Is Kenalog Banned in the United States? Examining Its Legal and Medical Status

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

First approved by the FDA on February 1, 1965, Kenalog-40 is a corticosteroid used for many inflammatory conditions. Contrary to some beliefs, the answer to 'Is Kenalog banned in the United States?' is no; it is an FDA-approved, prescription medication.

Quick Summary

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is not banned in the United States and remains an FDA-approved prescription medication for various inflammatory conditions. Confusion often arises from its restrictions in competitive sports and its discontinued use for hay fever in the UK.

Key Points

Not Banned in the U.S.: Kenalog is an FDA-approved prescription medication and is not banned for medical use in the United States.
Sports Restrictions: All injectable glucocorticoids, including Kenalog, are prohibited in-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and USADA.
Prescription Required: Kenalog injections and most topical forms require a prescription and must be administered by a healthcare provider.
Potent Anti-Inflammatory: It is a powerful synthetic corticosteroid used to treat conditions like arthritis, severe allergies, and skin disorders.
Significant Side Effects: The medication carries risks such as increased infection susceptibility, mood changes, and bone density loss, requiring medical supervision.
International Confusion: Its restricted use for hay fever in the UK by the NHS is often mistaken for a universal ban.
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE): Athletes needing Kenalog for a medical reason during competition must obtain a TUE to avoid anti-doping violations.

Understanding Kenalog (Triamcinolone Acetonide)

Kenalog is the brand name for triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It works by mimicking natural hormones to reduce inflammation, including swelling, redness, itching, and pain. Kenalog is available in various forms, such as intramuscular and intra-articular injections (like Kenalog-40) and topical applications. It treats a range of conditions, from skin issues like eczema to systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and severe allergies.

FDA Approval and Legal Status in the U.S.

Kenalog is not banned in the United States. It is an FDA-approved prescription medication with decades of use. Kenalog-40 was approved by the FDA on February 1, 1965. It requires a prescription and must be administered by a healthcare professional. It is not a controlled substance.

Confusion about Kenalog's status can result from:

International Regulations: The UK's NHS no longer offers Kenalog for hay fever due to concerns about side effects versus benefits for this specific use, and UK authorities have targeted illegal advertising for this use.
Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription: While most forms are prescription-only, an OTC nasal spray (Nasacort) with the same active ingredient was approved in 2014 for allergic rhinitis.
Restrictions in Sports: As a glucocorticoid, Kenalog has significant restrictions in competitive sports, which some may interpret as a ban.

The 'Ban' in Competitive Sports

Kenalog is subject to restrictions by anti-doping organizations like WADA and USADA. Injectable glucocorticoids, including Kenalog, are prohibited during the in-competition period as of January 1, 2022. This includes injections into joints, muscles, or tendons.

These restrictions exist because systemic absorption of these steroids may enhance performance and pose health risks. Athletes requiring a glucocorticoid injection for medical reasons during competition must obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) beforehand. Use outside of competition is generally allowed, but athletes must be aware that the drug can remain detectable and cause a positive test during competition.

Approved Medical Uses and Efficacy

Kenalog is used to alleviate inflammation in various conditions. Approved uses include:

Dermatological Conditions: Managing itching, redness, and inflammation in conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Musculoskeletal Conditions: Injected into joints for arthritis, bursitis, and epicondylitis.
Allergic States: Used for severe allergies unresponsive to other treatments.
Ophthalmic Diseases: For severe eye inflammation like uveitis.
Other Conditions: Also used for alopecia areata, lupus, certain blood disorders, and ulcerative colitis.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Kenalog's effectiveness comes with potential side effects, which vary based on dose, frequency, and duration of use.

Common Side Effects:

Fluid retention and weight gain
Increased appetite
Mood changes
Injection site reactions
Increased blood sugar

Serious Potential Risks:

Increased infection risk
Osteoporosis with long-term use
Adrenal gland suppression
Vision problems
Increased blood pressure
Severe neurologic events if used epidurally (a non-approved use).

The FDA label includes a warning against epidural use due to reports of severe adverse events.

Comparing Kenalog to Alternatives

When Kenalog is unsuitable, alternative treatments are available, depending on the condition.


Medication/Therapy	Class	Common Uses	Key Differences from Kenalog
Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)	Corticosteroid	Joint inflammation, systemic inflammation, allergies	Similar potency and duration; often used interchangeably for injections.
Prednisone	Corticosteroid	Wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions	Oral, shorter-acting, requires tapering.
Dexamethasone	Corticosteroid	Severe inflammation, allergies, brain swelling	Another injectable option; potency and duration differ.
Topical Antihistamines/Corticosteroids	Various	Mild skin allergies, eczema	Localized treatment with fewer systemic side effects.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)	Biologic	Severe, persistent allergies (e.g., hay fever)	Aims to desensitize the body to allergens over time, not just suppress inflammation.

Conclusion

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is not banned in the United States and is an FDA-approved prescription medication for numerous inflammatory conditions. The misconception of a ban is primarily due to its prohibition in competitive sports during in-competition periods by anti-doping bodies like USADA and WADA. Actions in other countries, such as the UK's decision regarding its use for hay fever, also contribute to this confusion. Kenalog is a powerful treatment, but its potential for significant side effects necessitates medical supervision.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication.

Authoritative Link: FDA Drug Details for Kenalog-40

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kenalog injections and most topical forms are prescription-only medications. However, a nasal spray form of its active ingredient, triamcinolone acetonide, is available over-the-counter under the brand name Nasacort.

The belief often stems from two main sources: its prohibition for in-competition use in professional sports by anti-doping agencies like WADA, and the NHS in the UK stopping its use for hay fever due to side effect concerns.

Athletes cannot receive Kenalog injections during the in-competition period without a pre-approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Using it without a TUE would result in an anti-doping rule violation.

Kenalog-40 is an injectable corticosteroid used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including severe allergic reactions, joint inflammation from arthritis, skin disorders, and lupus.

Yes, Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a potent synthetic corticosteroid, which is a type of steroid medication that reduces inflammation.

Common side effects can include fluid retention, increased appetite, mood swings, increased blood sugar, and reactions at the injection site like pain or skin thinning.

Yes, alternatives include other injectable corticosteroids like methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), oral steroids like prednisone, and non-steroidal treatments depending on the condition being treated.