Kenalog injection is a generic name for a group of drugs that includes the brand names Analgesic, Kenalog-10, and Kenalog-40.
Kenalog injections are commonly used to treat pain in joints and muscles. The drug helps treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other types of inflammation. It provides relief from joint pain and swelling by reducing inflammation.
Kenalog injections have been around since the 1940s when they were first marketed by Johnson & Johnson as an analgesic injection.
How Kenalog Injection Is Administered
Kenalog Injection is a corticosteroid medication used to treat inflammation, pain, and swelling. It is administered in a shot under the skin or into the muscle.
A doctor or nurse practitioner can administer a Kenalog injection. Sometimes it is administered at home by a family member or friend trained in giving injections.
Injections are given into the skin using a syringe and needle or into the muscle using an auto-injector. Kenalog Injection should be administered with a 25-gauge needle or larger and should be given slowly over about 2 minutes. The injection can be repeated if needed, but the total dose should not exceed 10mg/kg of body weight.
Kenalog Injection comes in different strengths, ranging from 0.5% to 2%. The most common potency is a 1% Kenalog Injection.
Dont’s
Kenalog-40 injections are a prevalent treatment option for those experiencing pain from osteoarthritis. However, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with using this drug.
Kenalog-40 is a steroid that can cause blood clots. Injecting Kenalog-40 into the veins or spine could lead to serious health problems such as excessive bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.
Also, the FDA has issued a warning about Kenalog-40 injections near the eyes. This is because the drug can cause severe damage to the optic nerve or even lead to blindness if not taken care of properly.
When you are prescribed Kenalog-40 injections, you should never use them longer than was intended. Follow the instructions carefully as were labeled or told by your doctor. If you have any questions about Kenalog-40, do not hesitate to ask.
Before Taking The Shot
Kenalog injection is a treatment that should be appropriately administered. Your doctor will check your medical history first before deciding that you are applicable for the treatment.
If you have any of the following health conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor first before asking for the shot:
- allergic to Kenalog Injections
- High blood pressure or heart problems
- nerve-muscle disorder
- stomach ulcer
- colostomy
- cataracts, glaucoma, or any infection in the eyes
- parasite infection
- low bone density
- thyroid or adrenal gland problems
- an active or chronic infection
- Pregnant or nursing
Tell your doctor all about your medical history so that there won’t be any possible complications that might occur.
How To Administer The Shot
Before injecting the Kenalog-40 into the area to be treated, clean the area first. This will help prevent infections and other complications. Later on, as you go through your injections, change the injection sites to avoid problems or discomfort. As you continue the treatment, the dose will be steadily decreased.
Once you choose a site, shake the vial, immediately withdraw the fluid, and apply it. Do it quickly but carefully, and it will help avoid settling the medication in the syringe. When that’s done, make sure to dispose of needles and other medical tools or supplies properly. Ask your doctor if you want to dispose of your medical items properly.
Abrupt Changes
If you have been taking this medication for a long time and are now thinking about stopping it, make sure to talk to your doctor first. Your current condition might become worse if you suddenly stop using this drug.
Kenalog-40 is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. The medication contains 40% hydrocortisone which helps to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints caused by these conditions.
When the pains are easing, do not push your joints. You may feel a whole lot better, but you should take it easy. Consult your doctor on how to exercise or move your joint while recovering.
What Should You Avoid When Using This Treatment?
Kenalog-40 should be applied only to the area in which it was injected. It is important not to scratch or rub the site or use a heating pad, as this will cause the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream rather than remain on top of the skin.
Avoid high impacts on sports or any activities that stress the joints. Otherwise, you would be undoing your body’s healing processes.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections while using Kenalog-40 as it may increase their risk for getting infected by diseases like herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Kenalog-40 is a corticosteroid, so by default, it will suppress the functions of your immune system. Going anywhere near a sick person could be very dangerous or even fatal, so ask your doctor to give you some antibiotics to fight them off while you are on the treatment.
Can You Get Overdose With Kenalog Injections?
You may be able to get an overdose from Kenalog injections if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are taking the medication for an extended period or not following the instructions, there could be a potential for an overdose.
Fortunately, Kenalog injections are administered in a clinical setting, so there isn’t a risk of overdose.
Side Effects
Kenalog-40’s side effects can include skin thinning and hair loss. It can also cause a decrease in bone density. More severe side effects include skin ulceration, redness, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, changes in blood cells, and liver damage.
However, if you experience any of these immediate effects, seek medical attention immediately:
- shortness of breath
- seizure
- blurred vision
- fever, pain, or swelling
- severe headaches
- ringing in the ears
- nausea
This list is incomplete, so if you have any effects causing immediate pain or discomfort, let your doctor know as soon as you can.
Takeaway
Some patients, who have rheumatoid arthritis or other health conditions, may need a type of injection called Kenalog. Kenalog is a steroid that helps reduce inflammation and swelling. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it is essential to talk to your doctor about whether you need Kenalog injections or not.
