Kenalog and eczema

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 :-)

I was given two Kenalog injections during the month of January 2008. My skin had been breaking out in eczema patches all over my body due to a side effect of a sinus infection that I had. My dermatologist gave me two rounds of Kenalog, two weeks apart from each other. The injections immediately cleared up the break outs I was having. Ever since the second shot, I have experienced irregular periods ( My menstrual cycle has always been very regular). The first cycle lasting 15days, which made me nervous. I went to my regular doctor and she said it was probably a side effect of the antibiotic I was given.
My menstrual cycle has been highly irregular. The month of February my cycle ran for 10 days, then stopped for three, started again for another 10days. And now rotates almost every other day. Along with the irregular periods I experience headaches on a regular basis, nausea, anxiety, and I am often feeling lethargic due to the fact that I am probably experiencing low iron.
I was never told the side effects, so I was feeling nervous until I found this website.

My son is 7 and has severe eczema. I took him to the dermatologist for treatment. The creams were not working so I asked about a cortisone shot. The doctor didn't tell me the side effects he just said they would give him half a dose and he would be fine. He had it done in October 07 and it's December 4 07. Just tonight as he was getting his pj's on I noticed a large indent on his right hip area.I thought it was a bruise, but when I got close it was discolored like grey and totally indented.I'm so upset that I'm sick to my stomach especially after reading everyones stories. He's seven with this on his body that will probably never go away. The shot cleared the really bad spots, but he's had a rash ever since he got the shot. I wish there was a lawyer that would do something. I was not warned ahead of time or else I would have never had him get it.

I have had 7 injections of Kenalog, and if I knew of all the problems I would have I would have never agreed to it. I am having them for pain management all recommended by my workmans comp nurse. I never questioned the treatment as we have sought others witn no success. I first was miserable with stomach and menstral cramps I believed brought on by the first series of shots. My "pain doctor" said that it was not from the medicine and to keep taking my medicine. I am also taking Baclofen a muscle relaxer to help with the cramping the injections may cause. I am so miserable with leg cramps, dizziness, tiredness, arm cramps, stomach cramps, feelings of disorientation, and now a never ending period (I am on day 15). Again the doctor denies any of this relating to the injections. I am going to see my family doctor just to rule out anything else, but after reading this site I am sure that I am right assuming it is from the injections. I am 37, so the pain doctor said I could be starting my "change". I am sooo tired of the denial and as I notice my doctor is not the only one in denial. I am glad I started doing research I just hope it is not too late. I could really use some legal help now.

I am a fairly healthy 38 year old with severe eczema on my hands. I had been receiving cortisone shots quarterly. One side effeect that I can only attribute to the kenalog shot is that it stopped me from ovulating. I had blood tests to confirm. Though after about 4 months I started ovulating again. So if you want to get pregnant, I would be aware of this possible side effect.

I had a Kenalog shot last week for extreme eczema. I couldn't stop the itch/scratch cycle....now, it is worse than ever. I have to wear gloves in bed at night, to keep me from tearing the skin and having my forearms bleed in the night...

Can anyone help me?!? I received a 40mg Kenalog injection n February 27 from a dermatologist for severe eczema on my hands. this was the first time I had seen him and he didn't even want to try any other treatments. I've now had my period for 27 days straight, I've had migraines about 4 times a week and I've gained 17, yes 17 pounds in the last month. This dermatologist pretty much told me to go away when I questioned these problems as side effects of the steroid. Has anyone else expereinced this? My family practice Dr. is 99.9% sure this if from the steroid but he also did some blood work to rule out anthing else. I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

I had three shots over Feb-July of 2005 to clear up severe eczema before my wedding. For whatever reason, my eczema stopped responding to the usual homeopathic remedy I take for it and I had to clear it up quick! Kenalog worked well but definitely having "menstrual irregularities." I've had periods that last two weeks or longer; lately they run 9 days with another "period" shortly after (bright red color). My last shot was July and I've returned to homeopathy but four months later I'm still having "irregularities." Today, during my "side effect" period, I've soaked through a regular tampon every 1.5 hours! How long before this works out of my system!? Arrghhh!

I have been revceiving injections in my right buttocks for eczema the past 1.5 years (every 6 weeks). Since I started this, my menstrual cycle has been irregular. It would come for 1 week, stop for 1 week, then come back for 2 weeks. For the past week and a half, I've had this pain in my leg. It definitely isn't muscle, but more bone pain. I told my primary doctor that I haven't changed anything in my lifestyle. But I did tell her about the injections and she was shocked that I've been getting them for such a long time. Supposedly it can cause osteoporosis over a long period of time, along with the hormonal changes. My doctor advised me to stop with the injections and prescribed another topical medication. Hopefully my flare ups can live without the injections. How is everyone else coping?

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.

I have been getting the shot about every month to month and 1/2 for about a year to treat Pompholyx a type of eczema on my hands. Turns out I am allergic to formaldehyde from cigarette smoke, I've been a smoker for about 10 years and I am now allergic to my own smoke, ironic... Well, I just quit smoking but, my hands have broken out so its time for one last injection. Kenolog is the only thing that allowed me to continue to work while I narrowed down the source of my allergy. Hopefully now I won't have to get any more injections now that I quit smoking. I have never had any negative reactions or side effects of this drug but, now that I've read some, I'm glad I won't need it anymore. anyone got a cigarette I can bum??lol

I was taking 50 mg. Kenalog injections intra-muscular for 2 and 1/2 years. When my new doctor found out - he almost went through the roof. He couldn't believe that another doctor would keep a patient on it for so long. Needless tosay, I no longer take them and I have since developed psoriasis, very high rhuematoid 1,738, should be 14 or less and the list goes on and on. I too have the "tatoo indentation" on the butt. I am an absolute mess. I have cuts under my feet and on my hands. To think this all started from bad eczema on my hands. I have never been sorrier for starting the steroids.

In Sept. of 2003, I had an eczema breakout, when I went to my Dermatologist I was given a Kenalog shot, which helped with the skin condition but, noticed several days later I had some bleeding from the rectum. When I went to the Family Doctor to have this checked, was scheduled for a coloscopy. When I talked with my Dermatologist, he said it was possible this was a side affect from the Kenalog.

This past Sept. 16th, 2004, had major skin flare-up when I applied Calamine Lotion to my skin that had some breaking out and was itchy. The Dermalogist said that some people who have eczema cannot Calamine Lotion; hence the flare-up of my skin. I was given a Kenalog shot on the 16th and then again on the 24th along with a Benedryl Shot for the itching.
I have had for the past 4 days a headache, soreneck on the right side of my neck as if I've slept wrong and menstrual type bleeding from spotting to heavy bleeding. My Dermatlogist again said that it's possible that this is a reaction to the Kelagon again. I just wanted to pass my experience on to others who have had this treatment.

I developed whole-body hives from an injection of 1 cc of Kenalog for tennis elbow. Subsequent allergy testing was "incredible" according to my allergist. We both think that I developed a strong allergy to Kenalog from more than 20 years of using it periodically for scalp eczema.
Apparently, allergy to Kenalog is quite rare (according to my allergist). He's thinking about writing about it. So, altho' I had a severe allergic reaction to it, it appears to be quite rare.

ITS ONLY BEEN 5 DAYS SINCE I GOT A SHOT OF KENALOG FOR ECZEMA ON 7 OF MY FINGERS. THE BLISTERING AND OOZING WAS PRETTY BAD AND WAS SPREADING FAST(IT ONLY STARTED WITH ONE FINGER) THE SHOT IMMEDIATELY CLEARED IT UP AND WAS LOOKING BETTER WITHIN 3-4 DAYS...NO DISCOLORATION OR INDENTS ON THE HIP....A LITTLE IRRITABLE....I THANK GOD THE SHOT WORKED, BUT AFTER READING SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS, I THINK I'D THINK TWICE ABOUT DOING IT AGAIN....BY THE WAY, MY DERMATOLOGIST DID NOT DISCLOSE THE SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE DRUG....I DID ASK HIM PRIOR TO HIM GIVING IT TO ME BUT..HIS RESPONSE WAS VERY VAGUE AND PRETTY MUCH SAID THAT I DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS BECAUSE I PROBABLY WON'T GET ANY BECAUSE THE DOSAGE WAS LOW .....30MG

This isn't exactly Kenalog, however. I was using topical Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% for eczema and it caused 3 scars. I did not know what was causing them. No one bothered to inform me of the side effects of this drug before prescribing it.

I am currently using Kenalog diluted in lotion for topical treatment of eczema. I had used it seven years ago for the same thing but don't remember having any side effects. All I know is that it is the ONLY thing that has made my itchy, weepy/crusty blisters disappear and make my skin soft and smooth again, getting rid of all redness and pain.

FYI - This is copied directly from the pharmacist's information sheet given to me yesterday at Wal-Mart for my prescription of Kenalog.

ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, barbituates, rifampin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-freeding.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that MAY go away during treatment include acne, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headache, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or sweating. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF: you experience rash; muscle pain or weakness; slow wound healing; fever or chills; sore throat; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; changes in eyesight; changes in mood; or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. **Serious side effects may occur if you suddenly stop using this medicine. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN as provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR OR LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAKES YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESSES, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with infection. If you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB) while taking this medicine or during the twelve months after stopping this medicine, call your doctor. Also report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) for up to 12 months after stopping this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING ANY IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. **This includes medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. **DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES AND USE INSULIN, this medicine may affect you blood sugar and insulin requirements. Check blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your insulin.