Allergies Common Treatments Steroid Shots for Allergies By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 05, 2022 Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Why Steroid Shots Aren't the Best Treatment Short-Term Side Effects of Steroid Shots Side Effects for People With Chronic Conditions Long-Term Side Effects of Steroid Shots Steroid Shot Alternatives Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are a series of injections that are given over many months to years. What's often referred to as a three-month allergy shot, on the other hand, is a single, long-acting corticosteroid injection, such as Kenalog (triamcinolone). Many people swear by these long-acting steroid shots as a great way to get through their allergy season symptom-free. However, frequent use of such medications, even once a year, can cause serious complications in the long run. Cultura Science/Rafe Swan / Getty Images Why Steroid Shots Aren't the Best Treatment Long-acting steroid shots are designed to slowly release the prescribed steroid dosage in your body. They treat allergy symptoms by decreasing inflammation throughout the body. The downside: The steroid affects other areas of the body, not just the nose, and may cause significant short- and long-term side effects. Short-Term Side Effects of Steroid Shots Side effects that may occur right away as a result of steroid shots include: Increased appetiteDifficulty sleeping (insomnia)Changes in mood and behaviorFlushing (redness) of the faceShort-term weight gain due to increased water retention Side Effects for People With Chronic Conditions If you have an underlying medical condition, you may notice additional side effects from steroid shots. Each chronic condition has different effects and they may include: Diabetes Mellitus: An increase in your blood sugar readings High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure readings may rise Glaucoma: An increase in the pressures within your eyesCongestive Heart Failure: Water retention or worsening of the condition If you have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, let your allergist or healthcare provider know when discussing your allergy treatment plan. Long-Term Side Effects of Steroid Shots When steroid shots are used frequently or for long periods of time, more serious side effects may occur. Potential side effects of long-term steroid injection use may include: GlaucomaCataractsHigh blood pressureHeart diseaseDiabetes mellitusObesityOsteoporosisIncrease in certain types of infectionsCushing syndrome While steroid shots can go a long way to alleviate allergies, it's important to be aware of the many risks. One study published in 2013 showed that regularly using steroid shots to treat allergies increases the risk for diabetes and osteoporosis. Takeaway There are far better and safer ways than steroid shots to treat allergies. Discuss your options with your allergist or healthcare provider. Steroid Shot Alternatives If you live with allergies, ask your healthcare provider about trying sublingual immunotherapy or allergy shots. Both treatments work to desensitize the immune system by introducing the allergen in small amounts, either through shots or orally. You can also take antihistamines, most of which are offered over the counter, or try avoiding your allergy triggers and making your home a safe space from allergens. Another option is to use nasal corticosteroids, which target only the nose and don't have the systemic side effects steroid shots do. 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Yasir M, Sonthalia S. Corticosteroid adverse effects. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Medline Plus. Hydrocortisone injection. Aasbjerg K, Torp-pedersen C, Vaag A, Backer V. Treating allergic rhinitis with depot-steroid injections increase risk of osteoporosis and diabetes. Respir Med. 2013;107(12):1852-8. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2013.09.007 Bope ET, Rakel RE, Kellerman RD. Conn's current therapy. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences. Additional Reading Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy). American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). By Daniel More, MD Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit