If you suffer from hay fever, you’ve likely been looking for ways to ease your symptoms.
However, experts are now warning against a dangerous trend: buying unlicensed steroid injections from private clinics.
While these injections may seem like a quick fix, they come with terrifying health risks, including the potential for vision loss and other serious side effects.
Kenalog, a prescription-only drug, is one such injection that hay fever sufferers have been seeking out.
It works by suppressing the immune system, effectively reducing allergic reactions.
But this powerful drug, while helpful for some conditions, was phased out of NHS use almost a decade ago due to its significant risks.
Why Kenalog is No Longer an NHS Option
Kenalog, also known as triamcinolone acetonide, is a steroid injection that was once commonly used to treat severe hay fever.
However, after careful consideration, safety watchdogs determined that its risks outweigh the benefits, leading to its removal from NHS treatments.
The injection can cause a variety of side effects, such as abdominal pain, vision loss, bone pain, and shortness of breath.
It also leaves users vulnerable to infections like chickenpox and shingles, and may even lead to more severe issues like high blood pressure, depression, and irregular heartbeats.
The Growing Risk of Fake and Unregulated Injections
Although Kenalog is still available privately, the rise in unregulated clinics selling the drug is raising serious concerns.
Private salons and beauty clinics, which are not licensed to offer prescription drugs, may be selling fake or counterfeit versions of Kenalog.
These unregulated sources could be putting patients at even greater risk of harmful side effects or misdiagnosis.
Pharmacies and healthcare professionals are urging patients to avoid purchasing these injections from unverified sources.
Not only do these unlicensed clinics risk administering substandard or even dangerous products, but patients may also be unknowingly putting themselves in harm’s way.
The Surge in Demand for Kenalog
Recent surveys from the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) have shown a significant rise in patients asking for Kenalog as a treatment for hay fever.
Around 45% of pharmacies reported receiving inquiries about how to obtain the drug, with many noticing an uptick in hay fever-related visits since April.
Despite the risks, some clinics continue to advertise Kenalog injections online, often targeting people desperate for relief.
Prices range from £50 to £75, and some clinics even tout the injections as a way to enhance complexion or boost confidence.
These misleading advertisements are concerning, especially when they bypass the strict regulations set by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The Risks of Fake Steroid Injections
What many people don’t realize is that these injections, especially when administered outside of a regulated healthcare setting, can lead to serious complications.
Kenalog injections, if not given properly, can increase pressure in the eye and potentially cause vision loss.
They can also be dangerous if injected into a blood vessel, a risk that’s higher in untrained hands.
While Kenalog is approved for certain conditions like joint pain and arthritis, it has never been licensed for hay fever.
Using it outside of a controlled environment or for an unapproved purpose only increases the likelihood of harmful outcomes.
Advice for Hay Fever Sufferers
For those dealing with hay fever, experts recommend seeking treatments from a licensed pharmacy.
Over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, and antihistamines are safer and can be effective in managing symptoms without the risk of dangerous side effects.
If you’re unsure about any medication you’ve purchased, always check with a pharmacist to ensure its legitimacy and safety.
In addition, simple lifestyle changes like applying Vaseline around your nostrils, wearing sunglasses, and showering after being outside can help minimize your exposure to pollen.
The Bottom Line
While hay fever can be a frustrating and long-lasting condition, it’s important to avoid risky shortcuts like unlicensed steroid injections.
Instead, rely on proven, safe treatments from regulated pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Your health is too important to take chances on unapproved and potentially harmful products.
Stay safe and seek proper care to get through allergy season with confidence.