Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is a combination medicine given as an intralesional injection by specialists to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars around the eye.
| Drug class | Combination (Intralesional) |
|---|---|
| Type | Combination |
| Forms | Intralesional Injection |
| Common strength | Varies |
| Common Indian brands | Compounded |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is used for
Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is a specialized combination medicine used to treat certain types of scars around the eye. Specifically, it is prescribed for:
- Keloids around the eye
- Hypertrophic scars around the eye
These are types of raised, often discoloured scars that can form after skin injury or surgery. This medicine helps to manage and reduce their appearance and associated symptoms.
How it works
This medicine combines two active ingredients: Triamcinolone and 5-Fluorouracil. Triamcinolone is a type of steroid, and 5-Fluorouracil is an antimetabolite. When injected directly into the scar tissue, the steroid component helps to reduce inflammation and excessive collagen production, while the antimetabolite component works to slow down the growth of cells that contribute to scar formation. Together, they work synergistically to flatten and soften the scar tissue, improving its appearance and reducing any discomfort it might cause.
How it’s used
Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is administered as a series of intralesional injections. This means the medicine is injected directly into the scar tissue itself. These injections are always given by a specialist doctor in a hospital or clinic setting. The strength of the medicine may vary depending on your specific needs and the nature of the scar. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosing schedule and the number of injections required based on your condition and how you respond to the treatment. It is crucial to attend all scheduled appointments for these injections to ensure the best possible outcome for your scar management.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Compounded
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Important safety warning
STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE. Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can cause steroid-induced glaucoma (silent, irreversible optic-nerve damage) and cataract, and can turn a viral or fungal eye infection into a sight-threatening one. Use only on an eye doctor's prescription, for the stated duration, with eye-pressure checks. Never repeat an old prescription for a red eye. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
This medicine requires specialist scar management and is administered only by trained healthcare professionals. It is critical to understand the following important warnings:
- STEROID — DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE: This medicine contains a steroid. Unsupervised or prolonged use of steroid eye medication can lead to serious and irreversible complications.
- Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Prolonged or improper use can cause steroid-induced glaucoma, a condition that silently damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Regular eye-pressure checks by your doctor are essential during treatment.
- Cataract Formation: Steroid use can also contribute to the development of cataracts, which can cloud your vision.
- Risk of Infection: Steroids can suppress the immune system. If you have a viral or fungal eye infection, unsupervised steroid use can worsen it, potentially turning it into a sight-threatening condition.
- Prescription Only: This medicine is strictly for hospital use and is only given on an eye doctor’s prescription. It is never for self-use.
- Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor, for the stated duration, and with all recommended follow-up appointments, especially for eye-pressure checks.
- Never Repeat an Old Prescription: Do not use an old prescription for a red eye or any other eye condition without consulting your doctor first.
Your doctor will carefully assess your condition and monitor you throughout the treatment to minimise any potential risks.
Understanding Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars Around the Eye
Our skin is an amazing organ that protects us from the outside world. When it gets injured, whether from a cut, burn, surgery, or even a scratch, it begins a natural healing process. This process usually results in a flat, thin scar that fades over time. However, sometimes the healing process can go into overdrive, leading to the formation of raised scars. Two common types of these raised scars are keloids and hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scars are raised, red, and often itchy scars that stay within the boundaries of the original wound. They can be uncomfortable and sometimes affect movement if they are near a joint. While they are raised, they often improve over time, though this can take many months or even years.
Keloids are a more aggressive type of raised scar. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids grow beyond the original wound boundaries, invading the surrounding healthy skin. They can be firm, rubbery, shiny, and often appear darker than the surrounding skin. Keloids can be itchy, painful, or tender, and they tend to recur even after treatment. Both keloids and hypertrophic scars can be particularly concerning when they occur around the eye, as they can affect vision, eye movement, or simply be a cosmetic concern that impacts self-confidence. Managing these types of scars, especially in such a delicate area, requires specialized medical attention.
General Eye Care and Hygiene
While Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is administered by a specialist and not for self-use, maintaining good general eye hygiene is always important for overall eye health, especially when undergoing any eye treatment. Here are some general tips:
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or the area around them. This helps prevent the introduction of germs that could lead to infections.
- Avoid Rubbing Eyes: Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you have an existing scar or are undergoing treatment. Rubbing can irritate the eyes and potentially worsen certain conditions.
- Cleanliness: Keep the area around your eyes clean. If your doctor has given you specific instructions for cleaning the scar area, follow them diligently.
- Cosmetics: If you use eye makeup, ensure your products are fresh and clean. Avoid sharing eye makeup, and remove it completely before sleeping.
- Protective Eyewear: If you work in an environment with dust, chemicals, or flying debris, or if you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, consider wearing protective eyewear like safety glasses or sunglasses.
When to Seek Medical Help
Your eye doctor will closely monitor your progress during treatment with Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil. However, it’s important to be aware of when you should contact your doctor between appointments. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden Vision Changes: Any sudden blurring, loss of vision, or changes in your field of vision.
- Increased Eye Pain: New or worsening pain in or around your eye.
- Severe Redness or Swelling: Significant increase in redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye or surrounding area.
- Signs of Infection: Pus, excessive watering, or unusual sensitivity to light.
- New or Worsening Symptoms: Any new symptoms or a worsening of your existing symptoms that concern you.
- Adverse Reactions: If you suspect you are having an allergic reaction or any other unexpected side effect.
Never hesitate to contact Pristine Eye Hospitals or your treating specialist if you have any concerns about your eyes or your treatment. Early detection and intervention can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your eye health.
Frequently asked questions
What is Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil used for?
Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is a specialized combination medicine used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars that occur around the eye.
How does Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil work?
This medicine combines a steroid (Triamcinolone) and an antimetabolite (5-Fluorouracil). The steroid helps reduce inflammation and excessive tissue growth, while the antimetabolite slows down the cells that form scar tissue. Together, they work to flatten and soften the scar.
What are the common Indian brands for Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil?
Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil is typically a compounded medicine, meaning it is specially prepared by a pharmacy for your specific treatment, rather than being sold under a fixed brand name.
How is Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil administered?
This medicine is given as a series of intralesional injections, meaning it is injected directly into the scar tissue. It is always administered by a specialist doctor in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Do I need a prescription for Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil?
Yes, this medicine is a prescription-only medication and is specifically for hospital use. It is only administered by specialists based on an eye doctor's prescription.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Triamcinolone + 5-Fluorouracil?
This medicine contains a steroid and must never be self-medicated. Unsupervised or prolonged use can cause serious side effects like steroid-induced glaucoma (irreversible optic nerve damage), cataract, and can worsen eye infections. It requires specialist scar management and regular eye-pressure checks by your doctor. Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely and never repeat an old prescription.
References
- Comparison of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide, 5-Fluorouracil, and Their Combination for the Treatment of Keloids – PMC
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.