-term use of corticosteroids is associated with this side effect. (Kenalog is a corticosteroid.)

If you have questions about how Kenalog may affect your child, talk with their doctor.

Can Kenalog cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.

Examples of long-term side effects reported in studies of Kenalog-10, Kenalog-40, and Kenalog-80 include:

  • adrenal insufficiency
  • osteoporosis
  • Cushing syndrome

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Kenalog and how long they may last.

Before receiving Kenalog, discuss your health history with your doctor. Kenalog may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.