Triamcinolone acetonide injections (Kenacort-A) inhibit inflammation. The medicine belongs to the corticosteroids and is given as a treatment for complaints in which local inflammations play a role. Examples are: joint disorders such as tennis elbow, gout and osteoarthritis.
The injection site may become indented due to subcutaneous atrophy, where tissue under the skin is reduced. This is a known side effect of corticosteroid injections. Subcutaneous atrophy usually occurs within one to four months after the injection. Often the itching disappears within a year.
Prescription
In the official product information of triamcinolone acetonide injections there is a warning of subcutaneous atrophy when the injection is given into a muscle or incorrectly into a joint. This is not stated in the patient information leaflet.
The package insert does mention ‘skin atrophy’ as a possible side effect, describing this as ‘parchment-like, hairless, easily wrinkled thin skin’. This is a different picture than subcutaneous atrophy.
According to Lareb, the package leaflet does not show that a dent can also occur at the injection site.
Technology
The technique used to make the injection plays an important role in the development of subcutaneous atrophy. Proper injection technique can minimize the risk of this side effect.
That is why Lareb wants to bring this to the attention of general practitioners and other health care providers who put triamcinolone acetonide injections.