Zilretta Side Effects

Generic name: triamcinolone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 10, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zilretta.

Applies to triamcinolone: injection powder for suspension extended release, injection suspension Side Effects associated with triamcinolone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zilretta.

Applies to triamcinolone: injection powder for suspension extended release, injection suspension.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

This medicine contains benzyl alcohol which may cause serious reactions (e.g., gasping syndrome, low blood pressure, and metabolic acidosis) to newborn or premature infants. Discuss this with your doctor if you are concerned.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Let your doctor know if you or your child have any events causing unusual stress or anxiety in your life. Your doctor may give you oral corticosteroids.

This medicine may cause fluid retention (edema) in some patients. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet (especially on salt intake).

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and for patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

It may be easier for you to get an infection while you or your child are receiving triamcinolone (the active ingredient contained in Zilretta) Avoid crowded places or being near people who are sick. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have recently spent time in a tropical climate or have unexplained diarrhea before receiving this medicine.

Talk with your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you or your child are receiving this medicine because there are certain vaccines that you should not receive.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want you or your child to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Before you have any skin tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely

This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure that your child is growing properly.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Zilretta

Along with its needed effects, triamcinolone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking triamcinolone:

Other side effects of Zilretta

Some side effects of triamcinolone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to triamcinolone: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation aerosol with adapter, injectable kit, injectable suspension, intra-articular powder for injection extended release, intra-articular suspension, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly occurring adverse effects following local administration have included injection site reaction, headache, and arthralgia. Since systemic absorption may occasionally occur with intra-articular or other local administration, patients may experience adverse effects associated with corticosteroid therapy.^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site abscess (sterile), injection site irritation, injection site discomfort

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Post injection flare, brief increased in joint discomfort, excess dosage or too-frequent administration into same site resulting in local subcutaneous atrophy (may return to normal after several months)

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactoid reaction, anaphylactic reaction, anaphylactoid shock

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Contusions
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, rash, skin hyperpigmentation, skin hypopigmentation, skin atrophy, skin fragility, petechiae, ecchymosis, erythema, hyperhidrosis, purpura, skin striae, hirsutism, dermatitis acneiform, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, angioedema, pruritus

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, lupus erythematosus-like lesions, purpura, rash, sterile abscess, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, joint swelling
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, pathological fracture, fracture delayed union, musculoskeletal discomfort, muscular weakness, myopathy, muscle atrophy, growth retardation, neuropathic arthropathy, myalgia, synovitis
• Frequency not reported: Loss of muscle mass, aseptic necrosis of the heads of the humerous and femur, spontaneous fractures, Charcot-like arthropathy^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Convulsion, epilepsy, syncope, benign intracranial hypertension, neuritis, paresthesia, intracranial pressure increased, dizziness

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Serious neurologic events (with epidural administration)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Psychiatric symptom, depression, euphoric mood, mood swings, psychotic disorder, personality change, insomnia, drug dependence, mental disorder, irritability, suicidal ideation, anxiety, cognitive disorder

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Peptic ulcer, peptic ulcer perforation, peptic ulcer hemorrhage, pancreatitis, abdominal distension, esophagitis ulcerative, dyspepsia

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal distention, nausea^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cushingoid, adrenal suppression, secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, hypopituitarism
• Frequency not reported: Hirsutism

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: HPA suppression, hypertrichosis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Viral eye infection, fungal eye infection, conjunctivitis, blindness, cataract, glaucoma, exophthalmos, corneal perforation, papilledema
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Blindness associated with intralesional therapy around the face and head^[Ref]

Corticosteroids;

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sodium retention, fluid retention, alkalosis hypokalemic, hyperglycemia, out of range diabetes mellitus control, calcium deficiency, increased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Decreased carbohydrate tolerance, manifestation of diabetes mellitus

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Weight gain^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, fatigue, hyperthermia

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Malaise

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tuberculosis, Candida infection, impaired healing
• Frequency not reported: Infection (masked)

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac failure (congestive), arrhythmia, hypertension, embolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis necrotizing, hypotension, flushing

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, hypertension, fat embolism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis, necrotising angiitis, ECG changes due to potassium deficiency^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Glycosuria, menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa

Oncologic

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Kaposi's sarcoma

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Sinusitis, cough
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rhinitis

Corticosteroids:

• Frequency not reported: Hiccups

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• How is Zilretta administered?
• Where should you not use triamcinolone acetonide cream?
• Is triamcinolone acetonide an antifungal cream?
• Is triamcinolone good for poison ivy?
• Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?
• What are steroid injections (cortisone shots)?
• Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: which is better?
• What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
• Can triamcinolone acetonide B be used to treat severe diaper rash on a little girl?

Further information

Zilretta side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer