If you, like almost 50% of the UK, suffer from hay fever, you’ll likely know the pain of spending the summer months with itchy or watery eyes, a cough or runny rose. If you're a severe hay fever sufferer, then you'll also likely know it can go beyond being annoying and actually, really start to affect the quality of your life.
Some people are able to use antihistamines or nasal sprays for relief, while others have such bad symptoms that nothing seems to help (we see you!) – prompting them to look at alternative treatments.
If this is you, it’s possible you’ve come across illegal ‘hay fever jab' adverts. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Kenalog injection.
What is the Kenalog injection used for?
So, it’s possible you’ve previously encountered a steroid injection, called Kenalog, being offered as a hay fever treatment. However, it’s important to know this is no longer the case due to changes introduced around a decade ago.
Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U tells Cosmopolitan that Kenalog (which releases an anti-inflammatory steroid slowly into the bloodstream) was approved for use by the NHS in the past, but that “this is no longer offered by the NHS for hay fever, due to the risk of side effects”. The injection works by temporarily suppressing your immune system, putting people at higher risk of at risk of infections like chicken pox and measles. Other side effects may include headaches, low mood and irregular heartbeat.
“Kenalog is still available but is used for other conditions where a slow-release injectable steroid can be helpful, such as arthritis, hormone problems, and other allergic disorders,” clarifies Day.
So, to be clear Kenalog is not licensed for the treatment of hayfever in the UK. That being said, it is offered by some aesthetics and beauty clinics “under the personal responsibility of an individual prescriber” according to the government.
Can you get an injection for hay fever?
It is possible you may be offered an injection for hay fever - separate to Kenalog - by your doctor.
Day explains: “If antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, and prescription strength medicines for allergies don’t relieve hay fever symptoms, your GP can refer you for a specialist treatment. This can involve being given an injection or tablets containing small amounts of pollen, to desensitise your body to it before the hay fever season starts.”
These treatments may help to make your symptoms more manageable, in turn reducing the different types of medicine you need during hay fever season. However, "this might not be available everywhere in the country, so speak to your GP to find out if it’s an option for you.”
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
