Generic name: triamcinolone (intravitreal) [ trye-am-SIN-oh-lone-IN-tra-VIT-ree-al ]
Brand names: Triesence, Trivaris Intravitreal, Xipere
Dosage form: intravitreal suspension (40 mg/mL)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 20, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is triamcinolone intravitreal?

Triamcinolone is a steroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

Triamcinolone intravitreal is injected into the eye to treat inflammation caused by disease, injury, or a certain type of eye surgery.

Triamcinolone intravitreal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Triamcinolone intravitreal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Triamcinolone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

• muscle pain or weakness;

• large red or purple spots on your skin;

• any wound that will not heal;

• increased thirst or urination;

• severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, numbness or tingling, limp feeling; or

• signs of low adrenal gland hormones--flu-like symptoms, headache, weakness, tiredness, diarrhea, vomiting, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed.

Triamcinolone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while receiving triamcinolone.

Common side effects of triamcinolone may include:

• blurred vision; or

• increased appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Eylea, triamcinolone ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, Humira, azathioprine, adalimumab, fluocinolone ophthalmic

Warnings

You should not be treated with triamcinolone if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact with triamcinolone.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with triamcinolone if you are allergic to triamcinolone, or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection;

• a parasite infection;

• tuberculosis;

• herpes infection of your eye;

• cataracts or glaucoma;

• a thyroid disorder;

• high blood pressure, heart failure, or heart attack;

• diabetes;

• osteoporosis, or low bone mineral density;

• diverticulitis, stomach or intestinal ulcer, or stomach surgery; or

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis.

Do not use triamcinolone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving this medicine.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How is triamcinolone intravitreal given?

Triamcinolone intravitreal will be injected into your eye by healthcare professional in a clinic setting. The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection.

After the injection, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.

You will need frequent medical tests and eye exams.

Your doctor may instruct you to limit your salt intake, and you may need to take potassium supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Steroid medicine can affect your immune system. You may get infections more easily. Steroids can also slow the healing of skin wounds. Use caution to prevent illness, infection, or injury.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since triamcinolone is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving triamcinolone intravitreal?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.

Do not receive a smallpox vaccine or any other "live" vaccine while using triamcinolone. The vaccine may not work as well and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect triamcinolone intravitreal?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect triamcinolone, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• medicine to treat any type of infection;

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect triamcinolone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

• Your doctor can provide more information about triamcinolone intravitreal.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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