Kenacort-A 40 (by Aspen)

Kenacort-A40 general information

What is Kenacort-A40 used for?

Kenacort-A40 is used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness in a range of inflammatory conditions of joints and tendons, by injecting directly into the painful area of the joint or tendon sheath. These conditions include osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joints); rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation and swelling of joints) and acute gouty arthritis (a form of arthritis caused by deposits of uric acid in the joints). Other painful joint conditions that Kenacort-A40 is used to treat include synovitis and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the synovium or fluid filled sheath that line the ends of joints or that surrounds a tendon); bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac or bursa between tendon and skin or bone); epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow due to overuse of the elbow tendon). Kenacort-A40 is also used to treat various conditions that require systemic treatment, by injecting directly into the muscle (intramuscular), particularly where oral treatment is not possible. These conditions include various allergic diseases, such as severe seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis and bronchial asthma. Intramuscular Kenacort 40 is also used to treat various dermatoses (skin diseases), including severe dermatitis, such as bullous dermatitis herpetiformis (a chronic blistering skin condition); pemphigus (an autoimmune blistering condition of the skin and mucous membranes) and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a severe hypersensitivity reaction of the skin and mucous membranes). Intramuscular Kenacort 40 is also used to treat generalised rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

How does Kenacort-A40 work?

Kenacort-A40 contains triamcinalone a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid, similar to the naturally occurring cortisol and its metabolite hydrocortisone, with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressant properties. Corticosteroids are hormones that are naturally produced by the adrenal glands and are involved in regulation of many functions including control of inflammatory and immune responses. Triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells at specific sites such as within joint tissue or in skin. This reduces the swelling, redness and pain associated with inflammation and helps suppress clinical symptoms of a wide range of disorders, including inflammation in the joints caused by wear and tear in osteoarthritis or overuse as in tennis elbow; also autoimmune diseases, where the immune system is directed against self, as in rheumatoid arthritis. By injecting Kenacort-A40 locally directly into the site of inflammation it can start to work immediately to provide symptom relief within a few hours and provide greater freedom of movement of the affected joint. When injected directly into the muscle, Kenacort-A40 is slowly absorbed into the blood so that its effect is systemic and is effective for a prolonged period. This is particularly useful for conditions that occur systemically such as skin conditions and connective tissue diseases.

What does Kenacort-A40 contain?

Kenacort-A40 aqueous suspension contains the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide (40mg in a glass vial containing 1mL), a synthetic corticosteroid used to treat various inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. It also contains sodium chloride, benzyl alcohol, carmellose sodium, polysorbate and water.

Treating joint inflammation with Kenacort-A40

Kenacort-A40 contains triamcinalone a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to treat joint pain, swelling and stiffness in a range of inflammatory joint conditions, by injecting directly into the painful area of the joint or tendon sheath. These conditions include osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joints); rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation and swelling of joints) and acute gouty arthritis (a form of arthritis caused by deposits of uric acid in the joints). Other painful joint conditions that Kenacort-A10 is used to treat include synovitis and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the synovium or fluid filled sheath that line the ends of joints or that surrounds a tendon); bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac or bursa between tendon and skin or bone); epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow due to overuse of the elbow tendon). Triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals, like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, from inflammatory cells at specific sites such as within joint tissue to reduce the swelling and pain associated with inflammation. By injecting Kenacort-A40 locally directly into the site of inflammation it can act on a specific tissue and start work immediately to provide freedom of movement and symptom relief within a few hours.

Kenacort-A40 for allergies

Kenacort-A40 contains triamcinalone a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to treat severe allergies requiring systemic treatment, such as such as severe seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis. Kenacort-A40 is injected directly into the muscle (intramuscular) and is absorbed slowly into the blood so that it is effective for a prolonged period. This is particularly helpful where oral treatment is not possible. Triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 is a synthetic corticosteroid, similar to the naturally occurring cortisol and its metabolite hydrocortisone that are involved in regulation of many functions including control of inflammatory and immune responses. The potent anti-allergic and immunosuppressant properties of triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 helps dampen down the allergic response that causes symptoms like breathing difficulties in asthma and continual runny itchy nose associated with allergic rhinitis.

Kenacort-A40 for skin diseases

Kenacort-A40 contains triamcinalone a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to treat various skin diseases (dermatoses) such as bullous dermatitis herpetiformis (a chronic blistering skin condition); pemphigus (an autoimmune blistering condition of the skin and mucous membranes) and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a severe hypersensitivity reaction of the skin and mucous membranes, usually in response to a medicine). Kenacort-A40 is injected directly into the muscle (intramuscular) and is absorbed slowly into the blood so that it is effective for a prolonged period. This is particularly helpful where oral treatment is not possible. Triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 is a synthetic corticosteroid, similar to the naturally occurring cortisol and its metabolite hydrocortisone that are involved in regulation of many functions including control of inflammatory and immune responses. Some skin diseases such as pemphigus are caused by autoimmune reactions (where the immune system is directed against self); others like Stevens Johnson Syndrome are caused by a severe allergic reaction. The potent anti-allergic and immunosuppressant properties of triamcinalone in Kenacort-A40 help dampen down the autoimmune or allergic responses that cause severe symptoms in these dermatoses.

What are the side effects of Kenacort-A40?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Kenacort-A40 include: increased risk and severity of infection, impaired wound healing, high blood pressure, fluid retention, muscle weakness, thinning of the skin, thinning of the bones with increased risk of fracture, peptic ulcer, convulsions, numbness and tingling, irregular menstrual periods, sore eyes, pain at the injection site.

When should Kenacort-A40 not be used?

You should not use Kenacort-A40 if you:

• are allergic to triamcinalone or any ingredients in Kenacort-A40
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have any infectious disease, including infection in the joint and surrounding tissues and tuberculosis
• have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (tendency to bleed easily)
• have no immunity to chicken pox or measles and are at risk of exposure
• are due to receive a vaccination with a live virus vaccine as Kenacort-A10 can affect the immune system’s ability to react to the virus
• have thyroid, stomach, heart, kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, mood disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, osteoporosis, without discussion with your doctor
• are diabetic without discussion with your doctor as Kenacort-A10 can increase blood sugar levels
• are taking medicines that interact with Kenacort-A40, including: including: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as; diclofenac and ibuprofen, aspirin, the antifungal amphotericin B, anticholinesterases for myethenia gravis and dementia, Isoniazid for tuberculosis, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, digoxin for heart failure, oestrogen contraceptives, barbiturate sedatives, the anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine and primidone, the antibacterial rifampicin, aminoglutethimide for Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal gland disorder, human growth hormone, the antifungal ketoconazole

What medications interact with Kenacort-A40?

Several medications interact with Kenacort-A40 and should either not be taken while you are taking Kenacort-A40 or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Kenacort-A40: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as; diclofenac and ibuprofen, aspirin, amphotericin B, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, digoxin for heart failure
• Drugs that affect Kenacort-A40: the anticonvulsants phenytoin, carbamazepine and primidone, the antibacterial rifampicin, aminoglutethimide for Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal gland disorder
• Drugs that are affected by Kenacort-A40: non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as; diclofenac and ibuprofen, anticholinesterases for myethenia gravis and dementia, Isoniazid for tuberculosis, the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, digoxin for heart failure, oestrogen contraceptives, human growth hormone, the antifungal ketoconazole

How should Kenacort-A40 be given?

For intra-articular injection (into the joint), you will be given an injection of Kenacort-A40 directly into the affected joint or tendon sheath, depending on what you are being treated for. The dose you receive and how many injections you will be given, depends on your response and should be as recommended by your doctor. For intramuscular injection (intramuscular) you will be given an injection of Kenacort-A40 deep into the gluteal muscle and at different sites of the same muscle for subsequent injections. You will usually be given several injections over a period of time but for the shortest time possible to relieve your symptoms, to reduce the risk of side effects from long-term treatment. Your injections will be stopped gradually by reducing the dose.

How long should you take Kenacort-A40?

You will usually be given several injections over a period of time but for the shortest time possible to relieve your symptoms, to reduce the risk of side effects from long-term treatment. Your injections will be stopped gradually by reducing the dose.

How should Kenacort-A40 be stored?

You should store your Kenacort-A40 below 30°C in a dark place and it must be kept upright and must not be frozen.