Triam-Forte (Injection)

Triamcinolone injection is used to treat inflammation (swelling), allergic reactions, some types of arthritis, gout, skin diseases, and various other medical issues. It is given to patients who cannot take medicines by mouth. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine should only be given by or under the close supervision of your doctor.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while you or your child are using this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is effective and decide if you should keep using it.

This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which may cause serious reactions (e.g., gasping syndrome, low blood pressure, and metabolic acidosis) in newborns or premature infants. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

This medicine may lead to a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical help. Call your doctor right away if you or your child experience a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you or your child are facing any situations that cause unusual stress or anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids.

This medicine may cause fluid retention (edema) in some patients. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding any special diet, particularly concerning salt intake.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of adrenal gland problems. This risk is higher for children and for patients who use large amounts over an extended period. Talk to your doctor if you experience more than one of these symptoms while using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

You or your child may be more susceptible to infections while receiving triamcinolone. Avoid crowded places or being around sick individuals. If you come into contact with chicken pox or measles, inform your doctor immediately.

Let your doctor know if you or your child have recently been in a tropical climate or have unexplained diarrhea before starting this medicine.

Consult your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while using this medicine, as there are some vaccines that should not be given.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience blurred vision, difficulty reading, or any other changes in vision during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you or your child to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Before undergoing any skin tests, inform the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. Some test results may be affected by this medicine.

Do not stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the dosage before completely stopping it.

This medicine may affect growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to monitor your child's height and weight to ensure proper growth.

Do not take any other medicines unless you have discussed them with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks against the benefits. The following points should be considered for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medications. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the use of triamcinolone injection. However, due to the potential toxicity of this medicine, it should be used carefully, especially in premature babies.

Geriatric

Studies to date have not shown any specific problems in older adults that would limit the use of triamcinolone injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no sufficient studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In those cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important that your healthcare professional knows if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while receiving this medicine. The following interactions have been selected because of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Desmopressin
• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Aldesleukin
• Aspirin
• Atazanavir
• Balofloxacin
• Bemiparin
• Besifloxacin
• Ceritinib
• Ciprofloxacin
• Cobicistat
• Darunavir
• Enoxacin
• Fleroxacin
• Flumequine
• Gatifloxacin
• Gemifloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Lomefloxacin
• Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
• Macimorelin
• Moxifloxacin
• Nadifloxacin
• Nadroparin
• Nirmatrelvir
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Pazufloxacin
• Pefloxacin
• Prulifloxacin
• Ritonavir
• Rufloxacin
• Sargramostim
• Somatrogon-ghla
• Sparfloxacin
• Tosufloxacin

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of one or both medicines.

• Alcuronium
• Atracurium
• Auranofin
• Fosphenytoin
• Gallamine
• Hexafluorenium
• Licorice
• Metocurine
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Saiboku-To

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating certain foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Bone problems (e.g., osteoporosis) or
• Cataracts or
• Cirrhosis (liver problem) or
• Congestive heart failure or
• Depression or
• Emotional problems or
• Glaucoma or
• Recent heart attack or
• Heart disease or
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or
• Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head) or
• Kaposi's sarcoma or
• Severe kidney disease or
• Mental illness or
• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) or
• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcers, ulcerative colitis) or
• Thyroid problems—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

• Traumatic brain injury or
• Cerebral malaria or
• Herpes infection of the eye or
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (low platelet count)—Should not be used in patients with this condition.

• Infection (bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite, or protozoa)—May lower your body's ability to fight infections.

• Inactive tuberculosis infection—Should be treated first before starting therapy with this medicine.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Aggression
• agitation
• anxiety
• blurred vision
• decrease in the amount of urine
• dizziness
• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• irritability
• mental depression
• mood changes
• nervousness
• noisy, rattling breathing
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• pounding in the ears
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• troubled breathing at rest
• weight gain

Incidence not known

• Abdominal cramping and/or burning (severe)
• abdominal pain
• backache
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• cough or hoarseness
• darkening of skin
• decreased vision
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• eye pain
• eye tearing
• facial hair growth in females
• fainting
• fatigue
• fever or chills
• flushed, dry skin
• fractures
• fruit-like breath odor
• full or round face, neck, or trunk
• heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
• increased hunger
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• loss of sexual desire or ability
• lower back or side pain
• menstrual irregularities
• muscle pain or tenderness
• muscle wasting or weakness
• nausea
• pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
• painful or difficult urination
• skin rash
• sleeplessness
• sweating
• trouble healing
• trouble sleeping
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vision changes
• vomiting
• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Blemishes on the skin
• bruising
• dry, scaly skin
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• full or bloated feeling
• increased appetite
• increased hair growth on the face, forehead, back, arms, and legs
• large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
• pimples
• pitting or depression of the skin at the injection site
• reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• redness of the skin
• redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain at the injection site
• sensation of spinning
• small, red, or purple spots on the skin
• thin, fragile, or shiny skin
• thinning of the scalp hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Aristocort
• Aristocort Forte
• Aristospan
• Clinacort
• Kenalog-10
• Kenalog-40
• Triamcot
• Triam-Forte
• Triesense
• Zilretta

Available Dosage Forms:

• Suspension
• Powder for Suspension, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Adrenal Glucocorticoid

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, a joint, or a spot on your skin called a lesion.

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