Kenalog-40 and Heart Palpitations: What Users Say

• Los...
• May 17, 2018

For Bursitis "Since getting Kenalog-40 injection for hip bursitis a little under 2 months ago, I've had worsening symptoms and they are awful. First, I developed terrible acid reflux that left a constant burning in my throat. Then I developed gastritis. I had no appetite and couldn't eat, also diarrhea for weeks and lost 15 pounds in 3 weeks. Anxiety started shortly after the throat burning and hot and cold sweats, racing heart, lightheaded. It's all gotten worse as the weeks have gone by. I have horrible insomnia, racing heart, sometimes palpitations, my vision is blurred. I have terrible anxiety and now some depression. I can't even drive now, I feel so out of it most of the time. And it is affecting me cognitively, I have trouble focusing and making decisions. Oh, and my hair is falling out in clumps. I've had every test possible by my doctor, and everything is normal. Kenalog-40 injection has ruined my life. And I have no idea how long it will last. I'm terrified."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

For Osteoarthritis "I had a Kenalog 80 injection in my cervical spine on 7/29/22. Thirteen days later, severe internal shakiness and tremor (which is the worst side effect of all, in my opinion). It is worse than anxiety, and it is never-ending all day long. Abnormal uterine bleeding for six weeks until the gyno put me on meds to stop the bleeding because I became anemic and had to have an iron infusion. Palpitations, shortness of breath, terrible indigestion, my legs and arms feel heavy all the time, multiple daily hot flushes, and I ended up in the ER. Oh, did I mention the internal shaking that is relentless, and Xanax didn't even help them? It is 2 1/2 months since the injection, and the side effects are still awful. I had to take time off of work. I've seen eight different doctors to no avail. No one can help. Beware!!"

• Fox...
• August 29, 2019

"Have terrible problems with boils and cysts on my armpits (Hidradenitis Suppurativa). Went to a dermatologist who gave me an injection under my left arm. It's been 3 days, and I have been having trouble with heart palpitations, strong beats, and also sometimes feels like a slow heart rate. It's making me feel like something is wrong with my heart! It's actually quite scary. I'm also having issues with nausea and increased anxiety. How long does this stuff last in your system??? I don't like this at all!"

• Kyo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "This injection dex/Kenalog was the only treatment that worked for my severe atopic dermatitis; I would have preferred never taking this shot if I knew the side effects once I stopped. Let me give a timeline since I stopped: Month 3: Debilitating anxiety/sense of dread. Month 5: Sinus tachycardia when driving (unable to drive). Month 8: Anxiety/heart palpitations. Month 12: Manageable anxiety. The recovery from this drug is agonizing; the only peace I had while recovering was learning to accept my own mortality. I'm still recovering, and it might take another year to be 100%. Taking hydrocortisone 5 mg allows temporary relief from anxiety. Needless to say, I'll be rating this a 1."

• Kyo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2022

For Inflammatory Conditions "This injection dex/Kenalog was the only treatment that worked for my severe atopic dermatitis; I would have preferred never taking this shot if I knew the side effects once I stopped. Let me give a timeline since I stopped: Month 3: Debilitating anxiety/sense of dread. Month 5: Sinus tachycardia when driving (unable to drive). Month 8: Anxiety/heart palpitations. Month 12: Manageable anxiety. The recovery from this drug is agonizing; the only peace I had while recovering was learning to accept my own mortality. I'm still recovering, and it might take another year to be 100%. Taking hydrocortisone 5 mg allows temporary relief from anxiety. Needless to say, I'll be rating this a 1."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2022

For Gouty Arthritis "This is the worst treatment I have ever received. I have had mild hypertension over the years and actually had high pressure the day I received the shot for gout. The gout pain went away within hours, however, 2 days after I had an anxiety attack (which I thought was a heart attack) and ended up in the ER. I have had anxiety attacks at night, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and dizziness. After about 3 1/2 weeks, the side effects have started to go away. If I could give this a 0 review, I would. I do not recommend."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2022

For Gouty Arthritis "This is the worst treatment I have ever received. I have had mild hypertension over the years and actually had high pressure the day I received the shot for gout. The gout pain went away within hours, however, 2 days after I had an anxiety attack (which I thought was a heart attack) and ended up in the ER. I have had anxiety attacks at night, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and dizziness. After about 3 1/2 weeks, the side effects have started to go away. If I could give this a 0 review, I would. I do not recommend."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2023

For Bursitis "I have crow's feet tendonitis, and this med was bad. It didn’t help with my condition at all. I suddenly have hot flashes, insomnia, heart palpitations, chest pain, and dizziness. I also had hallucinations that I had fleas and scratched myself in the days after. It has affected my vision and speech."

• DKC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had a shoulder injection for chronic pain. The next day, I went into horrible AFib, which lasted 10 days. Two days after the injection, I developed severe headaches with pain behind my left eye. Then, I got so fatigued and could not do anything. I'm still feeling bad 11 days after the injection. My doctor said these are all side effects of Kenalog. I would have refused the injection if I had known of these side effects. I have had other injections for lower back, etc., and never had this reaction."