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Kenalog-40

Generic name: triamcinolone acetonide 40mg/mL
Dosage form: intra-articular/intramuscular injection
Drug class: Glucocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 20, 2023.

What is Kenalog-40?

Kenalog-40 is a long-acting corticosteroid injection for intramuscular (into the muscle) or intra-articular (into the joints) use. It may be used to treat many different types of inflammatory conditions, including severe allergic reactions, skin disorders (including those caused by autoimmune disorders), severe colitis, inflammation of the joints or tendons, blood cell disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, lung disorders, and problems caused by low adrenal gland hormones. Kenalog-40 contains triamcinolone acetonide 40mg/mL.

Kenalog-40 was FDA-approved on February 1, 1965.

Warnings

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Kenalog-40 if you are allergic to it.

You may not be able to receive Kenalog-40 if you have an infection or a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Corticosteroids such as Kenalog-40 can affect your body’s response to vaccines. Administration of live or live attenuated vaccines is contraindicated.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Children are more susceptible to the effects of corticosteroids and the use of Kenalog-40 can lead to bone growth inhibition in pediatric patients and growth suppression

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Corticosteroids such as Kenalog-40 are teratogenic in many species when given in doses equivalent to the human dose and animal studies have shown a higher incidence of cleft palate in the offspring. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Administer only if the potential benefit justifies the risk.

Systemically administered corticosteroids such as Kenalog-40 appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. Be cautious when administering to a breastfeeding woman.

How is Kenalog-40 given?

Kenalog-40 is given through a needle and can be injected into different areas of the body: into a muscle, into the space around a joint or tendon, or a lesion on the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Systemic (intramuscular)

The initial dose of Kenalog-40 Injection may vary from 2.5 mg to 100 mg per day depending on the condition being treated and the person being treated.

Intra-articular

Single local injections are usually sufficient but several injections may be needed.

Initial dose: 2.5mg – 5 mg (up to 10mg) for smaller joints and from 5mg – 15mg (up to 40mg) for larger joints.

Other information

Kenalog-40 can weaken (suppress) your immune system, and you may get an infection more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, weakness, cold or flu symptoms, skin sores, diarrhea, frequent or recurring illness). Viral infections, such as chickenpox or measles may have a more serious or even fatal course in children and adults.

Long-term use of steroids can cause harmful effects on the eyes. If you receive Kenalog-40 for longer than 6 weeks, your doctor may want you to have regular eye exams.

Your doctor may instruct you to limit your salt intake while you are receiving Kenalog-40. You may also need to take potassium supplements. Follow all instructions.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Kenalog-40.

You should not stop using Kenalog-40 suddenly after long-term repeated use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for a scheduled Kenalog-40.

When Kenalog-40 is used as a single dose, you will not be on a regular dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Kenalog-40 is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Using too much Kenalog-40 is not likely to cause serious problems. However, long-term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while receiving Kenalog-40?

After injection of triamcinolone into a joint, avoid overusing that joint through strenuous activity or high-impact sports. You could cause damage to the joint.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using Kenalog-40.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine or a toxoid vaccine while using Kenalog-40, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine. Toxoid vaccines include diphtheria-tetanus toxoid (DT or Td).

What are the side effects of Kenalog-40?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Kenalog-40 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Certain side effects may be more likely with long-term use or repeated doses of Kenalog-40, such as osteoporosis.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Kenalog-40.

Common side effects of Kenalog-40 may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Kenalog-40?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Kenalog-40, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Kenalog-40. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does Kenalog-40 interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Storage

Store at room temperature 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Kenalog-40 is sensitive to heat and the vial should not be autoclaved when it is desirable to sterilize the exterior.

Ingredients

Active: triamcinolone acetonide 40mg/mL.

Inactive: sodium chloride for isotonicity, 0.99% (w/v) benzyl alcohol as a preservative, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitrogen.

Manufacturer

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Popular FAQ

Where should you not use triamcinolone acetonide cream?

You should not use topical corticosteroids like triamcinolone acetonide cream on your face, groin, or axillae (underarm, armpit) unless directed by your doctor. Using triamcinolone in these areas may lead to unwanted side effects like acne, prominent blood vessels, skin thinning (atrophy), changes in skin color or unwanted hair growth. Continue reading

Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?

Triamcinolone is not an antifungal cream. It is a topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) cream used to decrease inflammation and itching of skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergic reactions. Topical corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, itching) on the skin. Continue reading

Is triamcinolone good for poison ivy?

Steroid prescription creams or ointments like high-potency triamcinolone 0.5% may be helpful during the first few days of a poison ivy rash on a small area, but have little effect once the fluid-filled blisters have appeared. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like hydrocortisone cream 1% are not usually strong enough for poison ivy. Your doctor may prescribe oral prednisone pills for a more severe rash. Continue reading

Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?

Topical clobetasol (Clobex, Impoyz, generics) is considered a very high potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin, while triamcinolone (Kenalog, Triderm, generics) is a medium-to-low potency medicine. These prescription products may be used to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin allergies or rashes or serious insect bites. Continue reading

What are steroid injections (cortisone shots)?

Steroid injections (corticosteroid injections/cortisone shots) are injections given by a healthcare professional directly into joints or other areas of the body to relieve symptoms such as pain, inflammation, or restricted movement. They are commonly used to treat shoulder and other joint pain, tendonitis, bursitis, back pain, or arthritis or to manage conditions such as sciatica, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Continue reading

Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: which is better?

Which topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) product is best for you depends upon what skin condition you have, your symptoms and where it is located on your body. Other selection factors may include availability, cost and if the medicine is covered by your insurance. After examination, your doctor will be able to determine which topical steroid is best to treat your skin condition. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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