Kenalog-40 Suspension

Pronunciation: TRYE-am-SIN-oh-lone

Generic Name: Triamcinolone

Brand Name: Kenalog-40

Kenalog-40 Suspension is used for:

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Treating inflammation in a number of different disorders, such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. It may also be used to treat asthma, allergic reactions, skin problems, or chronic pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Kenalog-40 Suspension is a corticosteroid. Exactly how it works to decrease irritation and swelling is not known, but it has a wide range of effects at the cell level. This relieves the discomfort caused by inflammation.

Do NOT use Kenalog-40 Suspension if:

* you are allergic to any ingredient in Kenalog-40 Suspension

* you have a systemic fungal infection or a malaria infection in the brain

* you have an active herpes infection in the eye

* you are treating idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a certain bleeding problem)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Kenalog-40 Suspension:

Some medical conditions may interact with Kenalog-40 Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

* if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

* if you have a bacterial or fungal infection; a viral infection (eg, chickenpox, shingles); measles; tuberculosis (TB); a parasitic, amebae, or worm infection; or a herpes infection of the eye

* if you have unexplained diarrhea, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer, inflammation, blockage, perforation), or recent stomach or bowel surgery

* if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), recent heart attack, high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, increased eye pressure, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), mood or mental problems, a seizure disorder (eg, epilepsy), thyroid problems, or a recent brain injury

* if you have osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) or you are at risk of osteoporosis (eg, women past menopause)

* if you have had joint surgery or a positive TB skin test, or if you have recently had a vaccination

* if you have spent time in the tropics

* if you have myasthenia gravis and take anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Kenalog-40 Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

* Amphotericin B, digoxin, or diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood potassium and heart problems (eg, enlarged heart, irregular heartbeat, heart failure) may be increased

* Cyclosporine because the risk of seizures may be increased

* Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because an increase or decrease of their effects may occur

* Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), estrogens, hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), or macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin) because they may increase the risk of Kenalog-40 Suspension's side effects

* Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cholestyramine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Kenalog-40 Suspension's effectiveness

* Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Kenalog-40 Suspension

* Anticholinesterases (eg, pyridostigmine) or isoniazid because their effectiveness may be decreased by Kenalog-40 Suspension

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Kenalog-40 Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Kenalog-40 Suspension:

Use Kenalog-40 Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

* Kenalog-40 Suspension is usually given as an injection at your doctors office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Kenalog-40 Suspension at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Kenalog-40 Suspension. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

* Kenalog-40 Suspension is only for injection into a muscle or a joint. Do not inject Kenalog-40 Suspension into a vein or into an infected or unstable joint.

* Do not use Kenalog-40 Suspension if it is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

* Shake well before each use.

* Your doctor may change your prescription to medicine you take by mouth. If this occurs, be sure that you understand the dosing schedule and follow it exactly.

* Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

* If you miss a dose of Kenalog-40 Suspension, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Kenalog-40 Suspension.

Important safety information:

* Kenalog-40 Suspension may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

* If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to anyone who has these infections or to anyone who has TB.

* If you are on long-term therapy, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using Kenalog-40 Suspension. Contact your doctor right away if you have muscle and joint pain, exhaustion, or depression. Do not suddenly stop using Kenalog-40 Suspension or change your dose without talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

* If you are on long-term therapy, contact your doctor right away in the event of situations of physical stress (eg, injury, surgery, infection, loss of blood electrolytes). You may need additional fast-acting steroids to help your body handle these situations.

* Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Kenalog-40 Suspension before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

* Kenalog-40 Suspension may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Kenalog-40 Suspension for a few days before the tests.

* Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are using Kenalog-40 Suspension. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.

* Lab tests, including blood pressure checks, bone density, and eye exams, may be performed while you use Kenalog-40 Suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

* Diabetes patients - Kenalog-40 Suspension may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

* Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Kenalog-40 Suspension.

* Kenalog-40 Suspension has benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.

* Caution is advised when using Kenalog-40 Suspension in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Kenalog-40 Suspension while you are pregnant. It is not known if Kenalog-40 Suspension is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Kenalog-40 Suspension, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Kenalog-40 Suspension:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; changes in appetite; constipation; diarrhea; difficulty sleeping; headache; heartburn; nausea; restlessness; sweating; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, hands, legs, eyes, throat, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); depression; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; joint stiffness or pain; mood or mental changes; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; personality changes; seizures; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); slow wound healing; swelling of the ankles, hands, legs, or feet; unusual weight gain, especially in the face; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Kenalog-40 Suspension:

Store Kenalog-40 Suspension at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep Kenalog-40 Suspension, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

* If you have any questions about Kenalog-40 Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

* Kenalog-40 Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

* If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

* Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Kenalog-40 Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.