Sir, – The article “An injection for hay fever transformed my summer” (Your Wellness, July 23rd) proposes that the drug “Kenalog” be used to treat hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
The writer describes how the drug improved his symptoms, but we wish to highlight that this drug’s serious side-effects mean the vast majority of GPs will no longer routinely prescribe it.
This treatment is no longer recommended by any international guideline on the management of allergic rhinitis. The side-effects include increased risk of osteoporosis (especially fractured hip), diabetes and immunosuppression (risk of pneumonia and other infections).
There have been significant improvements in therapeutic options for patients with more severe symptoms, including newer antihistamines, nasal sprays and immunotherapy. These treatments are safer and offer a better long-term solution to patients than annual steroid injections. We recommend talking to your GP about these treatments to avoid side-effects from injectable steroids. – Yours, etc,
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Dr SHANE McKEOGH,
Clinical Lead,
Adult Respiratory;
Dr DERMOT RYAN,
Director,
International Primary Care Respiratory Group;
Dr DERMOT NOLAN,
Former Clinical Lead, Asthma;
Irish College of GPs,
Dublin 2.