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Pharmacists are issuing an urgent warning to hay fever sufferers against purchasing unlicensed Kenalog jabs online, following a concerning surge in demand for the treatment as pollen counts rise across the UK. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has reported that nearly half of pharmacists have fielded inquiries about the injection since the onset of spring, highlighting a dangerous trend driven by individuals seeking rapid relief from debilitating hay fever symptoms.
Kenalog, a steroid injection containing triamcinolone acetonide, is licensed for various conditions such as arthritis but crucially, not for hay fever. Its license for hay fever treatment was withdrawn several years ago due to significant concerns over potential side effects, including vision problems, elevated blood pressure, severe abdominal pain, depression, and mood swings.
Despite these known risks and a previous joint enforcement notice issued in 2022 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) explicitly instructing organizations to cease advertising Kenalog for hay fever on social media and websites, the demand persists. The NPA cautions that medications sourced from unregulated online sellers pose a significant threat to public health. These products could be counterfeit, substituted with different medications, or fail to meet the stringent safety and quality standards mandated in the UK.
A recent snapshot survey conducted by the NPA, encompassing over 350 pharmacies, revealed that a staggering 45% have received queries from patients regarding the use of Kenalog for hay fever treatment. Furthermore, an overwhelming majority (96%) of these pharmacies have witnessed a substantial increase in patients seeking assistance for their hay fever symptoms since the beginning of April.
Olivier Picard, chairman of the NPA, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "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." He firmly advised, "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."
Mr. Picard strongly urged the public to avoid these unlicensed treatments, warning that they "could pose a serious risk to their health." Instead, he advised individuals to consult their local pharmacist about safer, licensed alternatives available for managing hay fever symptoms. "Pharmacists are well placed to provide safe licensed alternatives, such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays," he affirmed. "Medication from unregulated sellers could be fake, swapped for an alternative medication, and not meet the rigorous safety standards we have in the UK."
He reiterated the accessibility and expertise of community pharmacists, stating, "Instead, patients experiencing hay fever should visit their local pharmacy on their doorstep, who can quickly and safely provide treatments to relieve their symptoms. If people are unsure about medication bought online, they should check with their pharmacist."
Looking beyond individual responsibility, the NPA is also advocating for regulatory changes to enhance consumer safety in the online medicine market. The association is calling on regulators to reinstate rules that previously mandated a publicly available list of regulated online UK medicine sellers. These rules, originating from the EU, were discontinued following the UK's departure. The NPA argues that reintroducing such a measure would serve as "a helpful tool for patients to understand how to find a regulated, safe online pharmacy" and avoid potentially dangerous, unregulated sellers.
While comprehensive statistics on hay fever specifically within the British Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, and Sri Lankan communities are still developing, evidence suggests a potentially higher prevalence of allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis (hay fever), compared to the White British population. Studies have indicated that British South Asians may experience a greater burden of atopic diseases and, in some cases, a higher incidence of severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. Cultural factors can influence how symptoms are reported and managed, sometimes leading to under-recognition or delays in seeking conventional medical treatment. Culturally sensitive healthcare approaches and further research are crucial to better understand and address the specific needs related to hay fever within these diverse communities in the UK.
