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Hay Fever Sufferers Warned Against Using Kenalog Amid Safety Concerns

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has issued a strong warning against the use of Kenalog for hay fever treatment, advising people not to purchase the drug, especially from social media advertisements or unregulated sellers such as salons and beauty clinics.

Concerns have risen as many hay fever sufferers turn to Kenalog after encountering it online. However, the medication is neither licensed for hay fever treatment by the NHS nor deemed safe enough to justify its use in this context.

Representing over 6,000 independent community pharmacies, the NPA has noted a significant increase in inquiries about Kenalog. There is particular concern that medication bought from unregulated sources could be counterfeit, swapped with other drugs, or fail to meet UK safety standards, placing patients at serious risk.

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Kenalog injections contain triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid commonly prescribed for conditions like arthritis but not licensed for hay fever in the UK. The injections work by temporarily suppressing the immune system to reduce inflammation and symptoms. This suppression can leave patients more vulnerable to infections such as flu, chickenpox, and shingles, making it unsuitable for those with mild hay fever.

Side effects of Kenalog include increased blood pressure, dizziness, severe abdominal pain, depression, and mood swings. Due to these risks, the NHS has discontinued prescribing or administering Kenalog for hay fever.

In 2022, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) jointly issued an enforcement notice prohibiting the advertising of Kenalog as a hay fever treatment on social media and websites.

A recent survey of over 350 pharmacies revealed that 45% had recently received patient queries about Kenalog, and 96% had observed a marked rise in people seeking help for hay fever since April.

Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, emphasized the dangers: “Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for hay fever. Patients should avoid unlicensed treatments, which could seriously jeopardize their health, and consult their pharmacist for safe alternatives.” He recommends safer options like antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays that pharmacists can readily provide.

The NPA also advocates for the reintroduction of regulations requiring a public list of regulated online medicine sellers. This measure, scrapped after the UK left the EU, would help patients identify trustworthy online pharmacies and avoid unsafe, unregulated vendors.

Mr. Picard concluded, “Reinstating these rules would empower patients to easily find safe, regulated online pharmacies and protect their health during hay fever season.”

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