Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. It is primarily used to treat the pain of osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee and helps to reduce the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with inflammatory disorders. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis in which the cartilage that cushions the bone's ends erodes due to wear and tear over time. Common symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with increasing age.

Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection contains ‘triamcinolone acetonide’, which belongs to the class of corticosteroids. It works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies. This effect helps reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort.

A healthcare professional will administer Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection. Do not self-administer. Sometimes Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection may cause certain side effects such as sore throat, runny nose, sinusitis, dizziness, nervousness, cough, contusions (bleeding under the skin) and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection should be avoided if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving this injection. It is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection is intended for intra-articular use only. If you have osteoporosis (weak bones) or any other bone or joint relations problems, inform your doctor before receiving Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection. Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection may cause dizziness; hence it is advised to avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after receiving this injection.

Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection contains 'Triamcinolone acetonide,' a corticosteroid. It works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation and allergies. This effect helps reduce osteoarthritis symptoms such as pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.

• Contusions (bleeding under the skin)
• Sore throat
• Sinusitis (Inflammation of the nasal sinus)
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Injection site reactions

Please inform your doctor if you are allergic to it and if you are using any prescription or non-prescription medicines, including vitamin and herbal supplements, before receiving Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection. This medicine weakens your immune system, making you more prone to infections. So, keep a distance from people who are sick or have infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid receiving this medicine as it may cause serious side effects to the developing baby. Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection is not recommended for use in children 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. If you have osteoporosis (weak bones) or any other bone or joint relations problems or have a recent history of heart, liver or kidney diseases, glaucoma, cataracts, nasal surgery, chronic nasal inflammation, insomnia, or mood swings, inform your doctor before receiving Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection. This medicine may cause dizziness; hence, it is advised to avoid driving vehicles or operating machines after receiving this injection.

Drug-drug interactions: Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection may interact with other corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac), antifungals (ketoconazole), antibiotics (clarithromycin, rifampicin), an antidepressant (nefazodone), antitubercular drug (isoniazid), birth control pills, anticoagulants (warfarin), antidiabetic drugs, Amphotericin B, and drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (cyclosporine).

Drug-food interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol.

Drug-disease interactions: Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney diseases, endocrine disorders, diabetes, tuberculosis, osteoporosis (bone thinning), joint disorders, eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts, and high blood pressure.

• DICLOFENAC
• RITONAVIR
• ATAZANAVIR
• ITRACONAZOLE
• KETOCONAZOLE
• CLARITHROMYCIN
• RIFAMPICIN
• NEFAZODONE
• WARFARIN
• CYCLOSPORINE

• Perform gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming. Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieves joint stiffness.
• Perform yoga as it may help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
• Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
• Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
• De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
• Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
• Limit salt intake and prefer herbs or spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric, which are natural anti-inflammatory agents.
• Try to avoid alcohol, as it can affect your stomach and intestine and limit the absorption of the essential nutrients required by your body.

Viracort 40 mg/ ml Injection is intended for intra-articular use only. Hence, do not administer this medicine by epidural, intrathecal, intravenous, intraocular, intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous routes.

Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age; the older you are, the more likely you are to get osteoarthritis, thus known as degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons might include past injuries such as torn cartilage and dislocated joints and ligaments.