Zilretta is a corticosteroid medication with the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide in an extended-release injectable suspension form. It is designed to be administered by intra-articular injection. The formulation includes PLGA microspheres, sodium chloride, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and polysorbate-80. It is prepared from a powder with a diluent to form a sterile suspension intended for injection.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a joint. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Severe pain, redness, warmth, or swelling in joint where injected
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing syndrome
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Infection, such as tuberculosis, herpes, measles, chickenpox, fungal infection
• Liver disease
• Low levels of potassium in the blood
• Mental health condition
• Myasthenia gravis
• Recent heart attack
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestine disease
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to triamcinolone, corticosteroids, benzyl alcohol, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Aspirin
• Certain antivirals for HIV
• Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole
• Clarithromycin
• Mifepristone
• Nefazodone
• Other steroid medications
• Vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

If you are taking this medication for a long time, carry an identification card with your name, the type and dose of medication, and your care team's name and address.

Do not come in contact with people who have chickenpox or the measles while you are taking this medication. If you do, call your care team right away.

This medication may increase blood sugar. Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.