TriamcinoloneTriamcinolone Acetonide

About Triamcinolone

Triamcinolone eases the inflammation and itching of skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids, including eczema and psoriasis. Strength changes how often it is used: the 0.025 percent cream is labeled for a thin film two to four times a day, the 0.1 and 0.5 percent creams and the 0.1 percent ointment for two or three times, and the lotion for three or four. Patient guidance keeps the 0.5 percent strength for conditions that have not responded to a weaker one. For psoriasis or stubborn patches the labels allow covering treated skin with plastic film when the prescriber directs, since covering increases how much steroid is absorbed.

Absorbed steroid can suppress the adrenal glands and cause Cushing’s syndrome, more likely over large areas, with long use or under a covering; recovery is generally prompt after stopping. Children absorb proportionally more, so the labels limit them to the least amount that works, and slowed growth and raised pressure inside the skull have been reported; on a diaper area, tight diapers or plastic pants act like a covering. Thinning of the skin can occur even with short use on the face and in skin folds such as the underarms and groin. Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, acne-like bumps, lighter patches and stretch marks are among the local side effects, and a skin infection needs its own treatment.

The dental paste, which is 0.1 percent (1 mg per gram), is labeled for temporary relief of inflamed mouth sores and sores from injury; a sore that has not clearly healed in seven days needs another look, and the paste is not used with fungal, viral or bacterial infections of the mouth or throat. The nasal spray (Nasacort Allergy 24HR) treats hay fever and other allergies and is not used under age 2, and triamcinolone injections (Kenalog and Zilretta) are given by a healthcare provider into a muscle, a joint or a skin lesion. The Kenalog lotion and topical spray are listed as discontinued.

Taking Triamcinolone

How to take it

Apply a thin film and rub it in gently as often as prescribed, then wash your hands; keep it out of your eyes, and shake the lotion first. Do not cover or bandage the skin unless the prescriber says to. For a mouth sore, press a small dab (about a quarter inch) of paste onto the sore without rubbing until a thin film forms, at bedtime and, if needed, two or three times a day, preferably after meals.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless the next application is nearly due; then skip the missed one. Do not apply extra to make up.

Storage

At room temperature in the closed original container, away from heat and moisture and out of reach of children; do not freeze. Use a take-back program rather than flushing.

Interactions to know about

Medicines are unlikely to interact with it on the skin, but do not use other steroid creams on the same area unless the prescriber says so, and mention steroid tablets, inhalers or sprays you take. Call for blurred vision, signs of a skin infection, or more thirst or urination.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Triamcinolone differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Triamcinolone cream and ointment are old generics from several companies, so they cost pharmacies little and a quote is mostly the dispensing fee, the markup and the size written, from a 15 g tube to a one-pound jar. The lotion and dental paste have fewer makers, so a pharmacy may need to order them.

A pharmacist cannot change the strength, or swap cream for ointment or lotion, without the prescriber, and the nasal spray and the injection cannot stand in for the skin forms.

Ways to pay less for Triamcinolone without insurance

• Ask for a generic cream or ointment, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• Ask the prescriber for the tube size that fits the area and the length of the course, rather than a jar you may not finish.
• If the lotion is quoted high, ask the prescriber whether a cream or ointment of the same strength would suit you.
• For a mouth sore, check that the pharmacy has the dental paste in stock before the prescription is sent.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Triamcinolone

1. 1.How many times a day should I use my strength, and for how long?
2. 2.Can I use it on my face, underarms or groin, or under a bandage?
3. 3.How much is safe to use on my child, and for how long?
4. 4.Is my allergy nasal spray the same medicine, and can I use both?

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