What is triamcinolone injection?
Triamcinolone injection is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Triamcinolone injection is injected into the joint space to treat inflammation of the joints or tendons to treat arthritis, bursitis, or epicondylitis (tennis elbow). It is usually given in these conditions only as a short-term treatment of a severe or aggravated episode.
Triamcinolone injection is injected into soft tissues of the body to treat certain skin disorders caused by autoimmune conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, lichen planus, and others.
Triamcinolone injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about triamcinolone injection?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.