Kenalog and atrophy

Wow....sounds like Kenalog is not a drug to be administered without careful consideration of the pros out- weighing the cons. I had a Kenalog injection in my elbow at an urgent care center while on vacation about 8 mos ago (painful elbow was impacting vacation activities). It took my pain away 100%. Never gave it another thought even until just recently when it began hurting again. Did, however, notice the atrophy at injection site...and a grayish tone to skin. Indentation has not grown, but certainly has remained. My elbow is also super sensitive. Feels like the nerve is right there under a thin layer of skin.....so sensitive. I also have leg shakiness, hip weakness, anxiety, nausea, and increased heart rate....I assume these are related as I did not have these issues prior. These issues bother me way more that the indentation on my elbow. Dont like not feeling well. I guess the learning is that all medications are foreign to your body and thus have potential side effects. One needs to ask questions and or do own research on their own prior to consenting to take a mediation to be sure the benefits are worth it.

I posted my experience with Kenalog in my chin area and my bad atrophy results. Has anyone tried the saline infiltration treatment? If so, did they have good results?

I was injected with Kenalog in Mid July 2008 to reduce the swelling in my tonsils (I had a bad case of tonsillitis). I was asked if I have allergic reactions to steroid injections, and to my knowledge, I don't. So I was given a shot in my upper right buttock on Thursday (mid July). On the following Friday I was no better (still mid July). I was still not able to swallow my own spit, let alone eat or drink, so I went back Friday morning. I got another shot in the same location of Kelanog. I was not told of side effects; I was told the swelling would go down in my tonsils/throat. Again, no results.

That Friday afternoon I was admitted into the hospital for care. A weekend of fluids and other drugs got the infection out. I stayed infection free for two weeks. It hurt for a week afterwards on my right buttock, but no bruising. I healed up, had my tonsillectomy (sp), and healed fine after that.

I noticed nothing wrong with my upper right buttock until about two weeks ago. I am in the process of getting a large rib/hip tattoo piece finished, and about two weeks ago I noticed a spot that looked like a small bruise a few inches from my tattoo in the spot where I was administered the Kenalog shots. I didn't put it together then. Two weeks later (This past Thursday, September 25, 2008), my tattoo artist was about to work on me and said, "You have a dent in your butt, what happened?" I had no idea it was even a dent. The "bruise" like mark now looked like a burn scar, red, and smooth and deep--dented.

The red mark is still dented and the same color. It's about the size of an inch from one side to the other. However, each day since it has been dented, the dented area has expanded fairly rapidly. The dent is now not only in that red area (the injection site), but also along my hip/upper thigh. It's getting deeper and traveling outside the red area, and the red area is the same color. This discoloration just started. I heard this is called Tissue Atrophy due to a misadministered Kenalog injection.

Does this dent go away or stop "spreading" by itself? How will I know if it will stop spreading; is it different for everyone? How can it be properly diagnosed as well? Can a biopsy be done to prove that this it what it is? Does anyone have any insight?

Also, it's been 2 1/2 months before I saw any of these effects...why does it seem like my effects came later than others? Is that possible?

Thanks.

My daughter has Aloepecia Areata. Has anyone taken Kenalog to grow hair back. My doctors saying this may work and did mention about the dimpling effect. Not in the detail I read here, though. He made it sound like it would just be a dimple. I did not get the shot in his office, wanted to research some more. By the way, she is only a 11 yrs old. Not sure whether to try this stuff after reading all this.

Like so many of you, I Googled "tissue atrophy" and have had the very same experience that you have had with Kenalog. I received a shot in late February of 08, shortly after I noticed severe bruising, which eventually turned into the atrophy I now have. I have taken pictures of it for the past several months...and now, 6 months later it is much worse...deeper and darker in color. Is anyone else having discoloration? Mine is a dark purple-red.
I AM PURSUING a lawsuit against the nurse that injected me because I was absolutely not warned of the side-effects...and now have had to suffer with this hole in my side.

It bothers me...and no one would understand unless this had happened to them I suppose. In addition, I received a second opinion and was told the atrophy was permanent...can anyone else confirm this?

I've also noticed other severe menstrual and emotional side-effects...this stuff can stay in your system for a long time.

I just had a IM kenalog80 injection in my butt with no problems yet. but I thought some would find useful these very clear warnings on a Canadian site after much searching. Too bad US patients can't find the same info as easily.

******
"Unless a deep i.m. injection is given, local atrophy is likely to occur. (For recommendations on injection techniques, see Dosage.) Due to the significantly higher incidence of local atrophy when the material is injected into the deltoids area, this injection site should be avoided in favor of the gluteal area."

"injection should be made deeply into the gluteal muscle (see Warnings). For adults, a minimum needle length of 4 cm is recommended. In obese patients, a longer needle may be required. Use alternative sites for subsequent injections."

I've been trying to find out how long the shot will last. Some sites seem to say 30 to 40 days and others say longer but don't say how long. How long does it last?
- a new user

When I was visiting him for something unrelated, my doctor pointed out the bags under my eyes and said he could eliminate them with a Kenalog injection. He did not mention any possible side effects. Worst case, he said, would be that the injection would have no effect.

That's the last time I consent to a treatment on trust without first researching it thoroughly myself. The injection did nothing for the bags, but did cause atrophy of my right cheek at the injection site, resulting in a severe indentation in the middle of my cheek which continued to get worse as the weeks went by.

Attempts to fill out the sink-hole have resulted in a lopsided appearance to my face, which is quite demoralizing.

I also received a kenalog injection from a dermatologist for rashes that wouldn't go away. He told me ONLY that it would probably mess up my menstrual cycle. I thought "yeah sure that sounds great" I just wanted relief from all the itching. The rash did go away but i started to notice a dent where they gave me the injection. It has since gotten bigger and I am scared and wondering what is going on with me. My doctor never told me of atrophy or even that it was a possibility. I consulted with another doctor who told me he is not sure how this couldn't happened and that they probly injected in the wrong site. i now know after coming to this site that i am not alone and it is the kenalog that has caused me grief. Doctors need to be responsible in letting patients know every detail about the drug they are using on us. I was reassured by him that my only side affect would be irregular periods. Hopefully one day mine will go away but until the people need to be educated on certain steroids.

I do understand that this medication can be helpful for some people and for them, the benefits out-weigh the side effects. For this reason, I don't think that this med should be taken off the market, but I DO think that we, as patients, deserve to be explained these side effects before we are just injected with such a powerful drug!!
I went in to a walk-in clinic with allergy symptoms that were not relieved by OTC drugs. Nothing super- severe that I couldn't stand, but I was looking for something to make me feel better and the Dr. prescribed Kenalog. No side effects were mentioned/discussed. A nurse came in and gave me the shot. A few months later, I noticed the dent on my left buttocks area. I was very worried because it looked SO bad! The dent has increased in size and depth over the months. My PCP told me that it was most likely from the Kenalog injection but I have an ultrasound scheduled to find out how extensive the atrophy is! She says that it only destroys the tissue and fat but I know for a fact by feeling the area that the muscle underneath is completely gone!! How can this shot be given to patients without a verbal description of possible side effects and a written consent!!
I've read that some people have been lucky enough to have the "dent" go away! How long did that take?? I am only hoping that I am as lucky!!! It is such an UGLY site!! Luckily it is covered by a swimsuit and my fiance doesn't find it as ugly as I do!!

I received the Kenalog shot in January. I started feeling tired and muscle aches, which I thought was just a virus. Then a dent appeared on my arm 2 weeks ago, and my muscles surrounding the maroon color dent began to tighten. I now have tendinitis in my shoulder and arm and I have lost all strength. My doctor said it could be from the shot, but stopped seeing me. i am going for an MRI on Monday because of the damage and pain that is non stop, and they are trying to figure out what is wrong. I have had several blood test because they swore I must have Lupus, or Rheumatory arthritis which came back negative.
I am very frustrated. I am a server by trait, I am a mother of 5, and it seems like my life is changed. I can't work, no one can give me answers, and I would like to know if these symptoms will go away or if I am stuck with this arm atrophy forever.

Even more information regarding subcutaneous atrophy and the class of drugs which Kenalog fall in to:

"Subcutaneous atrophy developed in a 36-year-old woman at the site of a triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) injection for subdeltoid bursitis. Occurrence of local atrophy after corticosteroid injection is relatively frequent yet unappreciated. It is more common in young women and girls who are given preparations with a lesser degree of water solubility. Although the condition is often reversible, instances of long-term disfigurement are well documented. This complication of a useful treatment method can be avoided by following a set of precautions for local injection of corticosteroids."

The above excerpt from a 1986 article in the U.S National Library of Medicine. There is also an article as far back as 1967 in the British Medical Journal (10/14/1967) that puts forward the same theory (though it is argued about in the editorial of the Journal).

Anyone who has experienced this problem should print this out and show it to their doctors. Presumably and hopefully your doctor is aware of medical journals and respects the DATA!

I've had a "dent" for about four years now, and had no idea what it was until now. I'm relieved to find out that it isn't anything like cancer.....but will it ever go away? Are there any known treatments or cures?
I'm very upset that my doctor gave me no warning of side effects of the Kenalog shot. I was only told that it would aid in my relief from allergies. I have now received the shot for five years in a row, and have two "dents" on either side of my lower back. Any advice on legal action?????

I, too, have atrophy from the Kenalog, which is unsightly and causes me great emotional pain. Can anyone recommend a good attorney for this?

Thank you.

I have been receiving Kenalog injections in my deltoid for allergies from my m.d. each fall for the past 4 years with no incident. Six weeks ago, Nov. 19 2007 I went in for the same symptoms and received the same injection of Kenalog in my deltoid once again. This time it seemed to be unusually painful but I thought it was just poor placement of the needle and did not think much of it. Now after six weeks I have developed a depression/ indentation in my shoulder at the site of injection that has grown to the size of a golf ball and is lumpy and soft even when I flex the muscle. It also has discoloration with splotches on the skin. It still aches and is getting more painful. After visiting my doc. today he seems concerned and claims he has no idea what it is and is sending me to the labs for more testing. In the mean time this is very strange and costly. After finding this web page it makes me wonder how could he have no clue as to this side effect? I am a otherwise healthy 30 year old male, except now I have a very weird looking shoulder.

I had a Kenalog shot about 6 weeks ago in my face for what my doctor thought was swollen tissue after a surgery, however the Kenalog has eaten away at my tissue creating a "dent" in the side of my face. This has been a really terrible and frightening experience, and I am very concerned that the tissues will not regenerate themselves over time. He has told me that it could take a year for the tissues to regenerate themselves. Please, anyone out there who has had a similar experience with tissue atrophy after a Kenalog shot, please would you let me know if this tissues really ever came back gradually? Thanks so much.

update to June 14th. For everyone who has just gotten the shot and think they don't have atrophy. My daughter's didn't start to appear until a few weeks after. It just looked bruised at the begining. Doctors don't want to beleive the Kenalog has done this. Gyn doctor did ultrasound and said everything looked normal, so no reason for the bleeding other than the Kenalog. It has started to get better after 4 months. Now there is a 5-7 day break between her periods. I have refused to put her on birth control to stop the bleeding. I couldn't stand for her to suffer any more side effects. The atrophy looks awful. It is such a bright purple. Doctor said it should not get any worse, but I don't think they really know. Doctor did say it would fade in color, but will never get better without plastic surgery. I can't even find a doctor who is familiar with Kenalog or the side effects. I also just found out that the Kenalog stays in your system for 3 months. Of course another thing I was never informed of. I have been taking pictures and keeping all Doctor visit paperwork. I suggest everyone do the same. It has got to be a matter of time before a lawsuit is brought against them.

I received a Kenalog injection in December '06 to provide relief from an allergic reaction. My doctor did NOT inform me of any possible side effects other than drowsiness. Two months later a small dipple formed where the shot was given. I had no idea what it was and just assumed it was a part of getting older (I'm 30). When it began to get deeper, I became extremely worried. It has now been 6 months and the dimple has turned into a very large indentation. I still did not put two and two together and did not think it could have been caused by the steroid injuection. I visited my doctor, the same one who administered the shot in December, to find out what this could possibly be. He said he had no idea!! And even suggested it could be cancer!!!! I came home upset, obviously, thinking I was very sick, possibly even dying!! My sister did some research and found this site, and I am so relieved. But now I am angry at my doctor for not warning me of this possible side effect at the time of the shot AND then diagnosing it as a possible cancer!!! So now I am left with this deformity on my butt and a profound feeling of helplessness. Someone please tell me actions you have taken that have worked, both legally and physically. Will this go away?!?

I just returned from seeing a hematologist for bruising and bleeding under and through the skin of my forearms. Luckily, it is not a bleeding problem, but a dermatological condition known as "cutaneous atrophy". I read on this website that is a side effect of the kenalog injections.

I've been getting the injections in both my knees for the past year (shots every four months). The injections help the pain in my knees, but I think I will just take darvocet for the pain and tell my rheumotologist that I do not want any more of these injections. I've also experienced the excessive sweating around my neck and upper back, not knowing why. Scary side effects.

I have also had Kenalog injections. The only side effect I seem to have is the atrophy at the injection site. It suddenly appeared one day about 4 months after my first injection. It was only dime sized and stayed that way for about a year. I thought it was a funny strech mark from having lost a lot of weight. I had another injection about 1 year later and noticed 4-5 months afterward the crater started expanding. It now seems to keep growing and I finally went to the derm and he said it was a side effect from Kenalog. I am using the OTC product Mederma to see if it helps the appearance of the area. Sorry to hear all of your terrible side effects.

I am a slender, athletic woman who is now potentially scarred for life by this horrible drug. In July 2006 I was given kenalog injections bilaterally for bursitis by a rheumatologist. In early October I noticed the development of a large indentation on my right hip. During a consultation with another doctor regarding my ongoing hip pain, I was told that this dent was caused by kenalog and would likely never go away. I confronted the rheumatologist who administered the injections and she pretended to be unaware of this as a result of injections and ordered an mri claiming that my horribly disfigured hip could be caused by a pinched nerve (said with a straight face). Well, the MRI confirmed the kenalog caused my dent, and I read on Bristol Myers Squibb's kenalog information site that local fat atrophy is caused by improper administration of the injection. Rheumatologist claims a plastic surgeon can fix this. I am consulting an attorney because this screams negligence.

I had the shot in my right glute in April of 2006 and I have a hole the size of a lime in my hip now. For all those that have had this happen how long does it take to stop it from eating tissue away. It is still getting bigger every month and has yet to stop. The doctors say that this is the first time they have seen this and others at the office had the same drug injected and having the same problem but not as severe as mine. I never was told that this could be a side effect and I would never have had this shot given to me. I am a 21 year old and have a huge hole in my hip, not right. Please if anyone has any info, let me know when I could expect it to stop eating my hip away.

Hey all, I have posted several times on here. I am devastated about my tissue loss in my forehead. I am trying to pursue a lawsuit against a plastic surgeon in Michigan. My doctor tried to cover it up by immediately injecting me with a filler at MY COST and telling me it would last 5 years. Well guess what, 11 months later it disappeared and I got my medical records and found it it was cause she injected me with KENALOG 40! I only have one more year to file a complaint and so far this is hard. We really need to figure out a way to start a class-action lawsuit against bristol-Meyers-Squibb. Keep calling them, every little complaint helps!

These doctors could care less about us! I have had to be put on anti-depressants because my situation is right in the middle of my forehead. I am disfigured from a small procedure.

One surgeon I went to mentioned how hard it was to utilize Kenalog 40. It has to be diluted PRECISELY or else it will most definitely 'cause atrophy. This has to stop!!!!

g
uest 31828

to guest 31828

the doctor may be trying to stall you from being able to file a claim against her.My doctor told me that it would go away in 6 months to a year but 2 plastic surgeons told me that the atrophy is permanent.The state that I live in has a medical malpractice statue of limitaions of 2 years but only six months from time of discovery.The day that you walked into her office about the atrophy has been documented in the medical records and that would be time of discovery.You should contact an attorney immediatly if you were not warned of the side effect.Also the atrophy happens when the drug is not injected deep into the gluteal muscle,it will destroy the fat tissue.The drug company warns doctors about this and also gives instructions on how to properly inject kenalog to prevent it."Unless injected deep im local atrophy is likely to occur''.It may also get worse over time,mine is as big as a large egg and still growing after 6 months.Good luck

Does anyone know if anyone has ever filed a class-action lawsuit against Bristol-Meyers? I called them to complain and they have known about this side effect since 1966. I'm sure they mention theis in the warnings, but obvioulsy the doctors ignore it or like me, fail to mention the tissue atrophy to me before I was injected.

It's wrong, it's just unfair that these doctors and companied can get away with this. Anyone have any suggestions about how to seek compensation or maybe band together to do pursue something legal?

P.s. call the company and file a complaint against the product. When I did the woman on the other line groaned like she'd heard alot of complaints already that day. Keep calling those bastards at Bristol-Meyers. PLEASE!!! Thanks!

I was also unaware of any side effects when I recieved an injection of "steroids" for some scar tissue on my forehead. Within a week the scar and surrounding tissue started to atrophy. The plastic surgeon (who is a true idiot, though surprisingly board certified) suggested Radiesse injections, which she overinjected and charged ME for. She did not admit that it was the Kenalog that cause the atrophy in the first place. Almost a year later, the Radiesse has worn off and now I'm left with a dent in my forehead, it's just skin and bone. I don't know what to do anymore. Some doctors are butchers, and we have to live with the results. And because it was considered a cosmetic procedure, I have no recourse.

I got a kenalog injection 5 months ago.I am still having terrible periods but atleast not 2 or 3 a month anymore,they just last 7 to 10 days now ,very heavy with spotting after.How long will this last?I also have atrophy that keeps getting bigger and deeper.I will need to get Sculptra injections wich are very expensive and only a temporary fix.Like so many others I have also had other side effects,acne,hair loss and growth,headache,cramps,ect...Hopefully none of us will get any of the life threatening side effects like blood clots.I got the boxed insert from Brystol Meyers and it lists all of the side effects that the doctors failed to tell us about.You can call 1 800 321-1335 and get a copy mailed or faxed to you.

I posted last month about the indention in my hip and the terrible periods.The dent in my hip is 2 inches wide and 2 inches long now and the periods are not as irregular but extremly heavy,I don't want to leave my house in fear of bleeding through my pad and tampon onto my clothes.I had a consultation with a plastic surgean today and he told me the atrophy is permanent and will possible get worse.He is going to refere me to another plastic surgean that is familiar with sculptra because he has not had any luck with any other type of fillers not even fat injections.I have an appointment with an attorney next week to discuss a possible lawsuit against the doctor who did this to me.I don't see where it makes a difference if the atrophy is in the arm or the butt it's still a permanent disfiguration.The doctor who gave me the kenalog injection told me that in most cases the atrophy repairs itself in about a year.I have spoken with 2 other doctors and both have said it is permant and it takes a series of Sculptra inections to fill it and that is only a temporary fix.

The indentation in my hip is as large as an egg and getting bigger.Has anyone been successful at getting compensation or at least getting the atrophy repaired ?This is the only body I've got and it deeply sadens me to have this huge disgusting dent in it.It looks like I have a disease of the flesh.Also,how big does the atrophy get before it stops growing?

We have all been victimized here or we would not be on this web sight.We either have never ending periods, aches n pains, depression,or disfiguring atrophy.I am very suprised how many of us there are,almost a new posting daily.Why hasn't anything been done yet?Does somebody need to die first?It is an outrage that that this drug is bieng so widely misused on unsuspecting innocent people.Had any of us been forwarned about the side effects we would not be here right now.There needs to be a class action law suit against the drug company and doctors need to be held responsible for their neglet in not warning their patients.I plan to do everything in my power to get compensated for my disfiguring injuries due to KENALOG.We all need to take a stand and not be victims anymore!

It is amazing how many victims of kenalog there are and the drug is still bieng used without warning.Never ending periods are a terrible side effect but disfiguring atrophy is completley unacceptable!!!I have not been the same since my Kenalog injection and I feel that I have been violated ,we all have been violated.If there are so many victims of this drug why isn't there a class action lawsuit?We need to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and do something about it.I meet with an attorney next week and I pray to God that it will have a positive out come but I am only one voice.I don't know how to get the ball rolling,Ijust know that if we all joined together maybe we canbe heard.No more victims of Kenalog!We deserve compensation for our depressing and disfiguring side effects.Every body should be warned and doctors need to be responsible about this terrible drug.Most of us weren't even given a choice we were just injected and sent home to bleed for months and watch our bodies fall apart.

I got a Kenalog shot in May 2006 at first I only had a dicoloration at injection sight and it didn't really concern me.I had a terrible period that lasted for 11 days and had another terrible period 2 weeks later that lasted for over a week and have recently started again.I also experienced severe muscle aches for a week but I thought it was from working out although that had never happened before,I could barely walk I ached so bad in my legs.now i have a disgusting dent in my hip that keeps getting worse.I go to the gym almost everday and bust butt to get my body in shape and it was disfigured in a single shot.I was never warned of any side effects and trusted my doctor.I returned to his office today and he did not seemed suprised about the atrophy and told me he would consult a dermatologist friend about how to repair the damage because the tissue will not regenerate itsef.This is a terrible side effect and people should have a right to be informed.I would have never gotten a kenalog shot had I known what it could do to my body.

I received a kenalog shot in my hip, I have atrophy. I am in alot of pain and the doctor just blows it off like it is nothing, just a normal side affect. But it is my hip, I have a dent in. I am not sure what to do, if anything.

I have atrophy of the fat padding of my foot due to Kenalog injections. I was never warned of any side effects. Thanks to Kenalog, I am now practically walking on bone, and I am in more pain that I was before I received the Kenalog injections. The atrophy is permanent. I am no longer able to be on my feet for more than short periods of time. This is a nightmare for me.

I had a shot of kenalog in Aug. 05 to treat some kind of poison ivy/oak. !0 months later I was diagnosed with a steriod atrophy in the spot I had the shot. It is a round indentation, light purple in color on the back bottom of my hip. It may never go away and if if does it will take close to a year.

I received a shot of kenalog at the top of my left buttox after going to the emergency room because my throat was nearly swollen shut when I had mono. It was about 2 months after I had the shot that I noticed a weird dent where the shot had been given, the dent continued to grow in diameter and get deeper over the next couple of weeks. I went to the medical facility my college had on campus and after 2 NP's and 2 doctors came to look at it, 1 person asked if I'd had a kenalog shot at any time. He explained it to be a tissue atrophy caused by the shot and then told me that before a doctor administers that shot, they are suppose to explain the possible side effect to the patient and have a waiver signed. I went back to the hospital that I'd had the shot at and explained the situation to them and asked why I wasn't instructed about side effects and why I did not have any type of waiver presented either. They took a few days to get back to me, but the facility had aggreed to do reconstructive surgery on it at no charge. The only problem was that between my school/work schedule and the time it would take to have the surgeries/recovery time I was not able to have it done. However I would strongly suggest anybody else who's had this problem make this point to the facility they received their shot at. I was 19 at the time of the shot, and am 24 now. A minimal amount of tissue has regenerated on its own, however there is a scar-like marking about 2 inches long and about 3/4 of an inch high in that spot along with a small dent that still remains. The spot is very tender still and by this point, I'm assuming it will always be with me. Hopefully this helps anybody that's had a similar problem. Laws on the shot/procedures could vary by state so I would check with someone who is 100% familiar with medical laws in your state/area.

I had moles removed from my face, one scar was raised, so the plastic surgeon gave me a shot of kenalog in my face. I have a crater on my face under my eye from collagen atrophy that was the result of the side effects of kenalog. After consulting with two other plastic surgeons, I was told that collagen atrophy was indeed a side effect of kenalog injections. Treatment includes injections of Restylane( a facial filler) or injections of fat removed from other areas of the body. I am trying the body fat injections. If this does not work, a lawsuit is in the game plan for this freak show DR.

I too have been left with a severe indentation from fat atrophy due to Kenalog injections. I have been having Kenalog injections for the last seven years for hayfever allergies. I suddenly noticed this indentation on my right hip last summer and after being referred to a specialist (my doctor didn't know what it was!) she was able to tell me that this indentation was due to the Kenalog injections. I was horrified, I've had seven! I will never have another Kenalog injection again, information should be made aware to the patient before receiving this drug. I shall look to other alternatives for my hayfever alergies in future.

I have had no side affects with kenalog. I have had about 2 shots a year with no fat atrophy at all. I have suffered from hayfever for 20 years and for the past 4 years I have not had one sinus infection, and have been able to enjoy my fall/footbal season. I am sorry that it doesn't work well for others.

P.J.

My heart goes out to everyone who has been left with severe indentations from fat atrophy due to Kenalog injections. I was left with a golfball sized, deep indentation on my left hip from two Kenalog injections given one year apart, in the exact same place. It did not fill in by itself like doctors kept telling me it might. The good news is that I found an attorney to represent me against the doctor who did this (actually an assistant did it under the doctor's care), as well as a filler substance called Sculptra that has helped tremendously. Sculptra is a filler substance that has been used in Europe (where it's called New Fill) for about seven years and in the USA exclusively for AIDS patients with fat atrophy in their faces for a few years now. It was recently approved by the FDA (I think in summer 2004) for use in cases such as mine, as well as for minor cosmetic reasons, like how Collagen has been used. Sculptra lasts longer than Collagen, possibly up to two years I'm told. It works by stimulating your body's collagen growth wherever it is injected. I had one fill procedure with it in April 2005, and within three months my concavity has been reduced by fifty percent. It takes a couple months for the collagen growth to take place. The doctor said I had an unusually good response from it, and that it works differently from person to person. It may take several sessions to fill an area. I just had another fill procedure a couple days ago which I hope will be all I'll need to keep the area filled for a couple years, but since it behaves differently in every person, only time will tell. I know that I will have to keep having it filled for the rest of my life, but it beats not having anything to fill it with. As far as the legal side goes, I believe there is a two year statute of limitations on filing a claim against a doctor, and I hate to say it, but I think that's why so many doctors keep telling victims of this to keep waiting - that it will fill in by itself. If you wait long enough, you won't be able to take legal action against them! When the statute starts running is something doctors and lawyers will argue about, but it can be when you were injected with it, when you first noticed the indentation, or when you noticed the indentation was not going away. But I think it's worth checking into for anyone who has been damaged. Even if you can't take legal action, this new filler substance is helpful. It works in the face too - it's been used in AIDS patients' faces for years now. I hope this helps some of you. Good luck.

In Feb. '04, I had a kenalog shot in my arm for sinutitis, and had the similiar side effect of "pitting" or atrophy. After 16 months, the pitting is beginning heal (but not completely). Since the shot, I have had decreased energy for exercising (I am easily out of breath and can't sustain my running pace). A
physical last year revealed I had a slight heart murmur, which no one ever told me. I'm wondering if that is a side effect of the kenalog.

The indentations are called cutaneous, or sub-cutaneous atrophy. Intra-articular or intra-muscular injection of Kenalog brings the risk of this as does topical application. But when the practitioner does not take care to release the drug into the muscle, rather than the fatty layer above it, the atrophy are almost certain. The use of this drug by health professionals and the fact that Bristol-Myers Squibb has failed to take steps to limit and closely control it's use, are national disgraces. The atrophy is unlikely to improve, and apparently neither is the medical profession or Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Jim
materially

renee, I believe the cortisone injection you received is the cause of the indentation on your foot. The same thing happened to my foot. I received 2 kenalog injections, and I now have fat pad atrophy in the ball of my foot. Also, when I first noticed an indentation, I had a small area of whitish discoloration.

I don't know if you can sue the government. If you are serious about a lawsuit, talk to a malpractice attorney.

Unfortunately, many cases of atrophy caused by Kenalog injections cannot be fixed. I am in pain every day because of the atrophy that Kenalog caused. I would NOT have allowed that doctor to inject me if he had told me that atrophy is a possible side effect! In my opinion, he was more interested in making money off the injections...he could have saved me a lifetime of pain and suffering if he had just told me about atrophy being a side effect. I didn't know anything about cortisone injections at the time he injected me.

I'm really upset that this is happening to people. Doctors must inform their patients of the side effects! When we pick up our prescriptions from a pharmacy, we always get paperwork with the medication that states how to take the med, what the side effects are, etc. Well, cortisone is serious medicine and doctors should not administer it without explaining the risks to patients.

I had a kenalog injection in my wrist and now I have fatty atrophy and no pigmentation in the area of the shot. I did a little legal research out of curiosity and found one case similar to my situation. The case was in Ohio in the late 1980's. The patient lost the case mainly because of the following: "The testimony of Dr. Bok's expert -- Dr. Denka -- if believed by the jury certainly supported the verdict reached by the jury. In response tot he hypothetical question quoted above, Dr. Denka stated that in his opinion 'Dr. Bok did not deviate at all from the standard medical practice in the ordering of the injection of Kenalog, 40 milligrams intramuscularly' (Tr. at 346), nor in the manner of injection, i.e., a one-inch needle. (Tr. at 355). Dr. Denka also testified that he did not think Dr. Bok 'deviated from an acceptable medical standard in not forewarning Mrs. Mercer of ', because it's not practical to tell patients all of the possible side effects of Kenalog, especially where the side effects are not likely to happen. (Tr. at 357-58). And finally, Dr. Denka testified that the atrophy would have eventually filled in and healed itself without treatment. (Tr. at 353), which is consistent with Dr. Bok's advice to leave the atrophy alone. (Tr. at 100)." This is just one case, but it doesn't bode well for those in Ohio who want to sue for this. This was just a quick search I did---there might be more cases out there.

Why aren't doctors discussing the possible side effects of Kenalog injections with their patients? If a doctor did not obtain your "informed consent", and you would NOT have consented to the injection had you know of the side effects, and your injury is directly related to the Kenalog injection, then it may be possible to have a lawsuit against the doctor for lack of informed consent, pain & suffering. Document everything. Request your medical records from the doctor who injected you (you have a right to obtain copies of your medical records within 30 days of a written request). Contact an attorney for a consultation.

I know many of you are suffering from pain (physically and/or emotionally) due to the injury caused by receiving a Kenalog injection. Atrophy is a serious side effect, and all patients should be informed that it is a possible side effect before making a decision about whether or not it is worth taking the risk to receive the injection.

I feel for all of you who have been experienced serious side effects of a Kenalog injection(s). I have been seriously injured as well.

Podiatrist gave me a total of 2 injections containing Kenalog into the top of my forefoot for an injury (I banged my foot, but no broken bones). About 2 months after the 2nd injection, I noticed an indentation and skin discoloration directly beneith an injection site. Now many months later, I have lost a significant amount of the fat pad on the ball of my foot. I have chronic pain in the ball of my foot. I wonder how the Kenalog has affected the muscles or bones in my foot, since it destroyed the fat pad.

This podiatrist NEVER mentioned that there are possible side effects of steroid injections. He only stated positive things about the shots, and I didn't know any better. If he had told me that there were side effects like fat pad atrophy, I would NEVER have let him inject my foot. My foot would have been fully healed today had I not received those injections, but instead ended up with a chronic condition!

Hello. I had a Kenalog injection on 8/20/04 in my arm and 10 weeks later noticed an indentation. Indentation grew so I went to my primary who injected me and he said he didn't know what it was. I went to a dermatolog. who said it was atrophy from the injection which rarely happens. I was injected because of chronic hives but later found through other docs that it's supposed to be injected into your hip or butt. Does anyone know of this? I'm currently looking into legal info because it's getting much worse.

I want to know if skin will regenerate after atrophy from Kenalog injections. A Doctor injected 2 mg of Kenalog under both my eyes for hard tissue trying to transfer fat to this area.
It was called micrografing. The atrophy started about 8 weeks after injections. The left was injected two times 6 weeks apart. It was a diluted solution of 2mg. I am not sure of the volume. There is discoloration from the steriod and also from lack of skin tissue. Another Doctor is injecting rystalane under both eyes. He has to inject deeply so the product won't show. There is improvement with the filler.
I have had two different facial cosmetic surgeons tell me that they thought the skin tissue will regenerate in about 2 years.

I'm not sure how long the atrophy continued since the Doctor started injecting rystalane after about 4 and one-half months after atrophy. The atrophy seems to have travaled down into my upper cheeks.

Please have some good news for me. Will it come back? If, yes, about how long? How long before I can see some regeneration? Also, will the depigmentation ever get better?

Please help!! Thank you very much,

april

I was dizzy from euchtacian tube disorder. My doctor gave me 1 shot of Kenalog. I had a bluish bruse and a small indent after a week or so. It has been 9 months and it has gotten very large. It hurts when I do the stepper at the spa. I saw 2 plastic surgeons and they both said it was Fat Atrophy. It will not go away. I was told, I would need surgery. Take fat from one part of my body and inject in the indent. Then, I would have to wear tight fitting bicycle shorts under my clothes for weeks. It was not a lasting surgery. I would have to have it done when the fat went away.

Gail

I am a 34-year-old, white female, who received a Kenalog shot over a year ago. Since that time, I have noticed a casual indenting and now it is about the size of a 50 cent piece with no fat, kind of white appearing in the middle with a dark circle that looks bruised going around it. I have been to about six doctors not knowing for sure what it was from. The biopsy showed steroid atrophy and anetoderma. I was told that there was nothing that could be done for treating this. It is now getting very painful like it is in my muscle with like a tingling sensation like worms in my legs. I am not sure what to do. I was told to give it another month and see how much more it grows. The derm did suggest may be filling it in with fat but was not sure if it would last or not. If anyone can help or have any ideas, please e-mail me. ******