Kenalog and period

I had a shot of kenalog in my knee for a problem I have when I run long distances. I was told that it would have a 50% chance of helping but it could prevent surgeries. He never mentioned side effects. After the injection- my period came a week late and lasted three days longer than normal. Four days after it ended I got another period. This one was accompanied by severe headaches(I never get headaches) This period lasted another nine days. I went for my follow up and questioned the doctor about it and he said he must have forgotten to mention it but that it can cause some hormone irregularities but that it should go away within a month. I have been so exhuasted and barely able to function. It was five days since my last period and now I got another one today! I am furiouse because I was trying to get pregnant! Now I am freaking out because I am seeing on this sight how long this can really last!

After all of us have had these same problems you think we would be able to sue the company. What can we do becuase I'm on board if you all want to have a class action law suit. How do we start it?

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

I had this injection for a slipped disk in my L5 lumbar spine. I am a healthy 31 year old female. I had hair growth and non stop periods. I had 4, 9 day periods in 2 months and I now have anemia and low sodium. After going to the gynecologist and running a bunch of tests on me, it has now been confirmed that only the Kenalog shot could have been responsible for this. They had to put me on birth control pills to stop this and now I have side effects from that too. From what I see others have had this side effect too and I believe this is much more than just a menstrual irregularity! I have also gained weight (15lbs) eventhough I was slender, eating very healthy, and exercising everyday.The doctors who gave me this shot said that it wouldn't affect me like other corticosteroids, but apparently they were very wrong. I am definitely letting the FDA know this.

It has been seven months since I had a one time Kenalog injection for a Sinus Infection. The constant Menstrl bleeding which was non-stop for the first two months when to three periods a month, then two and now back to normal. The leg cramps have slowed down as well as the headaches(I think they were from the menstrl irregularities, hormonal) I still have a dent in my left hip at the site of the injection. My doctor said the indent was from the shot and said that it shouln't have happened after one shot. He sent me for all kinds of tests for the bleeding and they came back negative for everything. I recently went back to the doctors office for something minor and asked the nurse practioner about the side effects that I had and she said that they can most certainly come from that Kenalog Injection. Bristol Myers also confirmed that all the side effects that I had are listed on their insert for the drug. I wish I had known this. I wonder what else will creep up? This drug seems to cause extreme hormonal reactions in some people. I am not a complainer and hardly ever go to the doctors. This is just so wrong! I was specifically told that there were no side effects with this shot when it was administered. I wish something could be done about this.

I had a Kenalog injection last December to get some allergy relief. I have now missed 3 periods and had to take Adoxa (doxycyclin) for bad acne. I asked the Dr. if the shot would be safe since I had one the prior September and he said yes. I really wish I had known this could happen to me. Anyone else out there had anything similar happen?

Unfortunately, I researched Kenalog post-injection. Had I known about the side affects, I never would have received the injection. I am a 31 year old female who had one Kenalog-novacaine injection into my left and right side trapezius to try and reduce muscle tension. I hadn't made the connection to my constant menstral bleeding for the last month and a half until reading this site. I had my normal period which started two days after being injected and then had 3 days off before I started bleeding again. I've only stopped for a total of 5 days in the last 50. I've also had extreme migraines. I've had migraines for the last 10 years just prior to and post my periods but only needed 2 of my migraine pills a month. Now, in the last 45 days, I have used 12 pills (sometimes needing 2 or 3 in a day to actually get rid of the pain which
I have never needed to do before). I am shocked at the side effects of this drug as my pain specialist did not ever warn me about them(even when I asked). I just hope that this fixes itself eventually and doesn't keep me from being able to have children soon as
I had intended. You'll have to excuse me, I have to go and call my best friend who is a drug rep for the maker of Kenalog.

I am 19 year old and I recieved a series of three epidurals of kenalog for a herniated disk. So far it has relieved pretty much all of my pain, but periods are completely unpredictable. Before I started the series, my periods were regular. I had just finished my period the day of my first injection, one week later I started my period again. Needless to say, I was a little shocked ...not to mention that it went on for nearly three weeks. I have been off of it for about two weeks now, but I am five days late (and not pregnant). I never know when to expect it now. I am a little upset that my doctor never mentioned this side effect to me!

I am shocked. Several days ago, I noticed the indention on my hip (egg like). I couldn't figure out what caused it. It really freaked me out. Then I remembered that I had a nasty rash in Nov 0f 2006 and my doc gave me a shot. In addition, I have had bleeding in between my periods. I have been thinking that something was ghastly wrong with me.

Now, after finding this site I learn that it's all about a shot that I had several months ago!!!

I already had a huge scar from past surgery. I would never have agreed to further disfigurement.

Is there anything that can be done to minimize the indention? This is horrible!

I only receive two kenalog shots--one at the end of October I believe and the next one two weeks after that.I was completely miserable b/c I was also on prednisone as well.I refused any more shots after that but I am still having side effects I believe. My periods have not been the same since-I am lucky if I get them at all or I will have them for three weeks. I also have two indents where the injections were given.I just want to know if anything similar to this has happened to anyonme else b/c my doctor swears up and down that it's not from the shots-I disagree b/c I was fine before.I would like to hear anybody's input on this -thanks

to guest 33546
My periods are finally starting to get better after seven months of irregular bleeding.They still aren't normal like before the Kenalog.Last month I only had one period and it was very heavy and lasted for ten days.My periods used to last three to five days with heavy flow the first two days.Now I am affraid to leave the house when I have a period because the flow is so heavy and I always end up bleeding onto my clothes no matter what I do.I have also experienced random gushes of blood on my ''off days''.I will probably never wear white pants again.I think that it is cruel for a doctor not to warn a female patient that this could happen to her.My doctor said that he never heard of this side effect.The drug comes with warnings how can they not know.I have also suffered depression and severe anxiaty since Kenalog,could this be because I have permanent PMS now? I am like you ,I do not want any more shots or hormones in my body either.Good luck and know that you are not alone.

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

I had two cortisone shots in my foot for relief from plantar fascitis. My doctor never warned me of the side effects, nor told me the name of what I was getting (just "cortisone")! I've had THREE periods in ONE month! That is *very* unusual for me, so unusual that it scared me into researching the shots I'd been given. Guess what!? Kenalog...also known as "triamcinolone acetonide."

What's worse is that I'd had numerous (30-40) shots of the SAME STUFF in my scalp for psoriasis in between the time I had the shots in my foot...neither doctor bothered to ask me if I was currently taking anything else, or had any other injections, or at least tell me about the side effects!

I am pumped so full of this stuff that I am scared I'll never stop bleeding. Headaches, back pain, abdominal cramps, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and a yeast infection to top it all off!

BEWARE OF KENALOG!!

Also, I want to add that I have also had fever of 104.5 degrees and more (when I got to emergency after vomiting blood it was 102 degrees and I felt a little better) I thought I was going to die. At my age 19years old, It was too soon for me to go- and for what! Internal bleeding due to Kenalog shot that I would never have done had someone told me of side effects!

I am blessed that I have a baby, but can I have another? Can someone tell me about the reroductive damage from Kenalog? Is this going to go away..... My periods never end...The label says that some of the side effects may be PERMANENT!

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

I got my shot for a rash. After getting the shot i had even more rashes and itching that ever before! I am also always dizzy similar to a vertigo feeling. My periods havent been the same since, i have random periods in between my regular ones. Its been a nightmare!!! From this day forth its all natural for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have experienced severe pain at injection site along with awful nausea and vomiting the first few weeks following the injections; unsightly rash/acne over neck, chest and shoulders that is taking over a month to clear; irregular and quite heavy menstruation...even midcycle... equaling three periods in 6 weeks. Palpitations sent me to my primary care md. These side effects have been an insult to injury and embarrassing. The rash has left scars and the constant bleeding has left me exhausted and a little scared. I use an SPF on my face...maybe why it was spared from the breakout. I told my orthopod about the breakout and he and his assistant laughed at me pretty much and said they never ever heard that before. I have been in to see my OBGYN, last week, and will speak to her soon about the likely correllation between Kenalog and my heavy/irregular and never ending periods. I did not make the OBGYN connection until after I read some testimonials. I was going to have some pretty uncomfortable obgyn tests done and they would have been in vain. It sounds like the pharm reps selling Kenalog...or a generic brand...have not been educating their docs on these awful and life changing side effects. I feel that the physicians choosing to use a specific corticosteroid should informl every patient what it is exactly they are injecting into them. Each woman shoud be told of the potential menstrual irregularities and major inconvenience. My husband and I have been trying to conceive and now it seems impossible.

I feel so much from all of you guys. I am 20 Year old female in Los Angeles. 3 weeks ago I had a Kenalog shot for my C-Section scar/keloid. The point is this, I have had my periods ever since. It doesnt stop. The bleeding is getting heaver each day, and darker. I asked my doctor before the shot, he said absolutely NO side effects from Kenalog. I agree with a class action lawsuit. I am an emotional wreck too.

I would never have agreed to this shot had I known of the side effects.

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

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

i am 49 years old and hadnt had a perios in 13 months i had a kenalog shot in hip for imflamation and have now had a perios for 7 days.i am havig hot flashes also if any1 has had trouble with periods with this shot please email

I had a Kenalog 40 injection on January 12 2006. I missed my period in January. I finally started in Feb. It lasted 10 days. At the end of the month (2 weeks later) had another period that never stopped. Had a D&C March 31. I bleed 7 days after and then two weeks to the day from the bleeding stoping I started what I hope to be a normal period. It is a very heavy period. I was never told all the side effects. I had the injection in my right shoulder.I am so mad about this. I now have several thousand dollars in medical bills just from the side effects. After my insurance paid.I had a severe allergic reaction a few hours after the injection. Trouble swallowing, Shortness of breath, chest pain, lump in my throat that lasted for several weeks. Flare up of my GERDS. Unexplained high blood preasure. It was 3 months April 12 everything has returned to normal except my periods.

I had a kenalog injection in my elbow July of 2005. The next time my period came along I was in sad shape with bleeding and clotting. Not only the heavy bleeding and clotting, but I had it for 6 (SIX) weeks straight! For the next four months, my periods lessened in length and flow, but were still at least two weeks long and heavier than normal.
The doctor who sent me to the ortho-surgeon laughed in my face when I told him what happened. He said "I don't believe that for a minute!"

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

I got a shot of Kenalog by my dermatologist on 3/9. The next week I had a severe case of constipation, followed by hemorrhoids. Once those cleared up, I started my period (an unusual thing for me as I have an underactive thyroid and am taking synthroid for that and to help regulate my periods). As of this writing, it has been 28 days and counting of non-stop bleeding. My OBGYN has even put me on birth control pills to try to control the bleeding. Does anyone know if birth control pills will help stop the bleeding or does it need to run its course? How long before this stuff gets out of your system?

Two years ago I received a shot of Kenalog in my shoulder (40 mg) to relieve calcified tendinitis. It worked wonderfully--all pain disappeared for more than a month (even my migraines). However, my period went berzerk: I bled for weeks on end. It finally stopped, then a week later it started again. I suspected the Kenalog was the cause since the period problems started at the same time as the injection, but 2 different doctors (family physician and gynecologist) both told me that "no way" could Kenalog cause excessive menstrual bleeding. My orthopedic doctor, who gave the injection, said "well, maybe." My periods went back to normal after a few months and I had no other side effects.
Now it's 2 years later and my shoulder was hurting a lot again, so I went for another Kenalog shot. I was hoping that it was just a fluke the first time. Also, this time I received much less: only 10 mg of Kenalog vs. 40 mg. last time. Well, the shot relieved about half of the pain, which was still enough to allow me to do physical therapy, which will provide a long-lasting solution to the pain. But once again my periods are all messed up! I have been bleeding for 6 weeks now, with no end in sight! I was prescribed progesterone (10 mg, once per day for 10 days) several days ago to stop the bleeding and re-set my cycle, but so far, the bleeding hasn't even slowed down. I take Tylenol and naproxen for the very painful cramps. This time my gynecologist DOES think the bleeding is from the Kenalog, but he is also checking out other possibilities. They did an ultrasound and found a small fibroid, but they don't think that's the cause. I have to go back in 6 weeks for a follow-up. No matter what, I will never take Kenalog again!!

i loved the shot the first few springs i had it; it cleared up my asthma induced allergies within a few days .
however! i had it last March and this fall (exactly 6 months later) i seem to have allergies (I dont get fall allergies). but will not get the shot now or in spring if i can help it. I have had two periods a month for 8 months now, this makes me tired cranky MOODY. It increases night sweats and hair growth. Mostly I guess I can choose between breath and blood. Tired either way.

I had a kenalog injection in Sep of 2003 in my upper arm for an allergic rash. Two months later an indent appeared and gradually got worse until March 2004. Now in June, some of the muscle is growing back (its was just thin skin a bones for a while!). The fat doesn't appear to be growing back and the skin is scarred and discolored. I noticed some acne around it for a while and some dark hairs have grown around it (a few shades darker than my arm hair). I think that I will always have some small scarring and deformation, but at last it is healing! No doctors could tell me anything..just to wait it out.
Also for a few months after the shot (5 months) I had periods with horrible cramps that were only about 20 days apart. I don't know if that was related, but I am back to normal now.

Since I had a kenalog shot for sinus issues I have had longer periods and spotting in between? Could it be from the Kenalog? My doctor never mentioned this.