Steroid Shots for Allergies

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.

Doctor giving toddler girl a shot
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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 appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Changes in mood and behavior
  • Flushing (redness) of the face
  • Short-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 eyes
  • Congestive 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:

  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Increase in certain types of infections
  • Cushing 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.
  1. Yasir M, Sonthalia S. Corticosteroid adverse effects. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

  2. Medline Plus. Hydrocortisone injection.

  3. 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

  4. 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.