A hay fever injection is a long-acting steroid injection that works by calming the immune system’s hypersensitive response to allergens such as grass and tree pollen. A single injection can provide relief from hay fever symptoms for much of the pollen season — typically around 6 to 8 weeks — which can make it a helpful option for those whose symptoms aren’t well controlled by antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops alone.
Because the injection is a prescription-only medicine, a brief telephone consultation is required beforehand. This allows our prescribing practitioner to take a full medical history, assess your suitability and discuss any reasons it may not be right for you, before a prescription is arranged. The injection itself is then given at a follow-up appointment.
It’s administered as a single intramuscular injection, and is quick, straightforward and generally well tolerated. Results are usually felt within a few days and can last through much of the hay fever season, helping you feel more comfortable through the warmer months.
15 minutes
A single injection, typically covering the hay fever season
Symptom relief that generally lasts several weeks
None — you can return to your day straight away
Under-eye — A small intramuscular injection
From £175
Persistent sneezing and a constantly runny or congested nose are among the most common hayfever symptoms, and often the first to improve following the Kenalog injection.
Allergic conjunctivitis — itchy, red, watery or swollen eyes — can be significantly reduced as the corticosteroid suppresses the inflammatory response to pollen.
An itchy or tickly throat and itchy ear canals are frequent complaints during hayfever season, and can respond well to treatment with Kenalog.
The constant immune response triggered by hayfever can leave you feeling exhausted and struggling to concentrate. Reducing the allergic response can help restore energy and clarity.
If you have tried antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops without sufficient relief, Kenalog offers a more sustained systemic solution for the full pollen season.
Kenalog is effective against a broad range of seasonal allergens including grass pollen, tree pollen and other airborne triggers common in spring and summer in the UK.
Kenalog is a brand name for triamcinolone acetonide, a long-acting corticosteroid. It works by suppressing the immune system’s hypersensitive response to allergens such as grass and tree pollen. Rather than blocking histamine after it is released (as antihistamines do), Kenalog works at a higher level to dampen the overall inflammatory response, providing broader and longer-lasting relief from hayfever symptoms.
Kenalog is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM), which means it must be assessed and prescribed by a qualified prescribing practitioner before it can be administered. A brief 15-minute pre-appointment is required to take your medical history, assess your suitability, discuss any contraindications, and arrange your prescription. The injection is then administered at your follow-up appointment.
The Kenalog injection costs £135. This includes your suitability assessment and prescription appointment as well as the injection itself. Please note that because a pre-appointment is required to order the prescription, both appointments will need to be booked in advance.
A single Kenalog injection typically provides hayfever relief for 6 to 8 weeks, which for most people covers the peak of the UK pollen season. Results are usually felt within a few days of the injection. Most people only require one injection per hayfever season.
Kenalog is administered as a single intramuscular (IM) injection, most commonly into the gluteal muscle (upper outer buttock). The procedure is quick, straightforward and generally well tolerated. You can expect to be in and out within a few minutes for the injection appointment itself.
Kenalog is suitable for adults who suffer from moderate to severe seasonal hayfever that is inadequately controlled by over-the-counter treatments such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye drops. Suitability is assessed individually at your pre-appointment. It is not suitable for everyone, and contraindications will be reviewed as part of your assessment.
Kenalog may not be suitable if you: are pregnant or breastfeeding; have an active infection (including a cold or flu); have uncontrolled diabetes (as corticosteroids can raise blood sugar); have osteoporosis; have a history of adrenal suppression; are immunocompromised; or have a known allergy to triamcinolone acetonide. Your full medical history will be reviewed at your pre-appointment to ensure safety.
As with all corticosteroid injections, there are potential side effects to be aware of. These can include: a temporary rise in blood sugar levels (particularly relevant for diabetics); mood changes; temporary flushing or a warm feeling after injection; localised skin thinning or discolouration at the injection site (rare); and short-term suppression of the body’s own cortisol production. Serious side effects are uncommon. All risks will be discussed with you at your pre-appointment.
In many cases, yes — Kenalog can be used alongside antihistamines and eye drops as needed. However, you should not take other systemic corticosteroids at the same time. Your prescriber will review your current medications at your pre-appointment and advise accordingly.
Of course — we completely understand wanting an idea of costs before booking.
As many of our treatments are tailored to your individual needs, pricing can vary depending on the area being treated, the product used and the outcome you are hoping to achieve.
You can view our current price guide online, which gives a helpful starting point for many of our treatments. However, for more personalised advice, we would always recommend a consultation so we can discuss your goals and recommend the most suitable options for you.
If you’re unsure where to start, please do get in touch — our friendly team are always happy to help guide you in the right direction.
