Triesence

Generic name: triamcinolone ophthalmic (Triesence) [ trye-am-SIN-oh-lone-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is triamcinolone ophthalmic?

This medication guide is specific to Triesence.

Triamcinolone ophthalmic (for the eyes) is a steroid medicine injected into the eye to treat inflammation caused by disease, injury, or a certain type of eye surgery.

Triamcinolone ophthalmic may be given after other treatments did not work or stopped working.

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

Triamcinolone ophthalmic side effects

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

Triesence 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; or

• high blood pressure;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

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

• increased adrenal gland hormones--hunger, weight gain, swelling, slow wound healing, sweating, acne, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, muscle weakness, missed menstrual periods, sexual changes; or

• decreased adrenal gland hormones--nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, feeling tired or light-headed, muscle or joint pain, skin discoloration, craving salty foods.

Triamcinolone ophthalmic can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects of Triesence may include:

• blurred vision, increased pressure inside the eye;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• high blood pressure, changes in blood sugar; or

• increased appetite or weight.

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.

Warnings

You should not be treated with triamcinolone if you have a fungal infection affecting the whole body.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use triamcinolone ophthalmic if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• an allergic reaction to similar medicines such as oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroids; or

• if you have a fungal infection affecting the whole body.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• tuberculosis;

• diabetes;

• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density;

• mental illness or psychosis;

• herpes infection of your eye;

• cataracts, glaucoma, or another condition that increases pressure inside your eyes;

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

• a thyroid disorder;

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

• cerebral malaria;

• if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine;

• unexplained diarrhea or if you recently traveled;

• chickenpox or measles (or have been exposed to them);

• a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or

• kidney disease.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using triamcinolone ophthalmic.

Steroids may increase your risk of developing Kaposi's Sarcoma, a certain type of skin cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any recent, active, or chronic illness, especially any type of infection caused by bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasites, including threadworm.

Triamcinolone ophthalmic may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while receiving this medicine.

How is triamcinolone ophthalmic given?

Triamcinolone ophthalmic is injected into your eye by a healthcare provider. Your doctor will use another medicine to help numb your eye before giving you the injection. You will receive this injection in the doctor's office or another clinical setting.

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

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You will need frequent medical tests and eye exams.

Tell your doctor if you have a planned skin test. Triamcinolone ophthalmic may affect the results.

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

Related/similar drugs

triamcinolone ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, Humira, azathioprine, atropine ophthalmic

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving triamcinolone ophthalmic?

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 right after receiving this medicine. You could develop a serious infection or the vaccine may not work as well. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect triamcinolone ophthalmic?

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 ophthalmic, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• medicine to treat any type of infection;

• cyclosporine;

• other steroid medicine;

• certain medicine to treat Alzheimer's or myasthenia gravis;

• 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

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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