- The MHRA has cracked down on advertising for steroid-based drug Kenalog
A potentially dangerous jab which was banned as a hay fever drug because it can have ‘serious side effects’ is being promoted by a private clinic in Britain despite a crackdown on illegal adverts.
The Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken action against one practice which was found to be advertising triamcinolone.
The £75 steroid-based jab, which also goes by the brand name Kenalog, has not been allowed as a hay fever treatment in Britain since 2019.
There were concerns that the drug, which works by suppressing the immune system – something that reduces that impact to hay fever symptoms – could cause reduced bone strength, hair loss and skin pigmentation changes.
Some doctors have claimed the treatment is like ‘using a hammer to crack nuts’, with fears that using it could lead to people becoming more susceptible to catching other illnesses, The Telegraph reports.
Millions of people in Britain suffer from hay fever every year, with the condition caused by the body’s immune system reacting to pollen released by plants such as trees, grass and weeds.
It causes symptoms including itchy eyes, swollen throat, a runny nose and sneezing, with these at their worst in spring and summer.
Many sufferers are left trying to find relief in the form of over-the-counter medications that can alleviate their symptoms such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.
Kenalog was banned from prescription as a hay fever treatment on the NHS more than 10 years ago, but despite this has been given out by private clinics to treat the condition thanks to an exemption that allows them to prescribe drugs for illnesses that they might not be designed for using their own judgement.
The MHRA announced in 2022 that it would work to stop clinics advertising drugs for hay fever, with Kenalog specifically named as a treatment of concern by the Government agency.
The MHRA has said that one clinic this year has ‘amended their advertising’ after it took action against them for promoting Kenalog as a hay fever treatment.
The agency said it took action against Ruth Jackson Aesthetics, which is based in Cheltenham, as ‘promotion of any POM (Prescription-Only Medicine) to the general public is prohibited in the UK’, adding that ‘Kenalog is not a licensed treatment for hayfever’.
Dr Sophie Farooque, an NHS allergy consultant in London, told the What Your GP Does Not Tell You podcast about the experience of one of her patients who took the drug.
‘I remember dealing with one patient who worked as a driver and essentially had years of Kenalog because nothing else worked and probably hadn’t tried other medications in the correct way,’ she said.
‘As a result of Kenalog, he had thinning of his bones, fractured his wrist and he lost his job. So I would say avoid these drugs.’
She added: ‘If it’s reaching the point where nothing seems to be working and you feel like, “gosh, I have to get that injection because things are unbearable”, you need to be referred to a specialist rather than reaching out for the injection.’
David Webb, the chief pharmaceutical officer for the NHS in England, told The Telegraph: ‘In line with guidance from the MHRA, Kenalog is not a licensed treatment for hay fever and we would advise against its use – it can have serious side effects.
‘If you are struggling with hay fever, speak to a pharmacist or GP – medicines such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or other specialised treatments are available and safe for use,’ he added.
MailOnline has contacted Ruth Jackson Aesthetics for comment.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
