NHS Bans Kenalog Steroid Jab Over Side Effect Fears
The NHS has stopped providing Kenalog steroid injections due to the risk of serious side effects. Despite this, some private clinics and beauty salons are still offering the jab for hay fever—an illegal move that’s now under crackdown.
Kenalog: Not Approved for Hay Fever in the UK
Kenalog is not licensed to treat hay fever here, though it is approved for a small number of other conditions. Hay fever, caused by pollen allergies, usually gets treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. But some sufferers who don’t respond to these treatments have turned to Kenalog instead.
The NHS says the risks of Kenalog outweigh any benefits when used for hay fever. The steroid can cause weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, and even depression. It’s typically used for inflammatory diseases like arthritis, not allergies.
Crackdown on Clinics Advertising Kenalog for Hay Fever
The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have teamed up to ban all promotions of Kenalog as a hay fever cure. This includes Facebook, Instagram, websites, and any mention of “hay-fever injection” or “hay-fever jab.”
Clinics must remove all adverts by the end of August or face referral for enforcement action. Claire Tilstone from the MHRA warned: “Advertising of prescription-only medicines in the UK is prohibited under UK advertising law.” She urged anyone spotting illegal adverts to report them immediately.
Experts Warn Against High-Risk Steroid Use
Allergy UK has also slammed the steroid injection for hay fever. They highlight that Kenalog is a high-dose steroid given by injection, which can’t be reversed once administered and carries a “high side-effect profile.” Medics warn patients to steer clear and stick to approved treatments.
