triamcinolone acetonide
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor, dentist or pharmacist.
Always follow the instructions that your doctor, dentist or pharmacist gives you about using Kenalog in Orabase.
What Kenalog in Orabase is used for
Kenalog in Orabase is an oral sticky paste that contains the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide, which belongs to a class of medicines known as corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids, including triamcinolone acetonide, are used to relieve itching, burning, inflammation and allergies.
Kenalog in Orabase is used for relieving tenderness, pain, inflammation and ulceration of the inside of the mouth or the gums. This can include sores caused by injury or by dentures (false teeth) rubbing on the gums or by conditions such as lichen planus. The sticky paste keeps the medicine on the sore area and protects it while the medicine relieves the soreness, reduces the swelling and accelerates the healing process.
Kenalog in Orabase is not addictive or habit forming. It may be prescribed by your doctor or bought at a pharmacy when recommended by your dentist, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
Before you use it
When you must not use it
Do not use Kenalog in Orabase if you have an allergy to triamcinolone acetonide or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to triamcinolone acetonide may include shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body or rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not use Kenalog in Orabase if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, unless you have discussed this with a doctor. Your doctor will advise you.
Do not use it if you have an infection in your mouth or throat or if you have tuberculosis, stomach ulcers or diabetes, unless you have discussed this with a doctor. Your doctor will advise you.
Do not use it if the packaging is faulty or has been tampered with. In this case, show it to your pharmacist.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist or other healthcare professional if you:
- are pregnant or may be pregnant
- are allergic to any food or drugs
- have any infections in the mouth or throat, especially herpes (cold sores)
- have tuberculosis (TB), stomach ulcers or diabetes
- take any other medications or drugs.
Taking other medicines
It is unlikely that other medicines will affect the way Kenalog in Orabase works. Nevertheless, you should tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist about other medicines you are taking, even if those medicines have been bought without a prescription.
Where to use it
Kenalog in Orabase is only for use in your mouth.
You should not swallow this medicine.
You should not put it in your eyes.
How to use it
To open, pierce the sealed tube end with the cap point.
Dab a small quantity, about 6-10 mm (which is about half the size of a five cent coin) onto the sore area in your mouth. You may need to use a little more if the sore is large. For the best results, use only enough to coat the sore with a thin film.
DO NOT RUB IN. Do not attempt to spread the paste as it might cause a gritty sensation in the mouth and cause the paste to crumble. After applying it correctly, a smooth, slippery film should develop.
When to use it
Apply the preparation at bedtime, to allow the medication to work overnight.
Sometimes it may be necessary to apply the preparation two or three times a day, preferably after meals.
If you forget to use it
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and use your next dose when you are meant to. Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
How long to use it
Use Kenalog in Orabase until all symptoms have resolved or for as long as your doctor, pharmacist, dentist or other healthcare professional tells you to.
If you take too much (overdose)
Telephone a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to the accident and emergency centre at your nearest hospital if you or anyone else swallows a large quantity of this medicine.
While you are using it
Things you must do
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while you are using this medicine.
Stop using it if the condition is getting worse, or if you feel any weakness or dizziness while using it. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of these things.
Wipe the neck of the tube and replace the cap tightly after use.
Things you must not do
You should not swallow Kenalog in Orabase.
You should not put it in your eyes.
Do not use Kenalog in Orabase after the expiry date.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Side effects
All medicines can sometimes cause unwanted effects. Side effects of Kenalog in Orabase are extremely rare.
The side effects that may occur include:
- worsening of sores inside the mouth
- new patches of irritation or sensitivity inside the mouth
- weakness or dizziness.
If corticosteroids are used for long periods during pregnancy, the mother may develop fluid retention or the baby may be affected. However, these effects occur very rarely and usually with much higher doses of corticosteroids than the amount of triamcinolone acetonide in Kenalog in Orabase.
Tell your doctor if you have any other side effects or any other problem which worries you while you are using this medicine.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using it
Storage
Keep it in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25◦C.
Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car on hot days or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor, pharmacist or dentist tells you to stop using Kenalog in Orabase, or if the ointment has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Kenalog in Orabase is an opaque light brown ointment in a 5 g aluminium tube.
Ingredients
Active ingredient:
Kenalog in Orabase contains 1 mg/g (0.1%) of triamcinolone acetonide.
Other ingredients:
- gelatin
- pectin
- carmellose sodium
- plastibase 50W (PI).
Sponsor
Aspen Pharmacare Australia Pty Ltd
34-36 Chandos Street
St Leonards NSW 2065
Australia
Australian registration number:
AUST R 19205
This leaflet was revised in May 2023.
Published by MIMS August 2023
