Drug Ratings for KENALOG-40Average Rating: 2.7 (262 Ratings)
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| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR KENALOG-40 | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 4 | severe allergies | 30 day menstrual bleed. Some fatigue. Small dent but only twice out of 8 years. | F | 44 | 8 years 40 | 5/17/2013 | 5 | allerallergies | None | F | 24 | 2 times | 5/5/2013 | 1 | Elbow injection | Dizziness, headache, nausea, still continuing after 3wks from date of injection. Pain in elbow is back even more now. First day after injection was amazing, even felt euphoric, then horrible crash with dizziness, mood swings. No mood swings after the first week just left with dizziness and headache and more elbow pain. Can't drive. Was told there are no side effects from this. Had I known I would not have had this done. | F | 40 | 1 days 1 cc | 4/30/2013 | 3 | Seasonal allergies | I got the shot in my butt cheek. The area is still sore after 3 weeks. I am allergy free and tell myself that the sore butt bone is worth it, the doctors don't tell you the side effects so I don't know if i will be sore for 6 months or 2 days! I was told as long as the injection spot looks fine that I am ok | F | 35 | 3 weeks 1 shot | 4/3/2013 | 1 | lumbar, pain | Headache, dizziness, flushing, blurred vision, vomiting, sharp pain s in stomach nauseated, cramping on both feet up to shin. Started menstrual period, after months.. This drug is so dangerous.. How long do these last? | F | 49 | 2 days | 4/3/2013 | 1 | Knee osteoarthritis | Pains in stomach loose stools then constipated bleed after being dry for ten years just never helped me at all | F | 57 | 1 days 30 | 3/2/2013 | 1 | pulled muscle in neck | indentation of right hip, pain, focus problems, depression, and blurred vision | 2 days ago I noticed a large dent on my right buttock/hip from 1 injection I had 2 months ago for a pulled muscle in my neck. I have noticed increased focus problems and depression/anxiety but I just thought it was from stress from work and home. Now that the dent appeared along with pain at the injection site and after doing a lot of research, it is ALL related to the Kenalog. I am so frustrated and would have never had the medicine if I was notified of the risks first. | F | 34 | 1 days 40mg 1X D | 11/30/2012 | 1 | spine injection for back pain | Pain all over, insomnia, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight gain, dizziness - all persist 6 months after injection. | This is a very potent drug w/many potentially serious (even life threatening) side effects. A doctor recently told me that corticosteroids cause more side effects than any other medication. The 11.13.12 reviewer who seems to consider this a miracle drug and says "most of the comments I read are nonsense," is incredibly uninformed and sounds like a rep. for Bristol-Myers, Squibb, the manufacturer. Corticosteroids can successful reduce pain for many people, but many others suffer long-term, debilitating side effects. | F | 35 | 1 days 80 1X D | 11/14/2012 | 5 | knee pain bone on bone | absolutly no side effects | Most of the comments I read are nonsense. I have taken a kenelog shot in both knees every three months for six years. The medicine works wonders in eliminating the pain. I have bone on bone knees. It works for six to seven weeks. wished it would work a bit longer between shots. A wonder drug. Love it. | M | 80 | 6 years 1X D | 11/13/2012 | 1 | lower back pain | flushing, suicidal thoughts, despair, nausea, collapsed | It's only been a week and I'm horrified after reading other experiences of what may still come, but here's how it's been so far. First night I felt flushing (normal). Woke up next morning suicidal and hopeless and unable to control my crying. Felt fine later as day went on. Woke up 2 days later - everything fine. Then midday, within an hour I felt flush, nausea, burning like hot water feeling in chest (which I thought may be anxiety and I thought nausea was because I needed to eat. ) I went into a restaurant and felt strange but couldn't describe it and wrote it off then next thing I now I collapsed onto the floor. I wasn't dizzy, it was like my brain and body stopped communicating and I couldn't sit up I was completely limp. I also had a hard time articulating words. Spent 4.5 hours in ER with tests all around heart issues. My heart was FINE. It was the Kenalog and when I told the doctor that he wrote me off. I called my own doctor who had given me the shot and spoke with his assistant who also wrote me off and said to see my PCP because collapsing was not caused by Kenalog. I beg to differ. I was fine BEFORE the shot! I still feel like gumby (weak) legs at times. Seems to be getting better but I have been a wreck. I will NEVER get this shot again. | F | 42 | 1 days 40 mg 1X D | 11/8/2012 | 1 | Treatment of Poison Ivy(2X in 2Yrs) | Extended period without apparent cause, in one case bleeding almost 90 days with varied heaviness one year ago 2011. Sleep difficulties include difficulty staying asleep, often impossible to get back to sleep and frequent mild nausea, which comes and goes. Second dose in April 2012 (was unaware of Kenalog conerns until now) and 5 months later (Sept) have dent in left buttocks, increasing in size and sesitivity. Sleep and nausea difficulties continue, as does some blurriness of sight that appears to have emerged out of nowhere, also lack of focus is area of extreme concern, a sharp contrast to my background and profession. Now have bruise like pain on dent as well as weakness/pain in depths under dent - likely hip/leg bone when bearing weight walking up stairs. Unsure how long effects will continue, or whether they will worse. Delayed reaction makes me wonder if/when things could deteriorate further.... | WOULD NOT RECOMMEND - WISH I HAD KNOWN IN TIME TO AVOID SECOND INJECTION. | F | 47 | 1 days 1X D | 10/23/2012 | 1 | Shoulder pain | Anxiety, depression, insomnia, racing heart, light-headiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, burning sensation on extremities, low tolerance for cold | Sent to ER after 6 hours of the shot with heart attack syndromes. Several other specialist visits and blood works didn't show any abnormalities but symptoms persists for 5 month now. My doctor didn't informed me about the possible horrible side-effects neither even disclosed what type of drug did he inject into my shoulder. Please be careful using this drug, the side-effects could be way more extreme that the original cause. Check out my blog if possible and allowable to post it here. http://kenalogneveragain.wordpress.com | M | 42 | 1 days 10 1X D | 9/11/2012 | 1 | misdiagnosis of spine impingement | Severe, debilitating pain in all extremities 7 months after injections. Pain began immediately following injections and was never experienced before injections. Consulted with many doctors who either flatly denied any connection to Kenalog or are clueless about the side effects of this potent medication. Other side effects, some of which have resolved: menstrual irregularity, insomnia, extreme fatigue, easy bruising, muscle loss, weight loss, hair loss. | Google article “Understanding Potential Complications Of Epidural Steroid Injections: Practitioners need to understand and educate their patients regarding the full scope of potential side effects that can occur when receiving epidural steroids” The article states in part: “Despite the indisputable rise in the number of pain interventions, little has been written about the potential side effects of administering steroids into the epidural space. In fact, many premier textbooks allocate only a couple of pages to exploring glucocorticoid mechanism of action and then only briefly mention potential side effects. This lack of understanding has led many practitioners to naïvely view steroids as benign drugs without fully comprehending the broad scope of potential side effects that can occur when steroids are injected into the epidural space . . . To understand the full scope of complications that can arise from epidural administration of glucocorticoids, it is necessary not only to understand the technical/mechanical complications that occur with needle placement, but also to grasp the role of pharmacokinetics, steroid particulate size, and, most importantly, how glucocorticoids affect every organ system. | F | 44 | 6 weeks 200 4X O | 8/7/2012 | 1 | bulging discs in neck and lumbar | Update from 2/18/12 and 4/27/12: side effects of apparent nerve irritation persist with pain in all extremities. Also, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of muscle and weight loss. | Have been doing a lot of research since MDs are apparently clueless about the side effects of the drugs they most frequently prescribe and have no interest in problem solving. For those with an indentation from soft tissue injections, find medical article "Treatment of Local, Persistent Cutaneous Atrophy Following Corticosteroid Injection with Normal Saline Infiltration" by PETER R. SHUMAKER, MD, JAGGI RAO, MD, AND MITCHEL P. GOLDMAN, MD. Apparently, saline infiltration which is easy to do, works to fix the indentation (but good luck finding a doctor who has heard of this); you should be able to find the abstract for the article online and the paper at a medical school library. A good dermatologist should know about this technique or be willing to investigate it for you. For other issues such as muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, nerve issues, get your adrenal glands checked by a GOOD endocrinologist. Corticosteroids are known to interfere with adrenal gland function which can result in a host of uncomfortable to debilitating symptoms. | F | 44 | 6 weeks 200 mg 4X O | 7/17/2012 | 5 | Back pain | Great medication.No side effects. Feel great!!! | Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics Distribution: Vd: 99.5 L Protein binding: ~68% Half-life elimination: Biologic: 18-36 hours Time to peak: I.M.: 8-10 hours Excretion: Urine (~40%); feces (~60%) Use of UpToDate is subject to the Subscription and License Agreement. | F | 40 | 1 days 80 mg 1X D | 7/11/2012 | 4 | Allergies | None | I've had allergies all my life. This year was looking to be a bad one for hayfever as symptoms started in January instead of April. I've had many friends recommend Kenalog and decided to try it this year. It worked wonders but I'm now taking Allegra as I think the effectiveness is starting to wane. Hopefuuly so is the hayfever season. I will try this again next year if needed. | F | 62 | 60 days 1X O | 7/1/2012 | 5 | allergies | It's awesome for allergy. I am breathing. | M | 29 | 1 days | 6/18/2012 | 4 | Severe Pollen Allergy/ Hayfever | None | I have to cry with my GP before they will agree to administer. First had Kenalog-40 2 years ago after crashing my car from falling asleep whilst driving taking usual hayfever treatments. GP refused to give it to me last year. Given to me this season. 1 shot lasts the whole pollen season. Worried about the reported longterm effects but without Kenalog my summer is not worth living | F | 35 | 40 1X O | 6/11/2012 | 5 | Inflamed sinus, spine, knee + ... | None. | I began using Kenalog-40 as a replacement for Depo-Medrol to control my sinus swelling caused by allergies. I had been using the Depo-Medrol for about 16 years. Kenalog-40 has been great for treating my ailment, but it also helps considerably with my other medical issues; inflammation due to damaged spinal discs, inflammation of a multiple surgically repaired knee, and Raynaud's Syndrome (blood vessel constriction caused by cold temperatures). If not for Kenalog-40, I would be in a great deal of discomfort. | M | 53 | 2 years 1 ML 1X AN | 5/24/2012 | 1 | allergies | This drug is awful. If you are a woman do not take it! Have had nothing but menstrual irregularities and other problems since it was given at my me's office. Md's should give the patient a list of the horrible possible side effects BEFORE giving it to their patients! This is the worst drug ever and I hope someday it is taken off the market! | F | 1 days | 5/19/2012 | 5 | Severe Allergies | None | M | 31 | 2 years 40 MG | 5/10/2012 | 1 | bulging discs in neck and lumbar | Update from 2/18/12: Still have tingling and a deep itching sensation in arms/hands/legs/feet, 3 months after last injection January 2012. | Tingling and deep itching sensation in arms/hands/legs/feet continues, 3 months after last injection January 2012. According to 2 doctors who seem somewhat informed (not the docs who administered the injections), it's nerve irritation which is a possible side effect of Kenalog (it seems that the workings of Kenalog are not fully understood by anyone). Like so many others here, I was told that these injections are safe and carry very low risk. I was not informed of any side effects other than the possibility of the face turning red. The docs who administered the injections had apparently never heard of or seen the side effects I have although it's detailed in the Kenalog package insert material; I provided them w/a detailed account of the reaction I had and they suggested more injections. | F | 44 | 1X D | 4/27/2012 | 1 | LBP and herniated disc | UPDATE from 2/20/2012. Besides from missing my menses cycle, I had non-stop bleeding from late Feb 2012 to late March 2012. Had to have Pelvic U/S which showed severely inflammed endometrial lining and need Endometrial Biopsy done!! Now taking broad spectrum antibiotic to treat inflammed and infected uterus..caused by Kenalog. I was fine before this injection in January 2012. Problems started almost immediatley..very frequent urination,GI issues, and menstrual irregularites.:( :( :( | I KNOW I am not the only patient who was not informed about the side effects/affects of this steroid. I asked questions and was told it was "safe". My back doctor never "heard" or "knew" about the health problems this steroid causes. | F | 41 | 1 days 40 1X M | 4/25/2012 | 5 | seasonal allergies | None that I'm aware of. | Good relief for seasonal allergies. Nothing else helped! Helps me a lot! No side affects that I've noticed. I only get one shot a year in April in my buttocks/hip. Please keep making this drug!!! | M | 41 | 5 years 1X O | 4/21/2012 | 5 | Severe Seasonal Allergies | No problems until last year I ended up with a large indentation in my buttock where the injection was given. Found out it is actually atrophy of the muscle because the incompetent nurse did not place the injection deep enough in the muscle. | Receiving a Kenalog shot once a year has worked every time for me, giving me back summer outdoors with my family. Drs have tried to talk me out of getting it, but over the counter drugs have never worked and this does. | F | 50 | 17 years 40 1X O | 4/19/2012 | 5 | hayfever | the third time I received the shot I noticed a hole in mu buttocks but it went away. i was also wondering if it messes with a womans ability to get pregnant. i have been trying to conceive with no luck, and i was wondering if it could be from the shot. | F | 36 | 5 years 1X O | 4/13/2012 | 1 | Piriformis Muscle Syndrome | Humpback, supraclavicle pad pads, midsection obesity, fat pads throughout my body, ankles, knees but never moonface like so,e may have posted. | It took doctors nine years before they realized my pain wasn't a common sciatic problem. Instead it was later diagnosed as inflammation of the piriformis muscle, which had been caused by repetitive motion In my situation I started with my first injection. Within 24 hours I had felt significant promise that this drug was going to finally stop this pain that has plaged me for 10 years. When I returned the following week for my second injection. I had said what ever your useing continue to use it again...because its working. I ask him what the name of the drug was...he didn't have a answer for me. What he said was he didn't have that information in front of him. 'I said look at you notes in front of you'. He added I don't keep those notes here...'because I record my notes. DAH! the go listen to the recorded notes, I would like to know....maybe next week he said. The name kenalog must have been a name he didn't want me to know. Of course I understand why it was a secret because I would have never agreed to having it administered. Anyway..everything was going well my buttock pain was feeling much better every week. I was scheduled for 6 injections one weekly. The day following my fifth injection ...as I was paying my co-pay he tells me my 6th injection was going to be puton hold. He was relocating his office and his office would be closed for the entitre next month...all in all I was in limbo for 37 days before he returned to resume my 6th injection. Well on the 37 day that I retu | F | 66 | 6 weeks 20 MG 1X W | 4/13/2012 | 1 | Pain from Hypermobility of hip join | I had two Kenalog intramuscular injections nearly 2 months ago. Since then I have had very heavy menstrual periods every two weeks whre before my periods where normal for 15 yrs. I have gained some weight that I had lost before the treatment. I have thinning facial skin and dry skin since which is also a new change. I also can't seem to digest carbs since then either | I will never have this poison injected into my body again. I am taking maximum milk thistle to try and balance my hormones and recover quicker. Please research this drug before having it | F | 34 | 2 months 1X AN | 4/6/2012 | 5 | Allergies | None..shot given on arm close to shoulder, no dimpling...I live in Arizona, I was recommended this shot by someone in Spokane, WA. I have many friends that swear by this as well. Based on all the negative feed back..perhaps this should be used solely for allergies..not arthritis conditions. | F | 33 | 1 days | 4/5/2012 | 1 | Allergies | I am still having constant dizziness / light headed not right at all. | Went to doctor had bloods done came ok won't admit its due to the injection even though I have never had this before in my life !! I just want it to go away now - I wish i could counteract it with something !! | F | 31 | 7 weeks 1X D | 3/30/2012 | 4 | asthma related breathing problems | Heavy vaginal bleeding; severe muscle cramps in my calves in both legs; itchy, red rash that doctor says is eczema (yeah right); fatigue; burning, itching in body; dizziness; blood sugar levels affected | I received a shot of kenalog for asthma related breathing problems and was told that I had a wet sound in my lungs. I was having extreme amounts of wheezing, breathing problems, and counghing fits. The Kenalog injection my doctor gave did help with these problems. Normally, this would have been greatly appreciated. Of course, I began to experience light bleeding and spotted with my monthly period then stopped. Several days later I began to have heavy vaginal bleeding. This has continued. My calves have both began having severe muscle cramps. I have an itchy, red rash on my elbows, around my ankles, and on one knee cap. The doctor that gave the shot said that I have eczema (yeah, right) and prescribed a cream for me. He gave me a sample of this cream to use for two days so the cost would not be so great. I was to use the steroid cream for two weeks only. I found out this is also the trima.... whatever the spelling is that is a steroid so this continues the bleeding and things because even once the kenalog leaves my body, there will still be some steroid from the rash in my system. I was told by the ob/gyn office not to be greatly worried that kenalog does this, but they are seeing me in their office to err on the side of caution. I have had bouts of dizziness and fatigue. It did cause some changes in my blood sugar level - while I do not have diabetes and my sugar level is always around 84 even with meals, etc. the kenalog cause me to have some periods where my s | F | 42 | 1 days 1 shot 1X D | 3/20/2012 | 1 | injuries & RA | Severe very deep itching, bone pain, vomiting, hormone imbalance, dry eyes, nose and mouth, dental problems. Flushing in face, infections. Scars from uncontrollable scratching/itching, skin burning and peeling. Hair loss. Burning sensation and hot, dry skin for about a month after last injection. Terrible joint pain and damage, chafed angry skin. Migraines, confusion, memory loss, depression, spasms, drooling, jaw and tooth infection, fever, complex partial and tonic–clonic seizures, vision changes. | Permanent, irreversible damage to connective and other tissue. I was never told this medicine was going to be used, nor was I warned of possible side-effects or adverse effects. Nasty drug. | F | 44 | 1 days unknown 1X D | 2/28/2012 | 1 | LBP/ Disc herniation | Abnormal menstrual cycle( missing cycles), very frequent urination 3 days after injection, GI problems. | Not happy with the side effects which I was never told about. I was told that the steroid injection was "safe". Doctor did not even know about some of the other numerous side effects including the ones I experienced. Was not told that it affects hormones even though I have Gyn problems and migraines. | F | 40 | 1 days 40mg 1X M | 2/20/2012 | 1 | bulging discs in neck and lumbar | Most extreme and lasting side effects: extreme tingling and a deep itching sensation in arms/hands/legs/feet; numbness down one arm; intermittent cramping, stabbing, and pricking sensations all over. Any movement aggravates these symptoms, and these symptoms get progressively worse as the day goes on, becoming disabling by the end of the day. Symptoms that lasted about 2 weeks: insomnia; red, puffy face, red chest; felt kind of manic and extremely irritable; throat closed a few times felt dizzy on and off. | I had 4 shots (2 epidurals and two facets) over a 6 week period (200 mg. total of Kenalog). The last injection was Jan. 20. Most extreme and lasting side effects: extreme tingling and a deep itching sensation in arms/hands/legs/feet; numbness down one arm; intermittent cramping, stabbing, and pricking sensations all over. Any movement aggravates these symptoms. These symptoms have not subsided at all. Like many others here, I was not warned of any of these side effects. Also, the docs. who administered the injections have apparently never seen an adverse reaction other than "mild facial flushing." Please read this recent Bloomberg news article about the dangers of steroids, including Kenalog:http://mobile.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-25/bristol-myers-warning-ignored-on-steroid-shots-tied-to-deaths. If I had known about the side effects I would have never agreed to these injections. I encourage EVERYONE who has suffered side effects from Kenalog 40 to contact the manufacturer Bristol Myers Squibb and register a complaint. The number: 1-800-332-2056. You will need to leave basic info. such as name, age, what/when/where/how much of the medication and side effect symptoms. Bristol Myers sent out the warning referenced in the Bloomberg article b/c of complaints, so continued complaints may eventually effect some changes in whether/how this drug is administered. | F | 44 | 4 months 200 mg. 4X O | 2/18/2012 History | 1 | allergy | Heart Palpitations, Anxiety, Post Menopausal Spotting, Crampy, Muscle Aches, Stomach Problems after being on Fluticasone Propionate, Symbicort and one Injection of Kenalog. These are all Corticosteriods. | Just wanted to pass on this research being done on Corticosteriods. This is scary! Wish I had read this before taking these drugs! Irregular Heartbeat Does your health plan include high doses of corticosteroids? Heart problems, including stroke and heart failure, could result, depending on the dosage. Heart irregularity and steroids are the focus of a significant new study. High doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, often are used to bring down inflammation quickly in people with arthritis, asthma or allergies. A 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates they also may bring on changes in heartbeat. The study showed taking corticosteroids, such as prednisone, increased the likelihood of developing new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) – the most common type of irregular heartbeat. Irregular beating means blood is not being pumped efficiently, causing heart palpitations or flutters, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficulty exercising, as well as possibly causing blood to pool, clot and lead to a stroke or heart failure. AF increases the risk of stroke fivefold – a concern for those with inflammatory forms of arthritis, who already have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, heart attack and heart failure. In the study, researchers followed 7,983 adults who were part of the Rotterdam study in the Netherlands for 10 years. Those who used corticosteroids were nearly four times more likely to have AF c | F | 62 | 30 days 1X D | 2/12/2012 History | 1 | spinal stenosis | Extremely Heavy periods,non-stop bleeding, severe leg-muscle cramps, muscle calf atrophy. | I will NEVER have this drug injected in my body again- I had to be placed on birth control pills in order to regulate my menses to back to normal. I This was a horrible experience- and if the doctor had explained the possible side effects- I would have definetely turned this injection down. | F | 42 | 2 months 40mg 1X M | 2/8/2012 | 4 | severe allegries asthma eczema | no side effects. | it helps me for about 2 months work great as long as its not a generic kenalog shot. | M | 25 | 1 years 30 1X AN | 1/23/2012 | 1 | Asthma/Bronchitis | A year ago I received kenalog injections in my right AND left gluteal muscles along with an antibiotic shot in the hip. I saw no improvement, in fact, I felt worse. The shots left enormous bruises that lasted for months. Worst of all, I am so incredibly upset to report that a year later, the area where I received the injections still hurts and I have indentions in my gluteal muscles on both sides. I was a petite, fit person and I don't even recognize my body anymore. I have been diagnosed with POTS syndrome because of issues with tachycardia and fatigue that I have developed. I've also developed fibroids in my breasts, moon face (what my family loving calls my turkey neck), a strange rash that still won't go away after a year, my hair started falling out, I've struggled with depression... I just never felt healthy again after this shot. I'm so much weaker and tired, I can barely play with my daughter anymore. I wish I could go back in time, before this shot, and have my body and my health back! | F | 31 | 1 days | 1/17/2012 | 1 | Inflammatory Arthritis | after initial shot, felt tired and irritable. A few days went by with no marked improvement in swelling/pain from arthritis. Within 2 days i had caught some viral infection, stayed sick for 10 days, thought i was better then relapsed again and have been sick for a month the viral issue and its finally starting to clear. My DR states it can lower immune system and make healing/recovering hard for viral, bruising and/or cuts/scrapes. About 3 weeks in the pain from arthritis and swelling went away but a massive headache appeared and has been with me for 3 weeks. the headache overlapped the viral thing so i associated it with the viral infection...but once that started to cleared (about 4 weeks) the headache didn't leave. I also noticed a SEVERE change in my irritability level, very dark depression, anxiety/panic attacks and having emotional outbursts. approx 3 weeks in as well. again we just thought it was from lack of sleep from being so sick with the viral but when the viral cleared up | I WOULD never recommend this medication to ANYONE without first advising them of the possible side effects. When I ask how long this will be going on for the reply has been until the drug has left your system which could be 6 to 24 weeks. I am very unhappy about this. | F | 42 | 1 days 80mg 1X AN | 1/5/2012 | 5 | servere asthma | Just got a bruise where injection was done and the second time i felt abit sicky the next day. i am given a shot every 3months and also take 10mg of predisilone a day to wean me off them (have been on 40mg a day since age 12) the injections only lasts for 2weeks with me but what a difference in them two weeks! I feel like im able to live my life like a "normal" person! Great drug! | F | 20 | 6 weeks not sure! | 12/14/2011 | 2 | Herniated L4/L5 and L5/S1, Sciatica | Some relief in back, little relief in legs. Extreme leg cramping in both legs, unbelievably painful. Heart palpitations and night sweats. Some muscle loss in legs. Never had these symptoms before injections. | Scheduled for 3rd injection, not going to get it. There is no dought these side effects were caused by this drug. Will these side efects wear down over time? | M | 49 | 1X D | 12/13/2011 | 1 | Severe Allergy | Have had my period for a month now...menstrual pain...it doesn't seem to end any time soon... | Would never recommend Kenalog. My doctor says I am the first patient to have had this kind of problem after using kenalog...I really connected the kenalog with my long-term period after vising the gyn...really disappointed with my ENT... | M | 17 | 1 days 1X D | 12/5/2011 | 1 | knee pain, disc injury, nerve pain | Increased knee pain, felt like I had the flu the first week after, messed up periods, nipple discharge, strange rash, nausea, muscle cramping in legs, scared out of my mind with thoughts of something more serious going on - never even considered the shot until deep into side-effects. | Car accident 5/08. Unbearable pain in knee – first shot two years ago gave great pain relief for about three months. Spinal blocks and steroid flushing twice (not sure if two or three areas) with some relief for damaged disks. Another knee injection two months ago. For a week I felt like I had the flu. Some scary heart issues but figured I was being paranoid. Pain in knee was MUCH worse. Early and heavy period followed by another heavy period a week after – both extended. Headaches, strange rash, hard strange pimples on my thighs, breast discharge, nasty leg cramps. Had vaginal ultrasound (fun), blood tests, exams, etc. thinking the big C (endometrial or ovarian). All negative. Friend mentioned possible medication complication but I wasn’t taking anything. Light came on and thought of the shot I just had. Did some research and found my symptoms likely from shot. Mentioned to doctor’s – they seemed surprised at the side-effects. Gave them this site as reference. Rash is clearing up, feel better physically, still a bit of nausea now and then. Had knee surgery with great relief – will never ever have another cort. Shot again. My periods are still screwed up and frankly, the scare wasn’t worth the potential relief. Now I wonder how long my periods will be messed up and if I have more to look forward to. For those who claim no adverse reaction – consider, like me, it may just be a matter of time. You can’t u | F | 45 | 4 times not sure 4X O | 11/21/2011 | 5 | Allergies | None | The shot lasts about 2-3 months and completely clears up my allergies. I can sleep without waking up and need no OTC drugs because it has given me my life back. No obvious side-effects. I have taken 3 shots a year for the past 3 years. | M | 51 | 3 years 30 mg 1X AN | 11/12/2011 | 4 | infection | After the shot was done,pretty much right after i left I felt really depressed and started crying with no actual reason. I blamed the pain (it was so painful,because the infection in my knee is so bad). So couple of hours i was just crying,with no actual reason . Other than that , I felt hungry and thirsty more than usual. But the scariest was the fact that I just had my period before the shot and i got my period again a week after. That's when i started to look what shot it was. Now I actually feel pretty good. No depression or anything. | I really didn't know at the time,what shot they made. They told that it's nessesery and ofcorse I agreed. So at the time I didn't even know the name. Just cheked the name after 2 weeks. For those,who doesn't have side effects,good for you,but don't be mean to them,who have them. It can freak you out. But it helped with the infection,so I'm glad that I did it. I wish only that I would've known about the possible side effects. | F | 21 | 1 days 1X AN | 11/10/2011 | 5 | Allergies | None | Over the past 3-4 years, my allergist has given me injections about 2-1/2 to 3 months apart and it completely cures my allergies with no side effects. I went off Kenalog for about a year and lived with oral meds, which still left me with a partly stuffy nose, diminished taste buds, poor sense of smell plus diet restrictions until I finally elected to have another shot --about 2 days later I was completely cured again. I worry about long term use of a steriod, but my short term use has been terrific with zero side effects. There's a website http://packageinserts.bms.com/pi/pi_kenalog-40.pdf meant for health care professionals which describes side effects of Kenalog and of corticosteroids in general. Worth reading --some things worry me long term. I'll probably continue to use this sparingly. | M | 62 | 3 years 1X AN | 10/27/2011 | 5 | Cervical Sponylosis with Myelopathy | Immediately after treatment - high energy, insomnia, insatiable appetite (30 lb weight gain). One month post treatment - severe depression, anxiety, nausea | IThis medication helped my pain immensely although I have reinjured my neck from physio and pretty much bedridden again. Now I am experiencing terrible side effects. Called the pain management doctor and he denied it is the drug. I had 3 shots two weeks apart with the last shot on July 22. I had fantastic energy but could not sleep and gained 30 lbs in six week. Now one month laterI am now severely depressed. My mentsrual cycle is completely messed up. I have terrible nausea. When I suggested this was caused by the medication the pain doctor said I had the flu and it was not from the Kenalog. I am going to see my G.P. on Tuesday and request blood work to see if I have adrenal insufficiency because the nausea is overwhelming. I've never felt so terrible in my life. But I do have to admit that until I reinjured my neck it was the best thing for me in terms of pain management. I don't know if I will take it again if offered because I absolutely feel horrible right now. The pain doc never told me about the side effects and my G.P. who referred me said that is why she doesn't like this clinic but referred me because they have a short waiting list and I was in a pain crisis. | F | 47 | 1X D | 9/1/2011 | 1 | sciatic nerve/piriformis syndrome | SEVERE 'Moon Face", easily bruised, extended heavy menstruation, heightened emotional sensitivity. | I wrote an initial review on 8/20/11 the day after I got the shot, and even then I expressed my worry about developing the symptoms that many here have mentioned. My fears have manifested. 2 days ago I woke up looking like the Pillsbury dough girl. What stinks is that I already battle puffy eyes (and carb face after sometimes indulging in a late night snack) so this added problem is devastating. I tried my usual remedies for puffiness (ice pack for 5 mins, caffeine face cream) and nothing works. This is awful for someone who has a history of eating disorders-I'm worried that this will trigger another episode after 1 year of eating like a normal healthy person. I also noticed my period was severe, I'm bruising easily, and just all around feel like I'm easy to anger. My doc did not disclose these side effects to me, and I even asked what I was in for! If anyone wants to chat about your symptoms, please write. I know how you feel. Let's support each other... | F | 34 | 10 days 40mg 1X O | 8/29/2011 | 5 | for asthma and allergies | kenalog injection - a little flushing feeling of the face on second day, maybe a little edgier than usual. | I have very excellent results with a Kenalog injection about every 6 months for asthma. In reading all these reviews I think some people would say they had side effects from water aside from frequent urination. Like stress, face broke out, headache, gained weight, lost weight, seizures, temporary blindeness, etc. It kind of sounds like the same symptoms for every medication | F | 73 | 2 years 40mg 1X AN | 8/28/2011 | 3 | Hip bursitis, osteoarthritis | IMy doctor gave me an injection of Kenalog in my left hip/buttocks area on Aug. 3. She did not tell me anything about the drug, but did state that it was a steroid. After a couple of days my heart was racing, had breathlessness, got a severe headache that was different than any I've ever experienced, leg muscle pain and swelling in the back of my upper leg -of the same side the injection was given, terrible sweating spells, severe chest pain with sharp stabbing pains in upper back and slightly in both jaws while feeling very weak and sick. My legs felt wobbly or like they were unsteady. I also became very sick with a really bad cough that produced thick green and yellow sputum along with loud wheezing when I would lie down. My nose wasn't plugged or anything, it was mainly in my lungs. This was a very frightening experience for me and I will never get this shot again. It did help with the pain in my buttocks, hips, hands, lower back and feet though, but it only lasted from the 3rd to a | I feel this drug is dangerous due to the experience I had on it. | F | 50 | 1 times ? 1X D | 8/28/2011 | 3 | Hip bursitis, osteoarthritis | IMy doctor gave me an injection of Kenalog in my left hip/buttocks area on Aug. 3. She did not tell me anything about the drug, but did state that it was a steroid. After a couple of days my heart was racing, had breathlessness, got a severe headache that was different than any I've ever experienced, leg muscle pain and swelling in the back of my upper leg -of the same side the injection was given, terrible sweating spells, severe chest pain with sharp stabbing pains in upper back and slightly in both jaws while feeling very weak and sick. My legs felt wobbly or like they were unsteady. I also became very sick with a really bad cough that produced thick green and yellow sputum along with loud wheezing when I would lie down. My nose wasn't plugged or anything, it was mainly in my lungs. This was a very frightening experience for me and I will never get this shot again. It did help with the pain in my buttocks, hips, hands, lower back and feet though, but it only lasted from the 3rd to a | I feel this drug is dangerous due to the experience I had on it. | F | 50 | 1 times ? 1X D | 8/28/2011 | 3 | Sinus Infection | I had first shot in buttock @July 27th 2011 to help with horrible sinus infection. After shot I was restless, anxious, agitated, irritated, had palpitations and insomnia. I felt like my heart was racing and I couldn't catch my breath at times throughout the day and night. I am a nurse and realized that I would have these symptoms after getting a steriod shot. My only other option if sinus infections doesn't improve would have to be sinus surgery. I do not want sinus surgery. By the beginning of August my sinus infection felt like it was improving. Didn't mind the side effects as long as sinus infection was getting better. Went back to ENT on August 24th 2011 for a follow up visit and got another shot of Kenalog as ordered by doctor. Now feeling the symptoms worse than I had before with the first shot. Feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin at times. Anxiety is horrible and I have nothing to be anxious about. After reading this site, I now notice that there might be a | F | 38 | 40mg? 2X M | 8/26/2011 | 2 | piriformis syndrome/sciatica | Burning upon initial injection, swelling of entire right leg and foot, bright red skin color of right foot. Insomnia the night of injection, as well as slight nasuea. Anxiety for 4 hours after injection. | Oh, how I wish I had read all of these reviews first before getting this injection. I am so afraid of having all of these major side effects (more specifically the ones that women have been describing). I can't really say for sure if the medication will help my pain, given that it's only the second day. Please don't knock me for writing a review so soon, but I feel that my initial side effects may help someone who is even considering this injection-insomnia and anxiety alone, hours afterward, were bad enough. Thankfully, I have a hormone spcecialist doctor who may be able to help me if I do run into any of the symptoms that seem to strike women. It seems as if our systems are more sensitive to this drug. I agree with some of the others who said that doctors seem to be inept at informing the patient beforehand about these symptoms. I was only told that I may have "some flushing". Now, from what I've been reading here, it sounds like I could be in for a long road of misery. I'm scheduled for 2 more of these shots within the next 8 weeks, but have decided to cancel these and talk about alternative treatments for my pain. | F | 34 | 2 days 40 1X O | 8/20/2011 | 2 | severe knee arthritis | severe redness and flushing face and upper body, persistent low grade fevers and extreme unusual fatigue even with long sleep and rest resulting in frustration and loss of work time | Agree with other reviewers, PLEASE ask your practitioner WHAT type of corticosteroid you will be given before you consent to the injection. A general written consent (everyone signs in the waiting room) does not preempt physician responsibility to appropriately disclose reported adverse side effects especially if they know you have not taken the drug previously. Don't assume a second or third opinion physician/specialist will perform all the due diligence you would demand for yourself. Should you have a bad reaction, see your primary care physician as immediately as possible and request full physical evaluation and recommendations to deal with side effects. CAVEAT EMPTOR, don't risk your long term health for the sake of the drug companies and their shareholders. This is apparently a heavy drug where many people are experiencing very adverse and possibily long term side effects. LOOK FOR ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVES THAT WILL ADEQUATELY DO THE JOB THAT YOU NEED WITHOUT POISONING YOU! | F | 60 | unknown 1X D | 8/20/2011 | 1 | I had a cold | injection into gluteus muscle . one time injection 80 mg for a cold. serious anayphylaxis reaction within 48 hours lasted 5 hours. anxiety for 1 1/2 years. swelling first month after injection. deep muscle gluteus atrophy. pain in hip and gluteus muscle 3 years later still very sick. lost 48 lbs. lost muscle content over entire body. lose fat over body. eye pressure . brown spots in eye . distorted eye vision. naseau and throwing up for one year after injection. trimmers shaking convulsion like symptoms CHANGED MY LIFE COMPLETELY. now have arthrosis of the hip. nerve damage. cannot function on a daily basis. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION. did not know what was injected into my body.. STAYED IN MY SYSTEM FOR 1 1/2 YEARS. CAUSES so many medical complications. Doctors will not admit that this medication is not the MIRACLE medication .. that it once was thought to be. IT CAUSES MORE HARM TO THE BODY THAN GOOD. Please do not take this medication . INJECTION into joints causes more | F | 46 | 1 days 80 1X D | 8/18/2011 | 5 | Sinus Polyps | I experience no side effects amybe a little dryr red skin but it is worth it. | Without it, polyps grow out my nose.I take blood thinners for heart fib. so I cant stop taking thinners for a nasal operation. Some doctors are paranoid about kenalog but its a lifesaver for me. | M | 80 | 15 years 2mg 1X O | 7/28/2011 | 1 | Allergies | I got a Kenalog shot for seasonal allergies when I was 28. My immediate side effects were night sweats, heart palpitations, and I had breakthrough bleeding that lasted 60 days. Now three years later I have a fibroid tumor that causes intense pain. No one in my family has fibroids, and I believe it was caused by the kenalog. | I would never recommend Kenalog. | F | 31 | 1X D | 7/16/2011 | 1 | sciatic nerve and back pain | I ended up in the ER with low potassium a few days after my shot. HORRIBLE weakness (like I could not get out of bed), fatigue, sleepy, period really messed up, muscle cramping and paralysis, diarrhea, massive urine output without any increase in fluid intake. | A couple days after the shot I started having massive urine output which lasted 2 days. Then horrible muscle spasms that caused disabling pain. That was followed by horrible weakness/fatigue and very sleepy. I ended up in the ER with low potassium, which I believe was caused by the huge urine output. Also I had hot flashes and chills. My first period after the shot was 12 days late. It lasted 8 full days and I then I was clear for 4 days when I got my period again! The whole episode with the urination, weakness, cramping, etc. lasted a few days and I thought it was behind me, then here I am six weeks later and it's started all over again. My online research indicates that kenalog (or any corticosteroid) can mess up your electrolytes, especially potassium. Here is an electrolyte solution that helped me tremendously with many of the side effects people here are describing here: 1 liter of water. Add 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1/4 tsp. salt substitute; and 2 tablespoons sugar. Sip on all day (do not gulp). Mixture lasts 24 hours. Throw away any leftover and make a fresh batch. Do not eat/drink any additional sugars or fats. This drug is absolutely horrible. I told my dr. I'd had really bad side effects with prednisone before, but he convinced me that I'd only absorb a tiny bit of the kenalog from the injection - NOT TRUE!! My body has absorbed a significant amount and it has put me in bed for days at a time!! | F | 45 | 1 times 1X O | 7/10/2011 | 1 | Angulated Coccyx bone | Menstrual cycle is completely messed up. I get 2 to 3 periods per month. The bleeding can only be controlled with medication. As this steroid is slow releasing it stays in your system for months. I am still having continuous bleeding 4 months later. Doctors deny it initially because they dont want to accept responsibility. But on this site alone, you can see the side effects on womens menstral cycle are quite drastic. I am glad i finally know the cause of this ongoing bleeding. It only started after this kenalog shot. | I would not recommend taking this shot if you are a woman. | F | 32 | 4 months 1X O | 6/29/2011 | 5 | Severe Hayfever | None apart from feeling normal again! | After waiting to grow out of this allergy since I was 7 years old,and trying everything on the market, herbal remedies and the strongest prescription tablets available, I heard about Kenilog. I've now been having a Kenilog injection for the past 15 years and it is responsible for me being able to enjoy the summer and to have been a radiant June bride surrounded by flowers! I havent experienced any of the side effects described by some others, and I wonder if they maybe have other reasons for what they are experiencing? Maybe they have read the side effects and it has been convenient to blame Kenilog. Maybe its psychological, and I'm sure to them it's very real and very disabling. There seems to be a complete difference in the effect of the drug between patients with Allergies and those with other problems - the allergy sufferers don't appear to have side effects. Maybe that is something to be noted by medics. Here in the UK it is very, very difficult to get the injection for hayfever, and you really have to have an extremely understanding GP who will log it as a shot in the shoulder. Anyone who hasn't suffered the debilitating state that continual bouts of violent sneezing - up to 25-30 in one go, that leaves you totally exhausted, and the sleepless nights with itching eyes and throat that leave you incapable of thinking straight and working, can't possibly understand the totally amazing feeling of being normal again. It's like being Reborn! | F | 64 | Injection 1X D | 6/16/2011 |