triamcinolone (injection)
What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone injection?
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You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to triamcinolone, or if you have a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). |
Before receiving triamcinolone injection, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any type of infection (including tuberculosis), a thyroid disorder, a muscle disorder, stomach or intestinal problems, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Long-term use of steroids can also cause harmful effects on your eyes. Your doctor may want you to have regular eye exams while you are receiving triamcinolone injection.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
Steroids can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections, making it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill, or from bacteria in a skin wound. Use caution to prevent illness, infection, or injury.
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Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with triamcinolone injection. The live vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. |
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroids.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving triamcinolone injection?
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You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to triamcinolone, or if you have a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). |
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
- any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (including tuberculosis);
- a thyroid disorder;
- a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
- diverticulitis, stomach or intestinal ulcer, or recent stomach surgery; or
- if you have recently had a heart attack.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether triamcinolone injection will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. |
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Triamcinolone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using triamcinolone injection. |
This medication can decrease bone formation, which could lead to osteoporosis, especially with long-term use. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of bone loss while receiving triamcinolone injection.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
How is triamcinolone injection given?
This medication is injected into a joint or soft tissue (such as a psoriasis lesion). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Steroids can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill, or from bacteria in a skin wound. Steroids can also slow the healing of skin wounds. Use caution to prevent illness, infection, or injury.
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If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have recently received a triamcinolone injection. |
Long-term use of steroids can cause harmful effects on the eyes, such as glaucoma or cataracts. If you receive triamcinolone injection for longer than 6 weeks, your doctor may want you to have regular eye exams.
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Steroid medications should not be stopped suddenly. You may need to receive less and less before you are taken off the medication completely. |
Your doctor may instruct you to limit your salt intake while you are receiving triamcinolone injection. You may also need to take potassium supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are being treated with triamcinolone injection.
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving triamcinolone injection?
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Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using triamcinolone injection. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), oral polio, typhoid, chickenpox (varicella), BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin), and nasal flu vaccine. |
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroids.
What are the possible side effects of triamcinolone injection?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain);
- problems with your vision;
- eye swelling, redness, discomfort, or drainage (may be signs of infection);
- severe depression, changes in mood or behavior;
- seizure (convulsions); or
- muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
- nausea, bloating, appetite changes;
- stomach or side pain;
- headache, sleep problems (insomnia);
- acne, scaling, or other skin changes;
- a wound that is slow to heal;
- thinning hair;
- bruising or swelling;
- sweating more than usual; or
- irregular menstrual periods.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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