triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension (Rx)

Brand and Other Names:Zilretta
Sections

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

injectable, powder for reconstitution

  • 32mg/single-dose vial
  • When reconstituted, forms an extended-release suspension

Osteoarthritis

Indicated for management of osteoarthritis knee pain

32 mg as a single intra-articular injection in the knee

Also see Administration

Dosing Considerations

Not interchangeable with other formulations of injectable triamcinolone acetonide

Not suitable for use in small joints (eg, hand)

Limitations of use: Efficacy and safety of repeat administration have not been demonstrated

Safety and efficacy not established

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension

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              Serious - Use Alternative (6)

              • axicabtagene ciloleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, axicabtagene ciloleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Consider the use of prophylactic corticosteroid in patients after weighing the potential benefits and risks. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              • brexucabtagene autoleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, brexucabtagene autoleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids as premedication before CAR-T cell therapy. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              • ciltacabtagene autoleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids as premedication before CAR-T cell therapy. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              • idecabtagene vicleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, idecabtagene vicleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids as premedication before CAR-T cell therapy. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              • lisocabtagene maraleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, lisocabtagene maraleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids as premedication before CAR-T cell therapy. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              • tisagenlecleucel

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, tisagenlecleucel. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Avoid prophylactic use of systemic corticosteroids as premedication before CAR-T cell therapy. Corticosteroids may, however, be required for treatment of cytokine release syndrome or neurologic toxicity.

              Monitor Closely (16)

              • cyclosporine

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension, cyclosporine. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Corticosteroids may increase or decrease cyclosporine concentrations. Also, cyclosporine may increase the plasma concentrations of the corticosteroids. Monitor for changes in cyclosporine concentrations and for toxicities of corticosteroids and/or cyclosporine.

              • dengue vaccine

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension decreases effects of dengue vaccine by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Immunosuppressive therapies (eg, irradiation, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, cytotoxic drugs, corticosteroids [greater than physiologic doses]) may reduce immune response to dengue vaccine.

              • isavuconazonium sulfate

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension and isavuconazonium sulfate both decrease immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • lomustine

                lomustine and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Concomitant therapy is expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression. Use caution when switching patients from long-acting therapies with immune effects.

              • lonapegsomatropin

                lonapegsomatropin decreases effects of triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Growth hormone (GH) inhibits microsomal enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which converts cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol. Patients with untreated GH deficiency may have increases in serum cortisol, and initiation of lonapegsomatropin may result decreased serum cortisol. Patients with hypoadrenalism treated with glucocorticoids may require an increase glucocorticoid stress or maintenance doses following lonapegsomatropin initiation.

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension decreases effects of lonapegsomatropin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Glucocorticoid therapy and supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment may attenuate the growth promoting effects of lonapegsomatropin in children. Carefully adjust glucocorticoid replacement dosing in children receiving glucocorticoid treatments to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.

              • ofatumumab SC

                ofatumumab SC, triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering immunosuppressive therapies with coadministration. When switching from therapies with immune effects, take into account the duration and mechanism of action of these therapies when initiating ofatumumab SC.

              • oxaliplatin

                oxaliplatin and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Use of oxaliplatin with concomitant immunosuppressants or with impaired immune systems may increased risk for serious infections.

              • ozanimod

                ozanimod, triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension. Either increases effects of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration with immunosuppressive therapies may increase the risk of additive immune effects during therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs in order to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.

              • ponesimod

                ponesimod and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution if coadministered because of additive immunosuppressive effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, consider the half-life and mode of action of these drugs to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.

              • sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride

                sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride increases toxicity of triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.

              • sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate

                sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate increases toxicity of triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.

              • somapacitan

                somapacitan decreases effects of triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension by Other (see comment). Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Comment: Microsomal enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-beta-HSD-1) required for cortisone conversion to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. GH inhibits 11-beta-HSD-1. Patients treated with glucocorticoid for hypoadrenalism may require increased maintenance or stress doses after initiating somapacitan.

              • trastuzumab

                trastuzumab, triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension. Either increases toxicity of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Neutropenia or febrile neutropenia incidence were increased when trastuzumab was coadministered with myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

              • trastuzumab deruxtecan

                trastuzumab deruxtecan, triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension. Either increases toxicity of the other by immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Use Caution/Monitor. Neutropenia or febrile neutropenia incidence were increased when trastuzumab was coadministered with myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

              • ublituximab

                ublituximab and triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension both increase immunosuppressive effects; risk of infection. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Owing to potential additive immunosuppressive effects, consider duration of effect and mechanism of action of these therapies if coadministered

              • warfarin

                triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension increases effects of warfarin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              Minor (0)

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                Adverse Effects

                1-10%

                Joint swelling (3%)

                Contusion (2%)

                Sinusitis (2%)

                Cough (2%)

                Contusions (2%)

                Postmarketing Reports

                Endocrine: Increased blood glucose (in diabetic patients)

                General and administration site conditions: Pain including injection site pain or discomfort and leg pain

                Immune system: Hypersensitivity reactions including pruritis, rash, angioedema, and anaphylaxis

                Infections and infestations: Septic arthritis

                Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, joint swelling or effusion, muscle spasms

                Nervous system: Headache.

                Reproductive system: Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding (similar to a menstrual period)

                Skin and subcutaneous tissue: Pruritis

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                Warnings

                Contraindications

                Hypersensitivity

                Cautions

                Triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension is for intra-articular use only, not for IV, IM, SC, intradermal, intraocular, epidural, intraocular, or intrathecal (IT) use

                Instances of anaphylaxis reported in patients with hypersensitivity to metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids; cases of serious anaphylaxis, including death, reported in individuals receiving triamcinolone acetonide injection, regardless of route of administration; institute appropriate care upon occurrence of an anaphylactic reaction

                Rare instances of anaphylaxis have been reported in individuals receiving triamcinolone acetonide injection, regardless of the route of administration (see Contraindications)

                Corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, potential for adrenal sufficiency after withdrawal of treatment, which may persist for months; institute corticosteroid replacement therapy in situations of stress (eg, stress) during that period

                Corticosteroids may increase blood pressure, salt and water retention, and potassium and calcium excretion; monitor for signs or symptoms (eg, edema, weight gain, and imbalance in serum electrolytes) in congestive heart failure or hypertensive patients

                Corticosteroid may be associated with development or exacerbation of increased intraocular pressure; monitor patients with elevated intraocular pressure for potential treatment adjustment

                Increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation with certain GI disorders (eg, active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses); avoid metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids in these patients because signs of peritoneal irritation following gastrointestinal perforation may be minimal or absent

                Corticosteroids decrease bone formation and increase bone resorption through their effect on calcium regulation and inhibition of osteoblast function; give special consideration to patients with or at increased risk of osteoporosis (eg, postmenopausal women) before initiating corticosteroid therapy

                Risk of behavioral and mood disturbances may be associated with corticosteroid use; advise patients and/or caregivers to immediately report any new or worsening behavior or mood disturbances; give special consideration to patients with previous or current emotional instability or psychiatric illness before initiating corticosteroid therapy

                Infections

                • Intra-articular injection of corticosteroid may be complicated by joint infection; avoid injection into an infected site; intra-articular infection may result in damage to joint tissues
                • Intra-articularly injected metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are systemically absorbed; patients taking metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are more susceptible to infections than are healthy individuals
                • A marked increase in pain accompanied by local swelling, further restriction of joint motion, fever, and malaise are suggestive of septic arthritis; if this complication occurs and a diagnosis of septic arthritis is confirmed, institute appropriate antimicrobial therapy
                • Local injection of a corticosteroid into a previously infected joint is not usually recommended; examine any joint fluid present to exclude a septic process
                • Intra-articularly injected metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are systemically absorbed; in patient treated with metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids, there may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are used
                • Infection with any pathogen (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic) in any location of the body may be associated with use of metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents; these infections may be mild to severe
                • With increasing doses of metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids, the rate of occurrence of infectious complications increases; metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids may also mask some signs of current infection
                • Advise patients to inform their health care provider if they develop fever or other signs or symptoms of infection; advise patients who have not been vaccinated to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles; instruct patients to contact their health care provider immediately if they are exposed

                Serious neurologic adverse events with epidural or IT injection

                • Serious neurologic events, some resulting in death, have been reported with epidural or IT injection
                • Specific events reported include, but are not limited to, spinal cord infarction, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cortical blindness, and stroke
                • These serious neurologic events have been reported with and without use of fluoroscopy
                • Safety and effectiveness of epidural administration of metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids have not been established, and metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are not approved for this use

                Drug interaction overview

                • Aminoglutethimide may lead to a loss of corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression
                • Concomitant with potassium-depleting agents (ie, amphotericin B, diuretics), observe for development of hypokalemia
                • Cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure
                • Macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause a significant decrease in corticosteroid clearance
                • Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis; if possible, withdraw anticholinesterase agents at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy
                • Coadministration of metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin; monitor INR
                • Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations, dosage adjustments of antidiabetic agents may be required
                • Corticosteroids may decrease isoniazid serum concentrations
                • Cholestyramine may increase corticosteroid clearance
                • Increased activity of both cyclosporine and metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids may occur when the 2 are used concurrently; convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use
                • Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids, thereby increasing their effect
                • Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia
                • Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to allergy related skin tests
                • Aspirin and NSAIDs
                  • Coadministration of aspirin (or other NSAIDs) and metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids increases risk of gastrointestinal side effects Use this combination cautiously in hypoprothrombinemia
                  • Salicylate clearance may be increased if coadministered with metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids
                • CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors
                  • Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inducers may enhance the metabolism of metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids and may require an increase in the corticosteroid dose
                  • Ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids by up to 60% leading to an increased risk of corticosteroid side effects

                Vaccines

                • Prolonged corticosteroid therapy may cause a diminished response to toxoids, live, or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response; possibly potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines
                • If possible, defer routine administration of vaccines or toxoids until corticosteroid therapy is discontinued
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                Pregnancy & Lactation

                Pregnancy

                There are no data regarding the use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes

                In animal reproductive studies from published literature, pregnant mice, rats, rabbits, or primates administered triamcinolone acetonide during organogenesis period at doses that produced exposures less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) caused resorptions, decreased fetal body weight, craniofacial and/or other abnormalities such as omphalocele

                Corticosteroids may result in menstrual pattern irregularities (eg, deviations in timing, duration of menses, increased/decreased blood loss)

                Lactation

                There are no available data on the presence of triamcinolone acetonide in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production

                Corticosteroids have been detected in human milk and may suppress milk production

                Caution should be exercised when metabolic-endocrine#corticosteroids are administered to breastfeeding women

                Pregnancy Categories

                A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

                B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

                C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

                D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

                X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

                NA: Information not available.

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                Pharmacology

                Mechanism of Action

                Corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties; it binds to and activates the glucocorticoid receptor, leading to activation of anti-inflammatory transcription factors (eg, lipocortins); it also inhibits inflammatory transduction pathways by blocking arachidonic acid release and preventing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis

                Absorption

                Peak plasma time: 7 hr

                Peak plasma concentration: 1143.7 pg/mL

                AUC: 21,219.2 pg·h/mL (0-24 hr); 842,149.2 pg·h/mL (0-inf hr)

                Elimination

                Half-life: 633.9 hr

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                Administration

                Intra-articular Preparation

                Tap vial firmly on a padded surface to loosen up powder

                Visually inspect vial to ensure powder is properly dislodged

                Gently push vial adapter down onto powder vial until the adapter will snap into place

                Withdraw 5 mL of supplied diluent with syringe and needle

                Remove plastic holder from vial; remove needle from syringe containing diluent

                Attach syringe onto vial adapter by pushing down and turning clockwise

                Slowly and completely push down the plunger; slowly pull back on plunder to the 5 mL mark

                Mix diluent and powder; tap bottom edge of the vial repeatedly and firmly

                Swirl gently every five or six taps; tap for at least 1 minute until all powder is completely dispersed

                Avoid vigorous shaking of the vial to minimize foaming

                Inspect vial to ensure a uniform suspension has been achieved; properly mixed suspensions appear milky white, contain no clumps, and move freely down the vial wall

                Intra-articular Administration

                Intra-articular use only

                Administered via a single dose device

                Swirl the vial gently for at least 10 seconds to ensure the powder is fully suspended

                Promptly inject after preparation to avoid settling of the suspension

                If needed, the suspension can be stored in the vial for up to 4 hr at ambient conditions; gently swirl the vial to resuspend any of the settled microspheres prior to preparing the syringe for injection

                Withdraw the full contents from vial into the syringe

                Do not reuse

                Discard any excess suspension in the vial immediately after the injection

                Storage

                Unopened kit

                • Store refrigerated 36-46°F (2-8°C)
                • Do not freeze
                • If refrigeration is unavailable, may store at temperatures not exceeding 77°F (25°C) for up to 6 weeks and then discard
                • Do not expose the single-dose kits to temperatures above 77°F (25°C)

                Diluted suspension

                • If needed, may store in the vial for up to 4 hr at ambient conditions
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                Patient Handout

                A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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                Formulary

                FormularyPatient Discounts

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                The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.

                Tier Description
                1 This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs.
                2 This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs.
                3 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs.
                4 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                5 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                6 This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products.
                NC NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan.
                Code Definition
                PA Prior Authorization
                Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription.
                QL Quantity Limits
                Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered.
                ST Step Therapy
                Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription.
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                Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.