Skip to main content

Triamcinolone for Osteoarthritis User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Kenalog-40, Zilretta, Kenalog-10, Clinacort Aristospan Intra-Articular Aristospan Intralesional Aristospan

Triamcinolone has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 79 reviews for the treatment of Osteoarthritis. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Triamcinolone

  • anony...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 2, 2019

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I had high hopes for this injection after failed cortisone, and other injections. I iced my knee several times a day. I have a bit of relief in my knee but by the end of the day I'm "toast". It has been one week since my injection. I'm glad others had success, however, it is not working for me."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • My...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 28, 2015

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "Received Kenalog injection in right thumb, for Osteoarthritis. I had side effects with Dr saying these were NOT related to the Kenalog Injection. Dizziness, bloody nose, confusion, Migraines. Dr. knew from my chart that I had Diabetes- Thyroid, AND PREVIOUS bad reaction with 'Prednsone' Dr. told me before injection on the same day, "I've never heard of anyone being allergic to "Corticosteroids" I agreed then to Injection & suffered since 12/16/2015 with the adverse effects. Grrrr! I'm female-77 years."

6 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • TOPCAT...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 6, 2021

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I had Zilretta injections several times in my left knee which was bone to bone from degenerative arthritis at age 73 and I am a big man of 200 pounds. First injection gave partial relief for about 9-10 weeks maximum and each consecutive dose less effective down to about 4 weeks of relief with last dose. A big problem is they would only give another injection after 90 days so waiting for the next dose meant a lot of pain between doses. I quickly realized it is pain management only and the degenerative condition gets worse as you do more activity on the knee with reduced pain. So surgery is inevitable. You might as well go ahead with TKR. Also, it is a steriod. Several of my injections were painful at injection time and fact was for me, the surgeon delayed my surgery by 120 days saying Zilretta, as a steriod, gave increased risk of infection if given close to surgery date. I would not do it again. I would opt for TKR as soon as pain of bone to bone appears. They do not tell all up front."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 10, 2021

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "Works great for my arthritis pain BUT the side effects are not worth it. I've been getting injections for years for arthritis in various body parts. EVERY time I get the injection I don't have a period for 3 months and then BAM, I get hit with a period that is extremely heavy and lasts for 3 weeks. Also, I was not informed that this injection could make the skin at the injection site very thin after getting multiple shots. I covered a scratch in one such spot with a bandaid, when I removed it all of the skin under the bandaid came off with it. Huge scar, very painful, skin is still somewhat thin in that spot even years after stopping the injection."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • Sunsh...
  • August 12, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I got my first injection when I was 62 years old. It lasted for 10 months!! I am now 63 and just got a second injection today! My experience the first round was Amazing! I could walk, climb, play on the floor and even do Zumba again! Looking forward to the next 10 months of amazing mobility!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
11 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • BFH
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • September 7, 2021

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I have been getting Zilretta injections in both knees for about 18 months, the early injections were lasting 11-12 weeks, now I get about 8 weeks of relief starting about the second day after the injection. I now schedule almost injections exactly 12 weeks apart, I wish I could get them every 8 weeks and not have to deal with the pain for 4 weeks waiting for the next injection. I am 43 and need both knees replaced, it stinks but I am holding off as long as I can. I have seen no side effects of Zilretta."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Relief
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 11, 2020

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "Had Kenalog-40 injections shoulder, knees and base thumb joints. No side affects. Was able to get a full nights sleep finally. Experience aching only when it’s weather change. Too bad it doesn’t last longer"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
10 Report

More FAQ

  • John...
  • August 28, 2021

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I had an injection of Zilretta 3 years ago for arthritis in my right knee and so far I still am not experiencing pain. They tried cortisone and it didn’t work. I don’t know if three months is an estimate on how long it works but I’m going on 4 years and so far I am pain free."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • wanda...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 1, 2024

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "My doctor gave me Zilretta almost 7-8 months ago. I have osteoarthritis, my left knee is almost bone-on-bone. My doctor and Zilretta saved me from hell on earth. I thought that this medication must be a quick fix, no side effects, no icing the knee every 4 hours a day. But Zilretta is a force to be reckoned with; once injected in the knee, it goes where it's supposed to be. That's the power of Zilretta. God bless the mind and hands that created this miracle drug for people like me. I just got my second injection as I told you 7 or 8 months ago, and I am feeling relief. Since 11 am, it is now 6:15 pm, and I could walk at least 3 blocks. Zilretta is fast and to the point, no fuss, no muss, and I am a great-grandma; my great-granddaughter is in her first year of high school. She called me about an hour ago, asking how does your knee and you feel? Like a champ, she stated Zilretta again."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report
  • mim
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 27, 2023

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "The second injection in the shoulder had completely different results. No shoulder pain but it increases intercostal muscle pain, back pain, abdomen pain, and leg spasticity from multiple sclerosis. The doctor was unaware of these documented potential side effects, and offered no help. Bad doctor, worse drug."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • DJA
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 14, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "Second injection relieved knee pain but not as good as first. The good results were less pain, more flexibility, and less swelling. The noticed side effects after the second shot were like an allergic reaction with moderate congestion, slight cough. My reaction immediately after receiving the injection was more noticeable than the first with flu like feelings for a few days. All in all the pain relief has been good but I am not sure about a third injection. It may be time to fix the problem rather than treat the symptoms."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Kat
  • November 3, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "Zilretta was a total disaster, I haven’t walked for a month. Felt sick within an hour after receiving Zilretta. I only hope this lasts the length Of the drug and doesn’t permanently damage my knees. THIS WAS NO MIRACLE. I’m a thousand times worse than I was."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Pkano
  • July 16, 2021

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "Got first zilretta yesterday. No pain relief yesterday. Woke up today with almost no pain. So far best pain relief ever. My pain usually 4-7 Scale but today maybe 1 after doing errands and walking 3 stores. Praying it works for a few months."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • MyKnees
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 4, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "Don’t bother with Zilretta. I have been getting conventional cortisone knee injections for several years - tried Zilretta in an attempt to reduce frequency of injections. Three weeks out and minimal relief compared to conventional cortisone. Now I have to wait several months before I can get regular cortisone again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Delois
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2023

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "Went for a 2nd shot due to right hip osteoarthritis; shot lasted from late February to early July; experienced pain/swelling in the groin and hip; the second shot appears to have started to work immediately; very pleased."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report
  • L Chi...
  • June 1, 2017

Kenalog-10 (triamcinolone) "Had injection to right thumb on 3/1/17 for stiffness. As an adverse reaction, I've already lost 75% of my hair! If it ever stops falling, it will take years to restore! This medication is poison and should be taken off the market. i Contacted Bristol- Meyers Squibb and they have no comment to offer regarding my complaint. I am looking for an attorney!"

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
9 Report
  • DanA
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 27, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I had a shot of this medication in my knee and I have had severe leg cramps and we I asked the doctor about how long the side effects were going to last he said 3 to 4 days. At this point I can hardly walk.. I definitely would not recommend this drug. Additionally I believe Cortizone is better in this stuff. Good night cramps are unbearable I drink a lot of water to stay hydrated."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
6 Report
  • Pat
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "First shot worked great. Second shot I had severe pain and a burning sensation on the side of my knee that faces the other knee. This pain lasted 4 days and about drove me out of my mind. I kept thinking he injected into a nerve or something that shouldn't have been stabbed. It was horribly painful & I'm really good at handling pain but I was ready to have this leg amputated on day 3. Finally on day 5 it let up. Injection spot stayed red and swollen for two weeks. Now the shot is helping. I'm scheduled to get a third injection in December. If it reacts like the second one I'll know I'm allergic. However seems weird I had no reaction to the first shot then 7 months later the second shot nearly drove me insane. Made my whole body hurt. Especially my back. Never could get my doctor's office back on the phone. Now 3 weeks later and calling twice a week and leaving messages they don't return phone calls."

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 30, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I have partial replacements in both knees and they are both bad again. I got the Zilretta shot a week ago and had great pain relief at first but on day 7 started increasing pain. Not sure if this is gonna work. Trying to buy time before total replacements."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • weary...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 14, 2020

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "Received drug Zilretta about 15 days ago. It was FABULOUS these last 12 days! Climbed steps, played with 8 yr old grandson in yard, just generally moved beautifully! Gradually, the pain has returned. Don’t know why, don’t know if I did something wrong, but those first 12-14 days were awesome ! Glad it helps others"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
5 Report
  • SheriL
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 13, 2021

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I fell at work more than 2 years ago, broke my patella, after 3 surgeries and the last one seemed to have worked well, my pain level was down to a 2-3. My doctor suggested getting this injection to get me lasting pain relief going forward, I wish now I hadn't. My pain level increased to at least to a 5 within in a week, sometimes it hurts as much as a 6-7. I have pain where I didn't have pain before, Calling my doctor this week. My surgery was at the end of April, the injection was done at 4 weeks. I am now 3 weeks past injection date and it is only worsened my knee pain. I am so over this knee pain."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Relief
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 15, 2022

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I suddenly developed horrible knee pain in my left knee (Arthritis and meniscus pain). It became so bad that I was told surgery was probably the answer. I couldn't take the time due to my husband going in for major heart surgery. The doctor gave me this injection and said it should last 6 months to maybe a year. It has been over THREE YEARS and my left knee is still pain free!! I have another doctor and they have been trying to treat my right knee for over a year. The shots they have been trying are not working. I THOUGHT they were the same shot as this one but I found out it isn't. Hopefully, now I can get the same relief as I got with my left knee. I haven't slept a full night for nearly 9 months due to pain in the night. I don't understand why this new doctor didn't try it. Miss my old doctor!!"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 10, 2022

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "I have bone on bone and bone spurs and it did not work for me yet it’s been 10 days and it’s really swollen and now there’s crunching. It was very painful afterwards and it didn’t hurt at all getting it but now awful pain and a horrendous runny nose. I am definitely regretting getting it."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
3 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 29, 2020

Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone) "I am a 55 year old woman who took this Kenalog-40 injection for knee sprain due to osteoarthritis. No substantial pain relief . Had to use balm for pain relief. Not as effective as cortisone. Still waiting for complete pain recovery/cure."

3 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
4 Report
  • Feeling...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 13, 2022

Zilretta (triamcinolone) "My right knee is almost bone on bone. My left knee isn't as bad but still hurts. I have tried cortisone and gel injections. Neither worked for me. My doctor suggested I try Zilretta. I had an injection in both knees 5 days ago. I am having really bad headaches, and my kneecaps are very painful. I am also experiencing fatigue. It's hard to believe all this would be from the Zilretta, but I can't attribute my symptoms to anything else. I don't think I will be getting any more of these injections. My doctor says I'm too young for knee replacements, but I'm in so much pain."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
2 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Osteoarthritis

Care guides

Symptoms and treatments

Medicine.com guides (external)