Common triamcinolone side effects can involve weight changes, gastrointestinal discomfort, slow wound healing, and mood changes. More rarely, this medication can cause serious complications including allergic reactions, kidney damage, and seizures. Patients on this drug may be able to adjust their dosing if side effects become a problem. If they cannot tolerate it at all, they can discuss alternatives with a care provider to determine if a better option is available.
Oral and topical forms of this steroid medication are available to control inflammation. Patients on triamcinolone may notice problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other triamcinolone side effects can include headaches and changes in the distribution of weight on the body. Long-term use of steroids can cause fat pads to develop, particularly at the base of the neck, and these may resist dieting and exercise to control body shape. These changes may occur too slowly for patients to notice, but can cause problems like clothes not fitting properly or no longer feeling comfortable over time.
Steroids can slow the rate of wound healing. Patients on triamcinolone can also be more prone to fractures, which may resist treatment because of the slowed healing. In the event of a fracture, it could be necessary to reduce the medication or stop taking it to allow the bone to knit. Mood changes like restlessness, insomnia, and mild depression can also occur. Some patients develop anxiety and irritation as triamcinolone side effects.
Triamcinolone side effects can be more intense on higher doses of the medication. Low doses like those used in topical creams are typically safer, especially when the medication is used only for the short term. Patients should also be aware that they can develop reactions to the medication after initially tolerating it. Side effects like skin thinning and redness, for example, may not occur until a patient has been using a topical cream for several weeks or months.
Patients with concerns about triamcinolone side effects can discuss them with their doctors. Serious side effects like kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeds, and severe depression are rare, but can occur. Warning signs of these complications can include dark urine and stools or an increase in bad moods. A doctor can evaluate the patient to determine if a drug reaction is occurring. Treatment recommendations may include cessation of the medication and a replacement with a more suitable alternative, along with therapy to treat the side effects directly, such as a bowel protectant to address intestinal lesions.