From the Research
For local injection prior to subcutaneous hormone pellet insertion, the recommended dose of triamcinolone is typically 10-20 mg mixed with the local anesthetic. This small amount of corticosteroid helps reduce local inflammation and irritation at the insertion site. When preparing the injection, you can use triamcinolone acetonide suspension (such as Kenalog) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, adding 1-2 mL to your local anesthetic (usually 1% or 2% lidocaine) 1. The mixture should be injected subcutaneously at the planned insertion site, typically in the hip or gluteal region, approximately 5-10 minutes before the procedure. This not only provides local anesthesia but also helps minimize post-procedure inflammation, reducing patient discomfort and the risk of pellet extrusion. The anti-inflammatory effect of triamcinolone can last several days, which covers the initial healing period. Keep in mind that this is a local application with minimal systemic absorption, so the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects is very low. Some studies have discussed the use of triamcinolone in various contexts, including dermatological diseases 1 and orofacial granulomatosis 2, but the specific context of subcutaneous hormone pellet insertion is most relevant to the provided example answer. Other studies have focused on testosterone pellet implants and their release rates 3, 4, but these do not directly inform the dose of triamcinolone for local injection prior to insertion. Therefore, the recommended dose remains based on standard practice and the goal of minimizing local inflammation and discomfort.