Trianex

Pronunciation: TRY-ah-nex
Generic name: triamcinolone acetonide 0.05%
Dosage form: ointment
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

What is Trianex?

Trianex is a high-potency topical steroid ointment that may be used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids, such as plaque psoriasis. It contains triamcinolone acetonide 0.05%.

Although Trianex is an ointment, its hydrous emulsified base means it looks and feels like a cream, which may be appealing to some people who do not like the greasy feel of ointments.

Trianex was FDA approved on March 23, 1995.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Trianex is a high-potency, Class II corticosteroid that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not use for long periods and do not exceed the recommended dose. Periodic monitoring for HPA suppression may be required.

Trianex may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with your doctor.

Use care when using Trianex ointment on a large part of the skin or where there are open wounds.

Do not use Trianex ointment on cuts, scrapes, damaged skin, or on open wounds.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Trianex ointment if you are allergic to it. Do not apply to lesions that are exuding serum or to skin folds (where two areas of skin touch each other).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• liver disease; or
• an adrenal gland disorder.

Topical corticosteroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

It is not known whether Trianex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you are instructed to use Trianex only use a small amount for the shortest time possible.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are instructed to use Trianex only use a small amount for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the breasts.

How do I use Trianex?

Use Trianex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take it by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after using Trianex, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin and rub it gently two to four times daily.

Do not apply Trianex over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine or if your symptoms worsen.

Related/similar drugs

Skyrizi, Dupixent, prednisone, methotrexate, triamcinolone topical, dexamethasone, sucralfate, Humira, cyclosporine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of steroid medications can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Trianex?

Do not use Trianex to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What are the side effects of Trianex?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin - weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects of Trianex may include:

• burning, itching, or irritation of treated skin
• dryness
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles (folliculitis)

Other side effects are uncommon with topical corticosteroids but may include:

• changes in the color of treated skin
• dryness
• high blood sugar levels
• increased hair growth
• miliaria
• ophthalmic side effects such as cataracts or glaucoma
• perioral dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis
• skin thinning
• spider veins
• stretch marks
• upper respiratory tract infection.

Topical corticosteroids can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency if large amounts are used for long periods.

If you develop a skin infection while using Trianex your doctor may give you an antimicrobial cream to use as well. If this does not resolve the infection, your doctor may discontinue the tape until the infection has cleared.

If irritation develops, stop using Trianex.

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.

What other drugs will affect Trianex?

Trianex is unlikely to interact with other medications you may take. But you should not use it with other topical or oral corticosteroids, because they may have an additive effect.

Tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Ingredients

Active: triamcinolone acetonide 0.05% (0.5mg/1gram)

Inactive: light mineral oil, purified water, white petrolatum, heavy mineral oil, mineral wax, lanolin alcohols NF.

Storage

Store at room temperature 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F). Do not freeze. Avoid excessive heat.

Keep out of reach of children.

Manufacturer

Promius Pharma, LLC.

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