Kenalog and indentation

I URGE YOU TO PLEASE SUBMIT ANY ADVERSE EVENTS OF THIS TERRIBLE KENALOG DRUG TO THE FDA--JUST CLICK THIS LINK AND COMPLETE THE FORM: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/. The FDA is responsible for assuring safety of medications. Therefore, it is imperative that the FDA recognize the adverse effects to provide any credibility to a class action suit. Please consider forwarding your case to the FDA to force them into action and begin addressing these atrocities.

Here's my case: I am also a victim of having the Kenalog injection administered over a year ago to alleviate poison ivy itching symptoms. Prior to having the injection, I was not informed of any side effects. Not only did the injection not alleviate the symptoms, but has resulted in a discolored and uncomfortable indentation in my left buttock area and psychological anguish because of disfigurement of my body. It is over a year later and the indent remains and continues to cause discomfort. The dermatologist who administered the injection stated that there was nothing I could do to reverse such effects. I reported my case to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Med Watch and strongly urge others to report their adverse event to the FDA (see link above).

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.

Hi a little over a year ago i received a kenalog injection for allergies and have been having a lot of the same side effects you all have been having. I have a very large indentation on my butt. I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon to see about have the indentation fixed just out of worry that it will keep getting bigger because it has over the last 12 months. I have also had problems with my period. I have went from having extreme bleeding to 2 periods a month to now bleeding for 3 weeks at a time. I have also lost a ton of weight and am down to 115 pounds even though I eat all day long. A drug of this kind should not be on the market!!!! ON THE PACKAGE INSERT FOR THIS DRUG NONE OF THESE SIDE EFFECTS ARE LISTED. Somebody should be held liable. If any of you have any information on a class action lawsuit please let me know. Surgery to fix this is very expense not to mention just looking at it in the mirror and knowing that it could have been prevented if someone would have informed me that it could have possible happened.

I made an appt. with my gyno. about six weeks ago because my period was going on for two weeks at a time. Around that time my husband noticed a dent in my butt cheek, and since then it has gotten worse. I was looking up indentation on the butt and came across this information. I JUST called my Dr. and asked them when I was in there for poison ivy what they gave me for a shot, you guessed it KENALOG 80MG. This was five months ago. The indentation is getting worse. Will it ever stop, and what kind of Dr. do I go see about this? Will my periods ever regulate?

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 thought I had Lupus because I had complete body aches for weeks. My bicep muscle in my right arm would feel like it was locked. I would wake up every morning feeling like I was in a car accident the day before. Once the body aches went away, I got blurred vision, burning in my eyes, headaches, fatigue, depression, problems concentrating... I just got this shot in June. I hope it metabolizes quickly and leaves my system w/o further side effects. I hope the indentation at the injection site fades away in time but I think it's permanent because the tissue has dissolved and the fat cells were destroyed. I wouldn't feel so bad if the indent wasn't in my face!

I got a couple of kenalog shots in 2004 and 2005 following a surgery that left scar tissue on the bridge of my nose. I never had any bad side effects. I wanted to follow up and get more but the cosmetic surgeon that previously gave me those shots what not accepting my insurance any longer so I went to another plastic/cosmetic surgeon. He told me that I would need a revision and a Kenalog shot would not be beneficial. I pointed out another area on my face that I was concerned with and he agreed to inject the kenalog into a scar on my eyebrow which caused an indentation on my forehead! He won't admit this is a side effect from the kenalog shot. He even tried to convince me it was a frown line, but I know better. I have it all the time even when I'm not making expressions and it's only on the side of the injection.

I am also a victim of having the Kenalog injection administered over a year ago to alleviate poison ivy itching symptoms. Prior to having the injection, I was not informed of any side effects. Not only did the injection not alleviate the symptoms, but has resulted in a discolored and uncomfortable indentation in my left buttock area and psychological anguish because of disfigurement of my body. The dermatologist who administered the injection stated that there was nothing I could do to reverse such effects. I reported my case to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Med Watch. I urge others to report their adverse event to the FDA--just click on this link and complete the form: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/. The FDA is responsible for assuring safety of medications. Therefore, it is imperative that the FDA recognize the adverse effects to provide any credibility to a class action suit. Please consider forwarding your case to the FDA to force them into action and begin addressing these atrocities. Such documented cases and recognition by the FDA will provide leverage for attorneys in pursuit of a class action suit.

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 :-)

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.

Hi, Had a KENALOG injection about 2 months ago for chronic hayfever, since about a week after I had the shot, I have had various joint pains in the leg in which I had the injection. It started in my hip, then my ankle, even at times my big toe joint! Has anyone else had a similar experience, if so how long should this last? I can't exercise, even walking a short distance is painful. I have 2 young kids and this is not helping!!
Sarah, Hampshire, UK

I had the same steroid injection for tonsillitis this past January in both cheeks. I now too have noticed a large indentation in my right butt cheek. I was never informed of this possible side effect either. I would definitely be interested in pursuing a class action regarding the disfigurement of my previously favorite body-part. Had I been informed of such, I would have just had my tonsils removed!!

I have a big giant indentation on the left side of my butt Thank God I'm not a bathing suit model or my career would be over.It ticks me off every time I see it in the mirror or touch my caved in butt.No one ever mentioned any side effects.

I had a Kenalog injection in November to try to get over bronchitis. About three months later I noticed an indentation on the right side of my butt. I went to the doctors and she said that that can happen and it will probably come back. It is now June 2nd and it is way worse than it was then. I don't know what to do now. I think they should be responsible to fix it. It's disgusting.

I am also a victim of having the Kenalog injection administered over 8 months ago to alleviate poison ivy itching symptoms. Prior to having the injection, I was not informed of any side effects. Not only did the injection not alleviate the symptoms, but has resulted in a discolored and uncomfortable indentation in my left buttock area and psychological anguish because of disfigurement of my body. It is 8 months later and the indent appears to continue to deepen and lengthen. The dermatologist who administered the injection stated that there was nothing I could do to reverse such effects. I reported my case to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Med Watch. I urge others to report their adverse event to the FDA--just click on this link and complete the form: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/. The FDA is responsible for assuring safety of medications. Therefore, it is imperative that the FDA recognize the adverse effects to provide any credibility to a class action suit. Please consider forwarding your case to the FDA to force them into action and begin addressing these atrocities. Such documented cases and recognition by the FDA will provide leverage for attorneys in pursuit of a class action suit.

I got a shot in early January for a severe tonsillitis infection. I was so sick at the time, that I consented to the shot because I thought it would relieve the swelling. The doctor never mentioned any side effects. Unfortunately, the shot did not help at all. Even worse, I noticed a few months after I received the shot, that I had developed a dark indentation at the site of the shot, on my butt cheek. Since then, I have noticed that the dent has gotten bigger and uglier. I'm very upset about it. I went to a dermatologist/cosmetic surgeon, and she advised that I do nothing. She said it would fill in with time - 6 months to a year. We will see.....it doesn't seem to be getting any better.

The worst and most distressing side effect, is this month I had two periods, two weeks apart. I've never been on birth control, and my periods have always been very regular. I had been reading about this side effect a few months ago, and was relieved that at least my periods had not been affected.....well, I was wrong. 4 months after the shot, I've been affected. I had noticed in the past several months, that my periods had gotten shorter, lasting only 2-3 days as opposed to 3-5. They have also gotten lighter, except this most recent irregular period which was a bit heavier.

Along with the dent and irregular periods, I've been experiencing back aches, extreme fatigue and some nauseau - all symptoms which I've never experienced before. I'm a runner and in pretty decent shape and good health. Now I feel like my body has deteriorated due to one small but devastating shot!

I'm very upset and distressed about these side effects. I'm afraid of what other side effects I might not know about yet.

I contacted a lawyer that I found on this website, who is helping a client with these symptoms. I want to join a class action suit. This is unacceptable!

I had the shot in September 07. I agree that it is scary to read all these posts. about two months ago I noticed a small "dent" on my lower back. I though little of it, thought it was just a dimple from exercising. after months it has persisted and when you push it it feels like there is just nothing there. I googled it and was both relieved and newly concerned to find this. I have an appointment with the people who gave me the shot, but realize there is little they can do, at least they will know. I feel helpless and am scared it will continue to grow...just don't know what to do.

I had a Kenalog injection in two trigger points (one on the right side of my spine in the shoulder blade area and one on the right side of my spine in the lower neck) on March 27, 2008. Prior to the shot, I was suffering from numbness in my right arm and leg, shooting pains and loss of motor skills in my right arm, severe muscle spasms in my back and neck, tightening in my chest and back, severe migraines, night sweats and hot flashes, vertigo/dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pains to name a few. Since the injection, I have noticed an increase of heart palpitations, dizziness, severe migraines, blurry vision, excessive weight gain, severe hot flashes, tiredness, and have had trouble sleeping. In the last two weeks, I have noticed a quarter sized indentation where I received the shot in my shoulder blade area and a baseball sized indentation where I received the shot in my lower neck area. I was not made aware of ANY side effects to this shot and will DEFINITELY not get another one. It is only a month later and I have not felt any improvement in my symptoms that I had before or after the shot. I received the shot, as my doctor felt it would help with what they think is a spazzed muscle in my back shoulder blade area near the spine. The doctor who gave me the shot stated if it didn't help, they would try giving me a cervical epidural, which has its own set of scary risks! I am beginning to think I will have to live with my symptoms for the rest of my life!

I too, have been having weird symptoms over the last several months and just connected it all with having a Kenalog shot 7 months ago. In October 2007, two months after my injection, I developed severe anxiety and panic attacks. I thought it was related to perimenopause. Then, in January, I started having lots of muscle and joint pain all over my legs and hips. I've been a healthy and active person, so this was very unusual. I saw an orthopeadic surgeon who diagnosed me with a strained rotator cuff and bursitis on my hips. Now, just two weeks ago, I woke up with a large indentation on my left glut. Right where the Kenalog injection was given. My doctor had no clue what it was and said she might refer me to a Plastic Surgeon. I am SO relieve to find this board. It all clicked when I read everyone's postings. Now I just want to know if it will get worse or eventually go away. I did find some interesting information about the drug. BTW, the nurse or doctor NEVER said anything about side effects before giving my the injection. I am seriously going to pursue a law suit, so we can get this terrible drug OFF the market and no one else has to endure this disfiguring problem. If ENOUGH of us join together in a law suit, it might be worth suing the drug manufacturer. But we have to somehow get organized. Anyone intersted in pursuing this?

Here are some facts about the drug I found online.

Kenalog is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes skin infection, tuberculosis of the skin, chicken pox, herpes, cold sores, sunburned or wind burned skin, chapped skin, open sores, diabetes, or a stomach ulcer may not be able to take Kenalog or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Kenalog as a pregnancy risk category C. This medication has been known to cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. It has yet to be determined whether or not Kenalog passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant, nursing, or have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Kenalog, some of which are severe. A patient who is experience a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency treatment. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which may include facial swelling, such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require immediate emergency medical treatment include symptoms such as insomnia, blurry vision, mood changes, halo vision, fatigue, weight gain, facial puffiness, or irregular heart rate.

My 17 yr.old has suffered from asthma since she was little, she received a kenolog injection around her waist and has a huge indentation. She is very active in sports and is very upset about this. Has someone ever sued and won? The discoloration of her skin, pulling sensation as she bends or reaches is very disturbing. I hope she does not develop any other problems.

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 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.

Hello everyone,

Just like all of you, I too googled this strange indentation in my left buttocks and found this site. I suspected when it first showed up that it may have something to do with a shot from my Dr. because the indentation was strangely in the same spot as my last shot. I have received several Kenalog shots over the past couple years for chest congestion and sinus related symptoms that typically drive me to calling my family practice doctor. Although he regularly administers Kenalog, I have had know reason to doubt his treatment as my history with him has been relatively good. However, he is not the one administering the shots, his young nurse it the one (less than a year out of school). Anyway, I too, like many of you am going to look into a class action lawsuit and/or my own legal counsel. If there is anyone out there who has gotten any positive feedback from a lawyer willing to take this on, please contact me for testimonial. This is not flattering and moreover, after reading the many previous entries, I am downright scared. Also, please advise is there is any known treatment to help reduce further reduction of tissue in this area. Thank you very much for reading and for the continued entries after this one.

I too googled my butt cheek indentation and found this website. I was given the shot for an allergic skin rash. I am also taking the medication in the form of a cream externally. Guess I will be stopping asap and calling my family doctor, not the dermatologist that gave me the medication.....this is pretty scary!!!

I have recently discovered that I too have had a major side effect from this drug. I only received one injection 5 months ago in the buttocks for an allergic reaction I was having and now I have a huge indention like crater in the area that looks like the tissue has been eaten away. I did not even know it was from that since it has been a while and only one shot. After finding this website and talking to my doctor's office. They did confirm that the shot given was Kenalog and in that spot which I was certain of after reading so many others who have this side effect as well.
I am very interested in joining a class action lawsuit. People need to be warned of these major effects. I would have NEVER allowed the injection to be given had I been warned.

Well actually I did not know what was wrong with me until I googled(injection causing indentation and bruising 2 months later) that is where I came upon this web site!!! IN November I had a injection at my md office for back pain, it was really swollen and bruised. Also during this time all the sudden I did not have a period fro a month and a half!! I was freaked out, going to the emergency room having pregnancy tests blood work and ultrasounds, all coming up nothing....then all the sudden I'm having this non stop period for 22 days straight!! I made a obgyn apt and they could not figure anything out!!! Now I know what happened to me. I am a victim of this horrendous experience. If anyone has had answers from legal people please let me know!!

I had the shot mid August 07 for a case of poison ivy. At first nothing seemed wrong. A month later, I was still itchy, but not where I had poison ivy, on my scalp, elbows, and my right palm. My period was off by two weeks, but nothing like a 4 week period. Yesterday I had severe aching in my left quad and hamstring area, though I haven't done anything strenuous lately. Tonight I noticed the huge (maybe two inches long, not really round, but sort of like a finger was pressed into my skin) indentation and got really scared.

Just as so many others have posted, I was not warned of the risks of receiving this shot. I am a little scared about the indentation continuing to grow. I can't believe so many people have been adversely effected and so many doctors downplay it as just one shot. I feel like I've been duped and conned. I will definitely tell all of my family and friends never to try this snake oil.
What can we do? Has anyone contacted a lawyer for a class action?

I had a Kenalog shot march 07, and it seemed to work wonders. In September, my allergies came back with a vengeance, so I returned to the same doctor. I was given another shot, in the same spot on my buttocks. I started having my period every two weeks. Normally very skinny, I have gained about 10-15 pounds. I started to notice facial hair. I went to an OBGYN and was tested for PCOS. A weeks ago, my boyfriend noticed a large indentation in my buttocks, with some bruising at the site of the injections. One of our friends mentioned a similar side effect from allergy shots. After researching and reading all this... I believe both of these to be side effects from the shot. I was never warned of any side effects, only told it would be better than taking a pill every day. I am so terrified and so depressed about this, I wish I would have been warned. I am not sure what to do!

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.

My Kenalog experience has been horrible! I had two in January '07 but had an IUD in at the time so I chalked the side effects (excess facial hair, weight gain, moodiness, depression, etc.) up to that. I had my IUD removed in March and a couple of months later things improved. I thought it was all the IUD.
Fast forward to September '07. I had two more Kenalog injections Well it was horrible. I had every side effect I think except for the indentation. My husband and I were also trying to get pregnant and I had no idea these shots could do so much damage to my cycle. I am not ovulating now and had almost no period for two months and now I cannot stop bleeding. It is so disheartening.
I don't know if I would go through it ever again since the results don't seem to last long term for my pain anyway. I just wish I had read more about it before I had two in a row done.

I too had a Kenalog-40 shot in my glute January 2007, for hair loss related to Yasmin. I developed a large, indentation with pigment changes, as I am African American. I cured my own dent after my dermatologist and a few specialists at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where I work, told me there was nothing they could do to help me. I took chlorophyll supplements for 30 days and the dent disappeared. I used Nature's Way chlorophyll and apparently this stuff removes drug deposits from the body and fully cleared up the dent. Take a look online for info on chlorophyll and you will lots of positive reports.

Good Luck, ALL!!!

Wow after reading all these postings I'm nervous, just had a kenalog shot yesterday for a possible disk problem (MRI in a week). I am concerned about the possible indentation at the injection site (lower back) as I had a similar situation develop years ago and saw a surgeon, who thought it was some calapsing of the muscle. I went in for surgery under local ann., but when they got in they found it had roots and was growing, to late to go under general and they had to dig it out. The most pain I have ever experienced, it was benign and now I had a kenalog shot in the same area and to make matters worse I still have the same pain today as I did yesterday.

i received a kenalog shot about 5 months ago on just one single pimple on my left cheek. about 3 or 4 weeks after the shot i got this huge indentation and discoloration. mind you the rest of my skin is completely clear with no acne nor scars nothing so this indentation stands out even more. the discoloration went away completely and the indentation filled some but not all the way. i went to 5 different dermatologists and all say the same thing that it will eventually fill in on its own as the skin regenerates itself in close to 2 years. the dr who gave me the shot gave me no warnings and now im stuck with this unsightly dent in the middle of my face which apparently will correct itself. i have gotten all the fillers like restalyne and collagen but it doesnt work all it does is push the dent to the surface of the skin and its obsorbed in about 2-3 months anyway. if any one has had this experience before particularly on the face please tell me there is hope that my skin will go back to the way it was before or if you kno of any sort of treatment please let me know.

I too experienced an indentation from a kenalog shot. My experience is a little different though, because I received the shots on my face for acne. I received four shots and two out of the four depressed / indented. I was EXTREMELY depressed and felt hopeless after reading it would take 6 months to a year (or more) to have my skin gash-free. I stayed up for two days straight searching for some sort of help on the internet and found a medical article about something called saline infiltration. It is a relatively new procedure and was created by "one of the best dermatologists in the country". I was so desperate, that the next morning I drove to see him in La Jolla, Ca (I live in LA). I received shots in the problem areas. It is now two days later and my indents are about 80% better!! He told me to give it another couple of days to see complete restoration, and if not, said that one more treatment should make everything 100% normal again. Needless to say, I am thrilled!! I do not know if this will work for any of your situations (being that the dr. is a dermatologist and the shot was initially given for acne), but I thought I would share my great news and hopefully help at least one person out there dealing with this mess.

I too experienced an indentation from a kenalog shot. My experience is a little different though, because I received the shots on my face for acne. I received four shots and two out of the four depressed / indented. I was EXTREMELY depressed and felt hopeless after reading it would take 6 months to a year (or more) to have my skin gash-free. I stayed up for two days straight searching for some sort of help on the internet and found a medical article about something called saline infiltration. It is a relatively new procedure and was created by "one of the best dermatologists in the country". I was so desperate, that the next morning I drove to see him in La Jolla, Ca (I live in LA). I received shots in the problem areas. It is now two days later and my indents are about 80% better!! He told me to give it another couple of days to see complete restoration, and if not, said that one more treatment should make everything 100% normal again. Needless to say, I am thrilled!! I do not know if this will work for any of your situations (being that the dr. is a dermatologist and the shot was initially given for acne), but I thought I would share my great news and hopefully help at least one person out there dealing with this mess. Good luck to you all - I feel for your situations.

Kenalog can be great and it can be bad. I had a bad accident and have a HUGE encapuslated scar around my chin and jaw. It makes my face have NO character and looks masculine and square. For the scarring I was told to massage it at first and it would dissipate with time. For the scar under my chin, where they put my jaw back together, I had what are called "dog ear" scars which are hanging skin really. A NOT very smart doctor injected me TOO close to the surface and it caused the colored indentation you ALL have been discussing. IT IS reversible. Two years later and lots of daily applications of retin-a (tretinoin) you can barely see that it ever was an indent nor discolored.
I was disappointed that my scarring under ths skin around the chin/jaw never did go away and found another doctor. This doctor VERY cautiously started, to my horrid fear as I thought this was "flesh eating bacteria" to offer and proceed, with my permission to give me injections. SLOWLY the scarring is going down, and today I went for treatment THREE with Kenalog 40 which is a higher dose than he had previously given. I have very fibrous scar tissue and he is very careful to actually go INTO the scar and not the skin. I am a bit worried that with the higher dose it may actually do some harm, but lets see and so far this doctor seems to REALLY know how to use this stuff. I think it is a great option for certain conditions and when used properly. I am hoping that you guys discuss with local specialists who is recommended in your region because the provider and their experience is important. You would not get breast implants from a dentist would you?

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!

I just read the entire list of side effects on the Bristol Myers Squibb site, and now i realize that Kenalog is to blame for some of my other problems.
I've been suffering from insomnia since the shot i recieved 2 weeks ago, also acne, increased appetite, along with the menstual irregularities. I havn't noticed the indentation on the injection site yet, but that's not to say i wont have that problem as well.

I had a Kenolog injection in Nov. 2006, for pneumonia. I got better and thought all was fine. After a 2 months i noticed a strange indention on my upper left buttcheek. at that time it was about the size of a quarter. Also at that time, never having heard of any side effects i was stressing Big Time about why I had this "hole" in my cheek. After going to a different doctor and having a sonogram and a bunch of people looking at my behind with No answers. I finally found a Kenolg complaint web site after google-ing indentation in buttcheek. I was shocked as i finally put 2 & 2 together! Now It's Sept. 2007 I still not only have a "hole" in my cheek, it has gotten much bigger, about the size of my fist!!! It's hideous! It also aches. I use to run now that hurts my glute.The doctor has been no help. I keep hoping it gets better, but so far only worse. Does it get better and heal up?? Is anyone currently involved in any lawsuits regarding this situation?
any info would be much appreciated.

I had the shot in the spring two times and now have a huge indention at the top of my hip it looks horrible what can we do about this I would never have deformed myself this is awful!!!

I am extremely exhausted after being up for only 6 or so hours. When I take a"nap" it ends up not being the usual ten minute refresher but a 4 hour zonk, and I wake up even tireder. I usually am energetic and get a lot done but I have spent so much time sleeping that I get way behind my to-do list. I had one 60mg shot on June 5th for psoriasis. My psoriasis is slowly disappearing, and I don't have an indentation at the shot site. Also, my skin feels young and supple, not dry and scaly like before. I also read somewhere that I could get "feelings of self importance" and "misplaced suspiciosness" as side effects.

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 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.

If you are a woman or have a daughter PLEASE READ.......

Please be very careful before getting a Kenalog injection especially if you are a woman or for your daughter. In March my 13 year old daughter received one Kenalog injection for hay fever. Now almost 4 MONTHS later it is a 2 inch indentation with dark bruising all around it. She has also had her period the entire time with maybe a 1-2 day break between them. It has taken this long for the doctors to say the bleeding is from the Kenalog injection. I never would have allowed them to give this to her if I had known of these side effects. She has been put through test after test and no end in site. Now my 13 year old will have to go on birth control to stop the bleeding and there will prob. be side effects from that as well. I was shocked to find this site and now how many lives this drug is hurting. Now my daughter is suffering, all from 1 SHOT.

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 also received an injection over a year ago, for a respiratory
infection. The site in which it was given, (hip area), has quite a large indentation from it. My question to anyone who can
answer is, has anyone noticed an indentation anywhere
else on thier body. (Not counting where the injection was given)???? I have noticed an area on the opposite side of
my body(leg area) an indentation. Getting quite nervous
about all of this. I also am noticing shortness of breath.
Thank you.

In order to treat my excema my dermotologist insisted that i should have a kenalog shot. I asked him for the worst side effect and he respomed with "it can get worse". okay, its already bad, why not try it. 2 months later I have a huge indentation on my lower back. It measures 5 1'2 inches wide and it seems to be getting worse. He has no idea whats going on and he has never seen an indention as bad as mine. I WILL NEVER HAVE THIS SHOT AGAIN. OR HaVE ANY OF MY LOVED ONES!!

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 have used topical triamcinolone (kenalog) for many years for treating mild psoriasis and about 2 years ago I started to notice an indentation on my left buttocks. About 6 months later it filled out again but then appeared on my right buttocks and has not gone away. I went to my primary physician to inquire about it and she could not tell me what was wrong. While surfing the internet to research this, which really bothers me, I found this site and I am in utter shock to say the least! Those of you with this side effect, I feel your pain! And who knows what other side effects are lurking around the corner for us? Is there a LAWYER IN THE HOUSE?