Urgent warning over popular hay fever remedy with alarming side-effects

Pharmacists are issuing a public warning against the purchase of unlicensed injections online.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has advised people not to buy Kenalog, which can be found advertised on social media platforms or by beauty salons and clinics. The association, representing over 6,000 independent community pharmacies, has noted an increase in enquiries about Kenalog from

There is concern that medication sourced from unregulated sellers could be counterfeit and pose a risk to patient safety. Known side-effects of the drug include elevated , dizziness, severe abdominal pain, depression and mood swings.

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Kenalog, a prescription-only medicine, is not licensed for the treatment of hay fever in the UK. The drug contains triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid injection licensed for conditions such as , but not for hay fever.

In 2022, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) issued a joint enforcement notice regarding the advertising of Kenalog injections. They instructed all organisations offering Kenalog as a hay fever treatment to cease advertising it on any of their social media or website platforms.

The NPA has warned that some of the medication being sold online could be counterfeit, swapped for other medication, or fail to meet UK safety and quality standards.

A survey encompassing over 350 pharmacies disclosed that almost half (45%) have recently been approached by patients inquiring about using Kenalog for hay fever relief. An overwhelming majority (96%) reported a noticeable uptick in individuals seeking assistance for hay fever symptoms since April began.

Olivier Picard, the National Pharmacy Association's chairman, remarked: "We know that hay fever season is well and truly upon us and as these findings show, pharmacies are reporting increased numbers of patients visiting them to help treat their symptoms. Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of hay fever and we are clear that patients should not seek it online or request it from their community pharmacy."

He added an important caution, saying, "We're urging people to avoid using unlicensed treatments, which could pose a serious risk to their health, and instead speak with their pharmacist about other options for managing hay fever symptoms. Pharmacists are well placed to provide safe licensed alternatives, such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays."

Picard also warned against the dangers of unverified medication, stating, "Medication from unregulated sellers could be fake, swapped for an alternative medication and not meet rigorous safety standards we have in the UK."

He encourages those affected by hay fever to seek help at their nearby pharmacy, asserting that "Instead, patients experiencing hay fever should visit their local pharmacy on their doorstep, who can quickly and safely provide treatments to relieve their symptoms."

And for those uncertain about online purchases, he advised, "If people are unsure about medication bought online, they should check with their pharmacist."

The NPA is pressing regulators to bring back regulations that once obliged the publication of a list of sanctioned online UK medicine retailers. These stipulations were part of EU legislation, which was revoked with Britain's departure from the bloc.

The NPA insists it's essential for patients to be able to promptly distinguish a licensed online pharmacy from unregulated UK sellers. Mr. Picard remarked that restoring the old requirements would "provide a helpful tool for patients to understand how to find a regulated, safe online pharmacy".