Triamcinolone Eye Injection

What is this medication?

TRIAMCINOLONE (trye am SIN oh lone) reduces swelling in the eye. It works by decreasing inflammation in the eye. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Triesence, XIPERE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or blurred vision
• Eye infection, including herpes simplex
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Immune system problems
• Infection, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Kidney disease
• Mental health disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Osteoporosis, weak bones
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Taking other steroids like dexamethasone or prednisone
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to triamcinolone, corticosteroids, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into the eye. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Metyrapone
• Vaccines or toxoids

This medication may interact with the following:

• Amphotericin B
• Antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and troleandomycin
• Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• Barbiturates like phenobarbital
• Carbamazepine
• Certain medications for fungal infections, like itraconazole or ketoconazole
• Cholestyramine
• Cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, neostigmine, physostigmine, pyridostigmine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
• Isoniazid
• Medications for diabetes
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your vision may be tested before and during use of this medication.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.