HAYFEVER INJECTION (KENALOG)
Hayfever can be very debilitating for many people, particularly over the spring and summer months. Typical symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and an itchy throat. These symptoms can have detrimental effects on quality of life and ability to work optimally.
Many over the counter remedies are available from the chemist such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. In cases where these are ineffective, our inhouse Prescribers at The Global Clinic or GP may be able to prescribe treatments such as Fexofenadine (an effective and non-sedating antihistamine) or steroid nasal sprays such as Avamys.
If your quality of life is significantly impacted by hayfever, and all of the above treatments have failed, then it may be appropriate for you to have a steroid injection such as Kenalog.
The active ingredient of Kenalog injections is Triamcinolone 10mg/ml, and the licenced indications for this drug include the use in seasonal allergies in patients who do not respond to conventional therapy.
WHAT ARE HAYFEVER INJECTIONS?
The Hayfever injection is a corticosteroid injection called ‘Kenalog’ which has anti-inflammatory properties. It suppresses the immune system and stops the natural pollen response. Traditionally this injection is prescribed by doctors for alternative conditions such as osteoarthritis.
As with all injected medications, and in line with good medical practice, your practitioner will undertake a detailed assessment to make sure that the patient is a suitable candidate for treatment, and will explain the potential side effects and likely benefits in detail.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS?
As with all steroid injections and medications side effects may arise. Even though side effects are rare dimpling to the buttock at the site of injection may occur. As with all medical treatments, patients are always advised of the side effects and with all administered medications, the risks of any treatment must be balanced against the potential benefit of the treatment given.
All patients attending our clinics for this injection are advised to read the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet prior to attending, so that they are able to make an informed decision to have treatment, having considered all the risks, as with all medication.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
The Hayfever injection is administered in the top of the buttock and starts to work immediately but can take up to 72 hours to reach peak effect.
This medication is administered when hayfever symptoms first appears, but can give symptom remission that lasts for the duration of the entire pollen or allergen season (usually three months).
The dose required to control severe symptoms is partly related to body weight, and heavier subjects will require a larger dose to ease their symptoms. A dose of 40mg is administered for patients below 65kg, but for patients who are greater than 65kg we advise a double dose of 80mg.
HOW MUCH WILL THE TREATMENT COST?
The Hayfever Injection costs just £60 per 40mg dose, including a free medical consultation at The Global Clinic™. If you are over 65kg, an 80mg dose may be advised by the clinician, therefore the 80mg dose would result in a £120 charge .
Prior to attending our clinics for the Hayfever Injection we advise all our patients to read the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet Click Here , this will enable patients to make an informed decision to have treatment, having considered all the risks, as with all medication.