Kenalog and buttock

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.

I was given a 2 Kenalog shots in my lower back to treat a pain in my sacroiliac joint, which refers to the front of my leg/groin area. My doctor barely examined me, I was sent for no scans or other diagnostics. He said that the shots should bring down the swelling. They didn't work at all and yesterday, a couple of months later I felt a significant indentation on my back - precisely at the injection site (just where my lower back meets the top of my buttock). I have also suffered seven weeks with no period, coupled with nausea (thanks for the pregnancy scare!) then very heavy periods. I am a migraine sufferer and my migraines have increased in intensity. I also have constant, painful eczema, where before it was sporadic and light.

I am not sure how many side effects can be attributed to the injection - but the indentation at least is a definite. I live in the UK - I wondered if there are any other Brits here who have had the injection, or anyone generally who had it in the same place as me - I'm worried about what happens from hereon in. Can it affect my mobility? The original problem (still undiagnosed, but after a year of begging I am being sent to a hospital next week - to a Rheumatologist - is that even the correct field of expertise?) causes me huge amounts of pain anyway.

I also have a great number of the conditions the doctor is supposed to make sure that you don't have - why did he just "do it anyway?" In the UK it is difficult to bring any kind of action against a doctor >:-(

I'm relieved to find this board - best wishes to you all :-)

About two months ago, i noticed an indentation forming on my right glute. I am very active in running and figured that it was possible to have pulled or injured the muscle somehow. I began to massage the area thinking I could repair this "knotted muscle", but to no avail. Instead it became worse and more indented. About a week ago, I went to a regular family practice doctor to check it out after two other doctors we're stumped. She immediately recognized it and called it 'lipodysmorphia', a complication caused by the Kenalog shot. The steroid breaks down the muscle and the body then absorbs it. Everything suddenly clicked! About 5 months ago, I had a steroid injected in that very area to treat a bout of Sinusitis. When asked if the muscle would ever come back, she said that my best bet would be to see a cosmetic surgeon and request filler of some sort. What?! I work out almost everyday to get the perfect glutes and now I have to get filler!! I'm very self- concious now because of the look of it. It looks like a handful of muscle has been removed from my butt. I no longer can wear tights or fitted jeans because to me it looks so obvious. I will do my best to build it back up with weights, but i'm not too hopeful at this point. I just wish that I was aware that this could've possibly happened. I would have never sacrificed my womanly and curver posterior. Jamie, 28, Henderson, NV

I am freaking out!! I just found this site and can't believe what I'm reading. I have a huge crater in my right buttock as well. This is the second time it has happened to me. After the first incident, I went to the doctor and she said she didn't know what it was, that it must have been due to trauma. This is the same doctor who prescribed the Kenalog shot for my allergies. It started out as a large bruise, so I assumed I must have hit something really hard and damaged the tissue. Now, a couple of yrs later, I have another, larger crater. I thought something really bad was wrong with me, so I decided to google and see what I could find. I am truly blown away by this and VERY upset that they did not warn me of this. I called the doctor, but they haven't returned my call yet. I'm concerned is this going to continue to get deeper? I also believe it affected my period as well. I have always been very regular, but for several months after the shot I would start my period every couple of weeks.

I too have a huge indentation in my back for about six months, and I've been worried that it was cancer or something. I have no insurance so never went to the doctor, but did call a nurse at the time, who said she had never heard of it and it didn't sound like anything to worry about. If she had actually seen it, she might have thought differently. I had an injection in the same spot last August, and never even correlated the two. After my son gasped in horror today when he saw it and insisted that I go to the doctor, I decided to Google "indentation by shoulder blade" and ran across this website. I immediately called a nurse and asked what injection I had received, and it was Kenalog and two other drugs. I asked if she had heard of this before and she said no, but that she would have the P.A. who administered it call me tomorrow. I'm so mad about this. I will not be able to wear the same clothes or dresses that I normally wear in the summer, because it is hideous and disgusting and huge. If anyone has spoken to a lawyer or if there is a lawsuit pending, please count me in! There must be something we can do, because this has obviously affected many people.

I to have a huge dent in my right butt cheek. I would be interested in a class action suit. This is ridiculous! It has been about three months since I received the shot. Has anyone noticed their dents getting better with time?

Not good news. The attorney who was handling my case against the clinic and the nurse called today to say that we'd have to drop the case for lack of evidence. Absolutely incredible! I had the shot about 2 years ago, and the indentation is still horrible looking and painful. It has filled in to a small degree, but is still discolored and very noticeable.
Because it was used for a purpose that is indicated in the drug literature (allergies), the shot was generally in the right area (gluteal) and we can't prove what needle was used or how deep it was injected, I'm screwed. Even though I was given 80mg...too bad!
I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but it looks like it'll be really tough to win this type of case. Bastards!

What can we do? I have a huge purple looking sink hole on my buttock where I received a kenalog shot. I feels like mush undeneth. Nobody warned me of this side effect.

I am thankful to have found this website. It's answered a big question for me as to why my 5 month old son got a large (quarter-size) indentation on the side of his thigh. I thought it was due to a bruise. I took him to my pediatrician and he didn't know what was the cause. Now, it is all coming together. He had an upper respiratory infection in March 07 for which he received an injection...of Kenalog. This was not from his normal pediatrician. I can't believe that this would do this. I will definitely be reporting it to the FDA like some have suggested.

In reply to your statement, I also have an indentation on the opposite side of my body on my back. Until now I have not linked it to Kenalog but after your posting I know for sure it is from Kenalog. It has been more than 1 year and my right buttock still looks smaller. I can not believe that our doctors did not warn us about it.

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 received 10 Kenalog injections on 9/15 in my scalp to help with hair loss. I am 34; the doctor biopsied and said I had scarring alopecia. I asked about cortisone shots and she elected to give me a series to see if it would help. The shots were painful, of course. But I'd read that steroid therapy can help regrow hair, so I remained hopeful. On my return visit a couple of months later, I pointed out the dent to her, and she said it would fill in in a few months. She gave me a 2nd shot of Kenalog in my left buttock.

I got home that night and looked up the drug and its side effects. I found this board. I cried all night.

It's 3 months later and I have one huge, tender indentation in my scalp--it is BALD; how ironic as there was hair there pre-Kenalog. I also have several less deep dents in my scalp. I've also had the yeast infection, but so far I have yet to develop an indentation or discoloration in my buttock. I am wondering if I should see a lawyer because I was not informed of the risks of this drug. And apparently rather than improving the situation it was prescribed for, it made it worse.

Sigh.

I am a registered nurse that works in a pain clinic. We give epidural Kenalog everyday for people with disc problems in their spines. I had been having pain in my left leg and buttock for about 10 months, got an MRI and had a lumbar epidural steroid injection for my disc protrusion. It worked beautifully, still pain free 5 weeks later. However, my period is on its 3rd week now! My GYN gave me Provera pills but it didn't help. My other problem is I have found a lump in my breast. My GYN thinks it is related to the steroids and will do a mammogram in 2 weeks if it hasn't gone away. Has anyone else had this happen after steroids? I am 38.

My 12 year old daughter had what was suppose to be an "intramuscular" Kenalog and Celestone shot, that left her with a divet in her buttock. We are African-American and the spot lost all pigmentation, had strecth marks running through it and she also complained of loss of sensation in the area. Now about a year later the color has returned and it is less noticeable but is not gone. I believe this happened because of poor technique when giving the injection. My daughter is thin and I believe the medical assistant was afraid to inject the solution as deep as it should have been given. I have three co-workers that have experienced the same thing. I really think the physicians should train the staff better on giving these injections or give them personally. Good luck to all and I hope everyone sees improvement as we have and that my daughters divet continues to improve.

I am also a victim of Kenalg shot and I agree with the guest30120 and #30119, please email me at btk13study@yahoo.com
I had a Kenalog injection in my right buttock on 11/10/05 and now I have an indention and discoloration in the area of the shot. At first I thought that it will do away, however few months after it is still there. Also this area is very sore at all times. I am very frustrated with the outcome after the injection. After the shot my period lasted for several weeks, which is very unusual for me. I also have yeast infection on and off. All of these symptoms are due to my Kenolog shot which was administered to me without warning about any of the possible side effects.The shot that I received was given to me for the problem which I never had.

I recently had a kenalog injection in my buttock for hayfever. I have very serious hayfever, and nose sprays do not work for me. It worked very effectively for a 2 weeks, but has now worn off completely. The steroid has given me unusually heavy periods lasting for over a month at a time and i now have a serious iron deficiency which has caused aneamia due to the blood loss.

have used kenalog/xylocaine injections over the years for hip and LS Spine pain due to Fibromyalgia, but never more than 1 injection every 3 months. When I saw my rheumy on5/9/06, she said she would NEVER give just one. She insisted on giving me 4 ! one in each hip and 1 in each buttock. She said she's given as many as 5 at a time, every 5-6 months, with no problems. I have so many probs with allergic reactions to so masny meds, I was petrified. But she's always done well for me, for 17 years. Other than having sleep probs, I was walking and having full mobility in 2 days. However on 5 17/06 I began having severe body wide itching. No welts, but appears to be hives. Do you think there's a connectin to the injection? I'll call my pharmacist today and see wehat he says. Can't narrow it down to anything else. Any ideas?

I received a Kenalog injection in my right buttock 10/05. It was given to me for allergies and congestion. My doctor never told me about any of the possible side effects. I now have an indentation, loss of tissue, where the shot was given. The indentation is discolored and tender. When I sit for long periods of time it begins to ache. Has anyone had this fixed for free or had any compensation?

I received the kenalog injection in my right buttock in 10/05. I now have an indention, discoloration and tenderness of the area. I went to my doctor and was told that the Kenalog has broken down the fatty tissue and the only fix is to get fat injections from a plastic surgeon. But because it is in an area that is rarely seen by others that insurance will not pay for it.

I had a Kenalog injection in my right buttock on 11/10/05 and now I have an indention and discoloration in the area of the shot. At first I thought that it will do away, however few months after it is still there. Also this area is very sore at all times. I am very frustrated with the outcome after the injection. After the shot my period lasted for 3 weeks, which is very unusual for me. I also have yeast infection on and off. All of these symptoms are due to my Kenolog shot which was administered to me without warning about any of the possible side effects.The shot that I received was given to me for the problem which I never had. I am very upset and asking if anyone has been taken any legal actions if so please post your results. Thanks for your help.

I visited my doctors surgery to have my yearly kenalog injection for hayfever, the nurse told me she was worried and did not want me to have it as i had been having them for nine consecutive years. I have an indentation/ hole on my right buttock which i am now convinced is also from a kenalog injection march 2005. I will be visiting my doctor for advice regarding the hole.kim

I had kenalog injection in right buttock in Oct/05. I have the horrible indention and discoloration like everyone else has described. I called my doctor's office yesterday and the nurse knew in an instance that it was from the kenalog. She spoke with the doctor then called me back within 30 minutes stating that the doctor wanted to send me a plastic surgeon. Has anyone had their problem fixed by a plastic surgeon? I have read "fixes" are everything from collagen injections to reconstructive surgery.... please help if you know anything. I really want to educate myself more before I see more doctors. Thanks.

I am a 40 yr. old female who was given a kenalog injection in March of this year for inflammation in my lungs due to a bad cold. Within 2 wks I noticed an indentation at the injection site (right buttock) Since then, it has continued to grow much deeper and bigger. The center is so deep that it is all the way to my bone. I am no longer able to wear a bathing suit, or tight clothing because it is very obvious. When I went back to my Dr. was told he had never seen a reaction like mine and couldn't offer any answers about whether it would continue to get worse, or if it would repair itself. (he said he would have to consult another Dr. for information) In the meantime, I have been bleeding off & on with huge clots and bright red blood ever since the injection, but until reading this forum, didn't connect the two. (Neither did my Dr. apparently) I am going for an MRI this week to hopefully find the source of the bleeding which I'm certain now is from this horrible injection. I am scared to think of what other side effects this drug may have caused me and others! I was never given any disclosure from the Dr. or the nurse who admistered the injection about ANY of the possible side effects. Something needs to be done about the misuse of this drug and the lack of information given before it is administered. Please ladies think twice about ever agreeing to a kenalog injection!

I am sorry to hear about everyone elses' story but I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who has been negatively affected by this ridiculous drug. I too received the shot in my right buttock and shortly after noticed discoloration and a rather unattractive dimpling in that area. I too was never informed by the doctor or the nurse who administered the shot that these things could possibly happen to me otherwise I would never had agreed. I'm no doctor I expect the one I go to to look out for my best interests. I am seeking compensation from this doctor because vanity or not, I'm the one who has to live with this for the rest of my life.

I have received three injections of kenalog over the last two years to control my eczema. My eczema has greatly improved however I did notice a couple of troubling side effects. I too have experienced the indentations where I received the injections. I received the three shots in my right buttock and now it looks like a golf ball. I thought I could ignore it, however I am starting to notice it when I wear tighter pants. I am not sure if it will go away or not.

In regards to my menstrual cycle I actually noticed a positive reaction in that it is much less painful. I have been plagued with extremely painful cramps for all of my life and since I have received the injections it has been much more bearable. I am assuming it is because of the anti-inflammatory properies of steriods. I did however, notice more clotting. And the first time I received the shot, I got my period for two weeks straight.

I also noticed temporary weight gain which took a couple of months to control.

The other more troubling side efffect was recurrent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. I couldn't understand why I kept suffering from them until I asked my doctor and she said that steroids lower resistance to yeast infections, bacterial infections and viral infections.

Although my eczema is much improved I think this will be my last injection because the side effects are becoming too irritating and I am concerned about the long term effects on my bone health.

BE AFRAID--BE VERY AFRAID!

Had 3 20mg shots of Kenalog in each hip for bursitis pain on March 7th. Went back to doctor two weeks later for follow up. Bursitis pain was gone! So....he asked me to trust him and gave me two more (20mg) shots in each buttock for fibrmyalgia, even tho I reported weakness in my thighs. Had had a succession of problems since then. Legs so weak that I was unable to get up from toilet and chairs without pushing off with my hands, difficulty going up curbs, 3 upper resiratory infections in 4 weeks, extreme fatigue, depression, moon face, hair on face, thinning skin which bruises very easily, vertigo, diarreah, ankles that are grossly swollen. It's almost 5 months now, and there is some improvement in the strength in my legs; however my legs feel like Gumby legs, I bump into walls, still feel week, anke still swollen, still feel fatigue. I can walk, but find it difficult to stand for more than 2-3 minutes. Fortunately I found a doctor who practices integrative medicine and he immediately put me on adrenal support, which helped with the fatigue. I always know if I need to increase the dosage, because I cry easily (not a natural state for me) and jump at every sudden noise.
Like most of you, my doctor gave me no warning on the side effects of Kenalog. Needless to say, I've changed doctors.
I'm seeing a neurologist next week, and I hope he will be of help! It would be nice to know how long this stuff takes to get out of my system.

I sympathize with you all and wish you well.

I live in the countryside and suffer each summer from bad hayfever. I have been requesting a Kenalog injection into the upper buttock region for about 12 years now from various GPs. It has always completly cleared all of my alergies for the full summer period, GONE!

I have, thankfully, suffered no side-effects from the injection, yet find it harder to get a GP to administer the injection, despite having a good history with the drug.

Had one injection for hayfever and polyps in the nose 9 months ago. 2 months later started bleeding for 30 days straight. Was never informed of side effects when my doctor administered the injection and did not connect the two things at the time. 8 months after injection, I noticed dent at the injection site which has since grown to feel like a hole in my buttock. Will NEVER take kenalog again, the side effects are not worth it even if it did work on allergies

I had a Kenalog injection 5/4 or 5/5 for allergies. Allergies went away; however, I have a huge inention on my left buttock. Spoke to dr and he said "oh well, live with it" It will take a year to heal. In the meantime, the pain in my hip as well as my leg is horrible. Can't get up from a seated position using my left leg, only using my right. Have to lift my left leg to put it in the car.
Any suggestions?

I had a Kenalog injection 5/5/04; nothing mentioned about "dimpling" or any other side effects. Helped allergies ok; however, after 4 months I have this huge indention in my upper buttock. Not only that, I am unable to put any weight on my left foor/leg first. Have to use my right foot in order to get my left leg up the stairs second. Severe pain in that hip area as well as when I sleep, sit and walk. Dr. said "oh it would go away in a year" so live with it.
Any suggestions to help the pain??
Thanks,
CJ

I have had 3 shots at 6 month intervals and the last was probably about a year ago. My doctor and nurse did not inform me of any side effects.

My hayfever remained and I developed a rough patch of skin on top of right buttock which developed into a dent. The skin inside the dent which is about 3 thumbsizes wide and deep is uneven and looks celulittey it is often a purpley colour. I was sent to see a specialist dermatologist at hospital who proceeded to do a biopspy. Still no mention of kenalogue... The biopsy was inconclusive and they decided I may have morphoea which they treated me for - unsuccessfully.

I recently saw a specialist for my hayfever who found out about my kenalog jabs and warned me off it saying it was dangerous for muscles. I put 2 and 2 together saw this site and realise now that all I have been mistreated for morphoea, put through a biopsy and all for nothing. Kenalog has caused my indentation.

I am angry and considering legal action - they have wasted my time for the last year of not knowing and being mis treated and more importantly why are we not told that this drug poses such unpleasant side effects. I would never have had it done if I'd known!!!!

Our doctors did not give us all the information about this drug so we could make an informed choice! We are victims of thier neglect!

I have had Kenalog shots for about two years now. I started having the shots for plantar facitis(foot pain). I realized the shot also cleared all my hayfever and sinuitis. Then I realized the 80 mg. shot was also stopping all the pain over my entire body. I have arthritis and severe back and neck pain. My orthopedic Dr. says my back is shot! I have been in so much pain that I could not stand it anymore. Most of the shots have been in my hip or buttock. The only side effects I have had is a rise in my blood pressure and increase in appetite. But I have never had any pitting or discoloration. I have had a shot every 6 to 9 weeks over the past two years. Needless to say, I know these shots aren't healthy to my bones, but I couldn't function without the shot. I'm sure everyone has different reactions and some have to be more severe than others. Believe me I have read these side effects and I have looked for the spots, pits, and discoloration. I have none to this date. Nor have I had any bleeding.

I was recently given a KENALOG40 injection for simple poison ivy... I did not know what the shot was exactly until after the fact. BAD NEWS - it has left a LARGE indention at the site of the injection(left buttock)and I have read that this seems to be more of a problem with KENALOG than other similar drugs-I would advise to stay far away from KENALOG and opt for alternative treatment.