September 15th
2009
10:59 PM
I have been given three procedures with kenalog injections. First was in May when I has an epidural for my work related back injury. Though I received little pain relief from the epidural, I began to have menstrual spotting only a week after my regular period ended. This spotting continued every day for about three weeks. I had a normal end of June, beginning of July period. I started my next period the Friday before my first SI joint injection with Kenalog which was Wed. Aug 5th. Well from there my period never ended. Since then I've spotted everyday and all day long. I am sore from having to wear pads all the time. I went next to my f/u appt where they gave me another SI joint injection. I did tell them about this bleeding, but they weren't concerned. So here I am still spotting until today. This morning I woke up feeling fine besides my usual spotting I've had. Got to work, was working for about an hour to so and began to cramp. Went to bathroom and passed a clot about the size of the palm of my hand. And then consisted to have heavy bleeding soaking a pad in about 1.5-2.0 hour time. During the whole spotting I've had, I took preg. tests, with most recent one a week ago and was neg. My other concern is I have an IUD-the copper Paragard. Called my OB-GYN and she wanted to see me right away. Left work and on my way there (45 min. drive) I began feeling lightheaded and weak. My mom ended up driving me the rest of the way. Anyway, everything checked out fine-IUD ok, neg preg test, no chance for tubal preg. Was told must be side effect of the Kenalog. I've been bleeding for like 6 weeks and am soooo sore from pads all the time. I am on light duty due to my work injury and I feel I should be covered for today and tomorrow because OB-GYN wants me on bed rest to stop this heavy bleeding. I feel I should be paid under Workers' Comp since these missed days are related to a complication from the treatment of my work related injury. Any suggestions or comments from anyone?
-- By mlbair | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 6th
2009
12:10 AM
I am a 52 year old post menopausal woman who received epidural Kenalog injections for arthritis in my neck (each one month apart). I didn't notice any symptoms with the first injection. About 2 weeks after the 2nd injection, I began spotting, and then bleeding for a few days. Prior to this, I had not menstruated for 18 months. I also noticed minor puffing in my face. The day of the 3rd injection, I had vaginal bleeding again, but it stopped. My blood pressure has increased, my skin appears to be thinning and I now have moon face. Does anyone know how long the facial puffiness lasts?
-- By amb2 | Reply | Private Message me
August 25th
2009
1:44 PM
THANK GOODNESS!!! I honestly thought I was losing my mind. I was in a automobile accident in 2007. We are in a lawsuit with the insurance company. Just today i am looking over all the medical records. I never knew what I was being injected with. They told me it would help and it was safe. So today i google Kenalog injections. I was given 120mg injections every 3 weeks for 4 months. I gained 38 pounds. I grew hair on my face. My emotions ran the spectrum and were subject to change any given moment. I became depressed. I have a menstrual every day for a year. Constant headaches and fatigue. The pain in my back decreased but I was constantly sick in some other way. Had I been told before hand about all of the possible side effects I would have refused treatment. Something should be done so that no one has to experience these things. I have not had an injection for almost 1.5 years and the dimpling has yet to resolve itself. If anyone know s anything that can be done please let me know. Also I think the drug company should be help accountable. If anyone figures out how to do that let me know.
M.
-- By meshell1974 | Reply | Private Message me
June 9th
2009
7:17 PM
55 yr old post menopausal nurse....i had kenalog injections in each knee after knee surgery for a torn meniscus....worked great!now the bad news....2 weeks after the shots i started spotting light pink!of course i am freaking out.....have been lightly spotting for 10 days and of course im thinking the worst...i had a pelvic ultra sound today and am going to gyne for more horrible testing tomorrow.....haven't had a female issue until the shots...well if this turns out to be from the shots id still take them as my knees feel like brand new!!plz god let this spotting be from the shots!
-- By shoptiludrop51 | Reply | Private Message me
June 4th
2009
2:33 PM
I have had a total of 5 kenalog injections in my back for no disk left between two vertebrae, doc says fused naturally and no movement. I still have pain. I am scheduled to have yet another shot in the neck area, 5 bulging disks causing pain around the shoulder blade. I have less sciatic pain, but I have HEADACHES for the 3 months since the first shot, they don't go away. No OTC pain relief works for these headaches. The doc says the kenalog does NOT cause headaches, I know these guys lie or don't care about the FDA list of side effects. I am hesitant about getting another shot. He wanted me to have this one done under sedation, I declined, since I had the others without. He said more sensitive area and don't want you to flinch. I also get, I assume kenalog injections in both feet for morton's neuroma. Left foot shot worked. Right foot 3 shots and still hurts and numb, they can't seem to get it right. I am tired of getting the shots, and today I went to that pain management doctor and forgot to ask him how long can I expect the shots to help the pain, years? months? or weeks. I barely do anything anymore, afraid to bend, or even move. I had to go to ER first time for my back on 2/14/09 and sent to different docs and finally pain management. For those of you whose docs don't order an MRI for you, I wouldn't have the shot. I had and MRI of the back and neck and this doctor gives the shots while I lay on a fluoroscope table, I can see on the screen in front of me where the doctor is injecting. Hit and miss without an MRI is just not medically correct. Good luck to all and gonna think about whether to get another shot next Thurs.
-- By manchesternjgirl | Reply | Private Message me
May 30th
2009
8:45 PM
Been taking this for the past ten years and it is the only thing that allows my skin to quickly recover from eczema. Eczema started at age 22. After my first injection I felt more powerful than Darth Vader and noticed an increase in energy and stamina. A few weeks later, a crash begins and I feel the side effect of lethargy. Consistently, after each Kenalog shot, my skin will develop several pimples around my buttocks area and sometimes on my back after a month or two. I would prefer never to use Kenalog, but it has been the only thing that relieves the patches of skin that become red and flaky due to stress, lack of sleep, and a poor diet. Ultimately, I did develop 'hypercutia' which is a skin condition which allows my dermis to bleed more easily. After stopping the Kenalog injections for a few years, my entire dermis still remains thin and more vulnerable to bleeding. I make my living as an actor and it is part of the reason i still rely on Kenalog whenever an audition comes up and I need to show my body. The pimples eventually become little scars, which eventually become little darker spots on my body. I still believe that in spite of all the side effects, it is worth it if you make your living as an actor or model.
-- By tri | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 15th
2009
4:56 PM
In January of 2009 I had a Kenalog injection between the L4 L5 in the lower lumber spine area to help with pain. It began to work for me about 5 days after the shot and my back felt better. I was due to return to work, and then I had a panic attack. Never in my life has this happened to me. I was just laying on the couch and all the sudden I felt sick to my stomach, got a terrible headache, had trouble breathing and was experiencing numbness in my hands and feet. I was taken to the ER and tests all came back negative. Was given Klonapin to help me relax, and returned to work a few days later. On Feb. 1st, while at work, I had another panic attack, only after this one, my speech was stuttered and I had neck spasms so bad that I almost couldn't stand it. I also had the night sweats, nausea, depression, headaches, lack of appetite, so I went to see a neurologist. Several tests were done and all came back normal. Then I was referred to Univ. of MD Neurologist that told me it was stress related. However, during both panic attacks there was no stressful situation. After an increase in Effexor I returned to work after being off for four weeks. Then just two nights ago I experienced a terrible immediate migraine that resulted in another panic attack. My speech is still stuttering, I have constant neck pain, and I feel like it's never going to go away. My doctor wants to do another set of Kenalog injections in my neck this week. I think after reading this site, I am going to refuse and get a second opinion.
-- By tonyah168 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 3th
2009
2:45 PM
I used to receive a Kenalog injection once a year to treat my skin. It worked great. Best drug, nothing compares to it. After a few years it worked so great that I didn't have to receive the shot anymore.
This drug is far too helpful in the medical field for it to be removed because of its side effects. Never had a problem with getting a hole "in my butt" either... Not that I let A LOT of people look at my butt anyway. There's a reason why you're told what the side effects could be, if you don't like them then tell the doctor you don't want to take the medicine.
If you're a model, then have it photoshopped out... We know now that's what they do anyway. You give young girls bad impressions thinking they have to be perfect, when you're not.
-- By djgrrl | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
January 15th
2009
2:19 PM
I had two Kenalog injections the 5th of Dec. '08, one into my right shoulder joint, the other into a tendon anterior to my right shoulder, - oh, and another one in a trigger point at my right shoulder blade. I have been in agony since 2-3 days after the injections. The night of the injections I had severe tachycardia, my heart rate was around 120-140 for three days. I was also flushed and so hot that several people asked if I was ill. The worst part of these injections started, as I said earlier, 2-3 days later. I have horrible pain in my shoulder blade and throughout my ribcage. I have muscle spasms and such burning that it actual causes me to bend to the right, and I could scream with the pain!! Nothing helps other than to put a hand towel behind my neck and pull each end so hard that it takes the pressure somehow off the muscles. I can hardly hold my head up most of the time due to muscle weakness. The Dr. says nothing other than take Advil. My internist, who did not do the injections, thinks I have what is called RSD from the needle sticks.
I don't see that this is easing at all, and I'm really concerned that I'm going to live like this the rest of my life!
November 4th
2008
11:31 AM
I had Kenalog injections a few days ago for MyoFacial Pain Syndrome. They are used for Trigger Points in the body that cause severe muscle spasms.
I have experienced these spasms for about three years. The first three times I had the injections I had no side effects. But the relief from the pain only lasted about three weeks.
So the nurse practitioner upped the dosage the other day. Since that evening I have been suffering from chills, sweating, fatigue, lost appetite, anxiety, aching muscles, and insomnia. I wake in the night several times sweating.
The pain in my upper back has subsided now but am not sure it was worth it.
I called their office but have not heard back from them.
Am so tired from suffering already and I hope the side effects subside very soon!
September 24th
2008
7:19 PM
WOW. I am so glad I came across this shot. I received two injections of kenalog to prevent a keloid from returning after having it removed. I had menstrual spotting for two weeks followed by no period at all for months. My face began to break out. I went to the gyn to see whats up and when I told him about the injections he immediately told me to stop them. I wish the doctor that gave them to me told me the side effects. I would rather have a keloid than become a man!!!
-- By candy_rae | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 17th
2008
11:26 PM
I don't know if it was the two kenalog injections but I began to menstruate-three years post-menopause. I immediately was seen by my endocrinologist, trans-vaginal sonogram and endometrial biopsy done. i just received a call tonight informing me that a polyp was found and I will need to have a D & C. It sounds like endometrial hyperplasia and this is a very sudden onset - I had the same sonogram in February and all was fine.
I have now found out that steroids can "wreak havoc" with our hormones. I was schedule to have epidural injections of steroids for back and neck injuries. I will not have them now or ever- they are not as benign and helpful as many doctors would have you believe.
September 17th
2008
12:51 PM
My husband has Kenalog injections to help with his breathing. He has emphysema. Last year he came down with Shingles and the Dr. said it is due to the Kenalog
-- By nancyclem | Reply | Private Message me
August 26th
2008
1:26 PM
I'm a physician. Usually Kenalog injections can be avoided and oral steroids used like prednisone. The local dimpling effect may occur if the injection is too shallow, actually there is a temporary "disolving" of the subcutaneous tissue, the muscle and joints are not damaged. It is usually viewed as a "cosmetic" adverse effect. The Kenalog injections was primarily designed for joint injection and the kenalog or similar depo form stays active in the joint for a few weeks. All steroid medications can cause irritability and this is usually temporary for a few days. Steroids can cause muscle weakness- this is usually associated with high doses for prolonged use like being on prednisone for 3 or 4 months. Steroids can have an adverse effect on menstruation, but this is usually associated with chronic use. The most serious problems with the steroids result in bone weakness(osteoporosis) and serious damage to joints like the back and hip. Steroids can also result in weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and cataract formation. I don't think Kenalog is any different than other steroids such as Medrol or Prednisone in terms of the side effect profile. These are dangerous medications that can also be very helpful in saving lives and diminishing pain.
-- By mloren1357 | Reply | (8) replies | Private Message me
August 26th
2008
12:20 PM
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.
-- By slvdw | Reply | (8) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
6:26 PM
Yes, kenalog has many side effects with SOME people. I'm both a patient that takes kenalog and a third year medical student. I've been receiving kenalog injections twice a year during allergy season for the past 5 years. All I can say is THANK GOD. I can deal with a itchy/running nose, the sneezing, and the itchy eyes. What I cannot deal with are the asthma symptoms that act up whenever my allergies do. I get little enough sleep as is, what I do get doesn't need to be interrupted by waking up not being able to breath.
What must be realized here is that however many posts are on this and like sites, the people who suffer from the side effects are in the minority. For most patients this drug provides great relief with little to no side effects.
For those who said that their doctors did not tell them what they were being given, or warned about the side effects, yes, those physicians should have warned their patients about the possible side effects. HOWEVER, it is also YOUR responsibility as a patient to ASK what you are being given, and what the possible side effects are. Never let anyone just stick a needle in your butt without asking what the heck they're doing first. I'm not defending those physicians that don't tell the patient what they're doing; they are in the wrong. But they see tons of patients very day, most of it route. And many patients lack the knowledge to ask what they are being given, and what might happen from it. Even if the physician took the time to explain, a lot of people wouldn't understand or simply don't care. Don't be one of those patients. Ask your PCP: what is this drug? what does it do? what are the possible side effects? what percentage of patients experience these side effects?. Take some responsibility for yourselves.
July 2th
2008
10:28 AM
I am a 54yr old male and recently I have had a low impact fall and
fractured my Tibia and Fibia (the bones below in my knee on my left
leg) and also dislocated my foot at the same time. The surgeons
were most interested to find out that I have had Kenalog injections
for hayfever for the last 35 years. Two years ago the doctors
refused to prescribe Kenalog anymore as they said it can cause a
thinning of the bones. I was not told of these side effects
previously.
The surgeons said that I have osteoporosis as I had only had a low
impact fall. So I would be interested if anyone else has been
diagnosed with osteoporosis due to this Corticosteroid injection.
Having been informed of the side effects of this medicine I would
have not had it. I would advise anybody to seriously consider the
side effects before taking this product.
-- By rest | Reply | Private Message me
June 13th
2008
1:48 PM
I also have a giant dent on my left side from kenalog injections I'm not a bathing suit model THANK GOD or my career would be over with my caved in butt it ticks me off every time I see it in the mirror or touch the big giant dent.My doctor never said anything about side effects.
-- By kac13 | Reply | Private Message me
March 10th
2008
10:23 PM
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.
-- By dawnw | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 5th
2008
1:40 PM
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.
January 22th
2008
5:18 PM
Hi everyone!! I have contacted a attorney who is a nationwide medical malpractice. I gave him this web site info so you all may be hearing from them. Hope that helps you all!!
-- By heatherfish05 | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
January 18th
2008
7:34 AM
I had a Kenalog injection into my knee joint after my orthopedic removed 30cc of fluid from the knee. about 2 hours later, I began to experience pain around the knee joint. Rapidly, over the course of 15 minutes, I went from mild pain to pain so actuate, I could not function. I could not move, speak, or do anything that might move my leg in the tiniest of motions. The pain extended down my calf, and into my foot. After 30 minutes, I was in such acute pain distress, I was transported to the emergency room. It was by far the worst pain I have ever experienced in my life, worse than labor, and even more severe than a disc herniation four years prior to that. I experienced flushing and stomach pains and it took too pain injections to bring it under control. After ruling out a cartilage tear or fold with an MRI, it was determined that I experienced what is known as a steroid flair. I spent the next day resting and recovering from stomach pains. The pain subsided but left my knee in a worsened state than before the injection, although the inflammation went down. Needless to say, I will not be accepting Kenalog injections again.
-- By mhaydock | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 8th
2008
11:20 PM
I was having Kenalog injections into my knee. On the ninth injection within a years time,with a few Aristospan injections in between, my knee to my foot blew up. Tripled in size, and the skin was bright red with purple marks all over the skin from my upper shin to the ankle bone. I had a big depression in the shin too, which I can not figure out because the injection was into my knee.
I went to my GP who sent me to the ER to rule out a blood clot-ultrasound.
NO blood clot. I was given no medication, nothing, and it was very painful.
Actually, I saw three doctors and not one of them seemed to care. One doctor said, "Steroids are Powerful Drugs" I do not know if this reaction was do to an infection, some side effect, I have no idea. The swelling eventually went down within six months=long time. I still get purple round marks on the skin at the shin, and sometimes my ankle swells. The skin gets red and white marks mixed into the already rash looking skin.
I asked many times what the cause was to this all, and it was like no doctor would say anything negative about the doctor that gave me the injection.
I also discovered that Kenalog is used off label for Epidural Steroid Injections and can cause Meningitis, Arachnoiditis, bowel and bladder dysfunction and more adverse events, because neurotoxins are added to the steroid to make the compound that is injected into the epidural space. Asking other people if their doctor ever told them the drug name they were getting injected by their doctor before this procedure and each and all said "NO."
This is also true for the drugs Depomedrol and Celestone Soluspan. All three drugs are used off label for epidural injections. Neurotoxins do not belong in the spine! If one gets a dura puncture-FOR GET IT!
December 5th
2007
8:25 PM
I had two Kenalog injections (not sure of the dose) several years ago to help curb the effects of dyshidrotic eczema on my hands ... and wound up not ovulating for about three months. This had not even been brought up as a potential side effect when my dermatologist recommended the injections, and she acted as though it was a very small thing when I called about it later on. I was not given a drug information sheet (nor, I have to confess, did I ask for one).
In my personal experience, though, the relief from the pain, blisters, cracking and bleeding on my hands was worth not having a period for several months, but if you're trying to get pregnant or already have female problems (i.e., PCOS, etc.), I would make a point to discuss these things with your dermatologist and/or your regular care physician before progressing with the injections.
-- By wyosarah | Reply | Private Message me
December 1th
2007
12:34 PM
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.
June 21th
2007
9:14 AM
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?!?
-- By msjohnson | Reply | (13) replies | Private Message me
June 13th
2007
4:49 PM
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.
-- By bella3 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 26th
2007
5:28 PM
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.
-- By lalamelmel | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
April 21th
2007
1:24 AM
I have received kenalog injections (only one) per year during allergy season for severe allergic rhinitis. I was recently out of town and was miserable and tha local ER would not give me the injection. The reason was beacause it can cause avascular necrosis especially involving the head of the femur. Which means it can slow down the blood supply to
the top of the femur and cause the bone to die. I had never heard of this before and I will probably still take this injection as planned when I get back to town.
April 2th
2007
4:20 PM
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.
-- By tawny_morris | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
March 20th
2007
7:08 PM
I had 2 40mg Kenalog injections in L5 & S1 for a slipped disk a month a half ago. I had a consultation with my doctor beforehand and basically I was told that I may have some mild side effects a couple of days after the injection that would go away in a few days & possibly a bump on the injection site. I am a very healthy 31 year old female so I figured this procedure would cause me minimal problems......Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. 20 days I got my period and it wouldn't stop. It lasted for 9 days and 5 days later I got my period again for 9 more days. It has gone on like this for over 3 weeks now. I have always had a regular period that lasted no more than 4 days. I was completely horrified and thought the worst like cancer or something. My doctor has run numerous different tests on me and everything is normal except that I am anemic and low on sodium. The Dr. can only conclude it was this corticosteroid shot. After reading this message board I am at a lost for words! It seems like others had symptoms like this and even worse! I also planned on getting pregnant soon and no one told me this would be an issue. Now it is. I also read that this drug can lead to osteoporosis so to everyone out there on Kenalog start taking calcium and iron too.
-- By gk | Reply | Private Message me
March 19th
2007
1:58 PM
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.
-- By bruinjen93 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
January 4th
2007
10:24 AM
I have been receiving Kenalog injections for the past ten years. The doctor will only give them to me every 3 months. It is the only thing that relieves my dermatitis. It has caused osteoporosis and skin thinning, but it is worth it.
-- By jcaesar149 | Reply | Private Message me
December 6th
2006
10:24 PM
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.
-- By chicknvox | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
November 8th
2006
4:52 AM
I've had rheumatoid arthritis for about 13 years, and recently was also diagnosed with fibromialgia. I've had many kenalog injections over the years. Until about 8 months ago, the only side affect I experienced was a slight headache the day after. Now, my right hip is totally deformed looking!! I was never informed of this possible side affect. And like most people, I welcomed the relief the kenalog gave me. But, now it scares me. Also, the same hip had become extremely painful. Is this another side affect I was informed of.
-- By kardawnc | Reply | Private Message me
October 4th
2006
8:54 AM
I've been taking kenalog injections for several years for my allergies. I had back surgery about 15 months ago. A ruptured disc pressing into my spinal cord causing severe numbness from stomach to toes as soon as I sat down. The numbness is gone but I still have severe lower back pain. Could this be from the kenalog?
-- By dalin2 | Reply | Private Message me
September 25th
2006
11:10 AM
I've been taking kenalog injections for appx. 2 years, have 5 bad disc, at first it was good for 3 months and now they last no more than 3 to 4 weeks I've turned down the open up and put in the cage surgery, my insurance want pay for this new Laser Spine Surgery, after kenalog what injection do I go to?
-- By parker2663 | Reply | Private Message me
September 16th
2006
9:40 PM
I received Kenalog injections for alopecia. An associate in my dermatologist office thought it would be a good idea to increase the dosage so that i would get better results. Oh I forgot to mention the fact that I had hair all over my scalp. I just had some areas where the hair was thinner than other. However, I had no bald areas. Well that is until I was injected with a larger dose of Kenalog. I now have a dime size bald area in my scalp. The area is also hypopigmented as well. I mean white in color. Oh did I mention the fact that I am african american. So you can imagenine what it looks like. It has been 3 months. I still don't have hair the area and the area continues to be depigmented. I have consulted an attorney.
-- By kericks | Reply | Private Message me
September 8th
2006
7:18 AM
I believe I must be the exception to the rule for Kenalog. I have been receiving Kenalog injections for allergies and talk about wonders. It has been such a relief to my body. After about 2-3 days, I don't have any symptoms of having allergies. My allergies are really bad and no over the counter or prescription medications seem to relieve the symptoms I have. I have had absolutely no side effects and they last for a really long time. This is my 2nd allergy shot this year and it's September. I will take the shot anyday over taking medications everyday that don't give relief.
-- By sheeba44 | Reply | Private Message me
August 29th
2006
10:23 PM
I have also suffered severe side effects from Kenalog injections. I had a series of 12-14 injections because of a gynogological ailment. I also asked the doctor. if there were any side effects, she said," no". I was getting the minimal amount of dosage ( 40 MG ). My cheeks started to swell puffy and redness, I was gaining weight and could not concentrate. When I asked her about these problems , she said, " it was not from the injections." I then got a second opinion, and was told to stop the injections immediately ( blood test were done) This doctor also works for the same hospital. The 2nd opinion doctor called my doctor before giving me the results; to warn my doctor. Who then called me and also told me to get more blood test done. Well because of these injections now I suffer from Endocrinogical problems and may possibly have Endo Carsinoma cancer, which the doctors are monitoriing. I suffer from hair loss from the scalp of my head, hair growth on body and face; which I didn't have before. I can die if there is to much stress in my system, hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, loss of muscle, skin tissue, pain and numbness in the areas that were injected, areas that I did not have a problems with before the injection were administrated. I almost lossed my job; for job abandonment. I could not wake up in the morning I would fall into to a deep sleep, or would feel lathargic, disoriented, hallucinations, peranoia, and depression. The worst part about this, is that I cannot sue the hospital because 1. I work for the company 2. The hospital is privately owned and you cannot sue a privately owned hospital, you can only have an arbitration. The most you can get from these cases is $25.000, and no attorney wants to fight the company because it's to expensive to get a outside 2nd opinion, or they just don't think the case is strong enough to win. I'm in a real (rut)! This has also affected my sexual desire (no desire). I am 36, and I am a single parent with all these physical ailments.
Can anyone help ??????
-- By luvenduresall01 | Reply | Private Message me
August 20th
2006
12:58 AM
I had a total thyroidectomy last year...long story short, after about 4 months my surgeon said the scar was turning into a keloid ( I now wish I would have just left it alone) So he recommended kenalog injections. I had 3 total over a 3 month period. After a few months the scar had severly indented & it looks horrible...when I swallow it looks like my throat is mangled inside. I hate it & I don't think there is anything I can do about it. I wish I would have been advised about the possible side effects!!! I can 't stand that people stare at my neck when I talk to them...it's very depressing. Not to be so vain, but I'm a young woman!!!
-- By ginafavorito | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 21th
2006
3:43 PM
Dr. Melmed in Texas injected my breast with kenalog after an explantation surgery. Now even though I am a young woman, my breast skin is forever damaged. It is discolored .. red and purple and thin! I cry nearly every day about it. He NEVER even mentioned he was going to do this to me! All I thought he was doing was taking the implants out!
Dr.s MUST inform their patients about the up and down side to kenalog injections. AND TELL THEM if they are going to use them!!!
July 21th
2006
2:25 PM
I was given four intra-musclar kenalog injections in my back. For the first day or two it was very achy, but now I feel great. The simple anti-inflamitory did more for my back than a percocet or vicodin ever did.
-- By xanon241 | Reply | Private Message me
June 28th
2006
6:19 AM
I was on Nasacort AQ for a nasal drip and then I had a series of Kenalog injections for hip, neck and back pain. They helped somewhat, but threw my glucose levels way up. I was usually in the 110 to 120 range (diabetic, diet controlled), but now it has spiked to 255 and 275. Does anyone know how long it will take to get this out of my system?
-- By jackcob | Reply | Private Message me
June 16th
2006
10:09 PM
I am forty-seven years old; I have received two Kenalog injections in my lumbar spine with x-ray guided fluoroscopy. I also ended up in the Emergency Room with heart palpatations, high blood pressure, profuse sweating, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and muscle weakness. I recently had my last injection three weeks ago and will never have another one. Since this injection I have experienced severe bloating/weight gain, fatigue, mood swngs, depression, and anxiety. At the moment I still do have muscle weakness and thought I had the beginnings of a yeast infection. Reading these posts made me feel not so alone. The physicians in the ER made me feel as if my symptoms where in my head and my own physician who performed the injection denies any link between my symptoms and the Kenalog. Each time that I have had these injections, a series of three, I have had to go under general anesthesia and spend several days recovering from the all the side effects of the anesthesia and the Kenalog. My physician never warned me of any of these possible side effects, and when I confronted him about them basically told me it was in my head and ignored me. Has anyone started a class action law suit? Reading these posts where a comfort to me as I felt alone since none of my physicians would acknowledge the link.
-- By gbmich | Reply | Private Message me
June 8th
2006
6:23 AM
Is it safe to have a Kenalog injections whilst breast feeding
-- By srutt | Reply | Private Message me
June 4th
2006
7:47 PM
I had to kenalog injections in 1998, within a half an hour of having that injections, I started to have a severe headache, pressure in the eyes, severe fatigue, vertigo, blurred vision.
Since those first symptoms I have been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis... and then hypothyroidism
Would like to talk to anyone who has suffered similar symptoms...
Jeannette
May 17th
2006
8:32 PM
After receiving two kenalog injections in my hip on seperate ocassions, my psoriasis increased ten fold. At first it was like a miracle, no psoriasis. A few months after my second injection, I noticed new areas of psoriasis popping up. For over 30 years I had psoriasis on my elbows and knees, after the kenalog shots I have them on my arms, legs, and head. The worst thing about this is I have no pigmentation in these areas, I probably have 50 or so white spots that range in sizes. My self-esteem has dwindled terribbly because of this. I wont wear shorts or short sleeve shirts because of people staring at me. I went to another dermatologist for a second opinion and she said it looked like my psoriasis rebounded after the shots. If anyone could help I would be so grateful.
-- By tlancewicz | Reply | Private Message me
May 14th
2006
9:16 PM
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.
-- By myvoice | Reply | Private Message me
October 17th
2009
2:28 AM
I am a 35 year old male in perfect health. last week i received two Kenalog injections in my trap muscles to to treat muscle spasms{trigger points) from a pinched nerve in my back. When I went home later that day as I layed down I begin having severe heart palpitations. I went to my doctor and my blood pressure was very high 169/94 with a heart rate of 127. For the last week I have been experiencing anxiety attacks, insomnia, hot flashes, sweating, nervousness jittery, very emotional. I had my heart checked out and had bloodwork drawn all normal. I was put on lopressor 50 mg 2times per day and xanax to help me sleep at night. I am crawling out of my skin! I can feel my heart beating all hours of the day and night! It is driving me crazy!! I regret getting the injection!!! The doctor told me it could take 2 months before the steroid leaves my body. I hope I will not have any lasting affects of the drug! I am very nervous these symptoms will not go away! I also am experiencing headaches and burning in my stomach. I am also always hungry and yet I am losing weight.Im thinking about seeing an endocrinologist. Im scared!!
-- By 4321abcd | Reply | Private Message me