HAYFEVER INJECTIONS (KENALOG™)
Kenalog™ is not a first line treatment for hayfever and should only be considered when simple measures have proven ineffective. It is recommended to try medications that are available over the counter or from your Pharmacist or General Practitioner in the first instance. However, if these treatments fail to control the symptoms of hay fever, a steroid injection (Kenalog™) may be beneficial.
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Hay fever is nasal inflammation caused by your immune system overreacting to allergens. This response is commonly triggered by pet hair and dust or pollen in the case of hay fever.
A FAST AND
EASY TREATMENT
Although most people only experience mild hay fever symptoms, the allergy can be debilitating for some – especially those who haven’t responded to the treatments on offer over the counter or from an NHS GP.
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A fast and easy treatment, the injection of a steroid is proven to be an effective hay fever prevention method for many people. The drug administered is completely safe and approved for use in the UK (the treatment was available from the NHS in the past and is routinely administered in other countries).
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Steroid hay fever treatment does not cure hay fever but the effects usually last the duration of the hay fever season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT IS KENALOG™?
Kenalog belongs to the group of steroids known as corticosteroids and contains triamcinolone.
Triamcinolone, when delivered by injection is proven to reduce the release of histamine giving lasting relief of hay fever symptoms over the season. The medication is licensed for this use, amongst others.
HOW LONG DOES THIS INJECTION LAST?
One injection can be enough to last for a whole hay fever season, depending on pollen levels and the severity of your allergy. However if you require a second dose AMC will provide this at a reduced rate within the same season.
WILL THE TREATMENT HURT?
No. The injection is delivered into the buttocks and you will feel the slight pressure and scratch often associated with an injection. You will be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately but should keep the area clean and dry for the next four hours and avoid touching the needle entry site.
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IS THE HAYFEVER TREATMENT SAFE?
Kenalog™ is safe and is licensed for use in hay fever treatment.
Steroids are a powerful group of medications and Kenalog™ carries the same potential for risks and side effects as any other steroid. This will be discussed in more detail with you at your consultation where you can ask any questions and be assessed for your suitability for the treatment.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS TO TREATMENT?
COMMON: Common side effects include stomach pains and bloating, nausea, headache, dizziness and skin changes such as itching or a scaly rash.
LESS COMMON: More rarely, side effects such as excessive sweating, changes in menstrual periods, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, thromboembolism, anxiety and weight gain might be noted.
If any complications arise or if there are any other concerns, it is essential to contact the clinic immediately.
AM I SUITABLE TO HAVE TREATMENT?
Most people are suitable to have Kenalog injection treatment. A full consultation and medical history will be checked with the Nurse practitioner prior to the treatment. The following would not be suitable for treatment:
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Preganancy and Breastfeeding
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Immune impaired system
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Individuals undergoing cancer treatments
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Allergy to any of the ingredients
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Current illness or infection
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Diabetes
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Prescribed oral steroid treatments and/or prescribed any other medications that may compromise your immune system
SYMPTOMS OF HAYFEVER:
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sneezing
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a blocked or runny nose (rhinorrhoea)
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itchy eyes, nose, throat and roof of your mouth (palate)
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red or watery eyes
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postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat from the back of your nose) – this may make you cough
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headache, caused by a stuffy nose (the air spaces filled around your nose
