Definition
Lipotalon® is a drug from the group of glucocorticoids. Like all glucocorticoids, to whose group cortisone also belongs, Lipotalon® has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It contains the active ingredient dexamethasone and is used for injection into joints for local action.
Indication
Lipotalon® can be used in inflammatory processes of the joints such as inflammatory activated arthrosis, tendon insertion inflammation such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis humeri).
Application
The active ingredient is injected into the affected joint or into surrounding tissue that is painful. This is done with the help of a syringe. To minimize the risk of infection during this procedure, the doctor must work under strictly aseptic conditions.
For example, it is essential to ensure that the skin has been disinfected beforehand and that the needle is sterile. Once the Lipotalon® has been injected into the joint, the small fat globules containing the actual glucocorticoid crystals dissolve. Compared to similar preparations, Lipotalon® consists of very small crystals.
This may have the advantage that no injuries occur within the joint due to the edges of the crystals. Often, just one application is enough to relieve the pain for the patient. The anti-inflammatory effect in the joint can last for several weeks.
If you want to puncture a joint again due to insufficient effect, you should wait three to four weeks before doing so. It is also important that a joint is not injected with Lipotalon® more than three to four times a year, as there is evidence that its active ingredient dexamethasone can attack the cartilage cells. More frequent use can therefore lead to cartilage damage in the joint.
Lipotalon® contains the active ingredient dexametasone, a glucocorticoid, which is produced synthetically. It has a much stronger effect than cortisone, but has the same mode of action. Other glucocorticoids include cortisone and prednisolone.
When injecting into the knee, it is important to ensure that this is done under sterile conditions. If pathogens enter the knee joint, this can lead to severe joint inflammation. It should also be noted that the knee should be protected for one day after the injection and that it should not be subjected to heavy loads.
If it is necessary to administer Lipotalon® again, this should only be done after about four weeks. When Lipotalon® is injected into the knee, systemic side effects (affecting the entire body) can also occur. If there is an allergy to the active ingredient, the injection should not be used.
Other side effects may include an increase in blood sugar levels, reduced production of the body’s own mineral corticoids or weight gain with trunk obesity (fat accumulates on the trunk of the body, the extremities become slimmer). Lipotalon® can also be used in the shoulder. Here the same rules apply as for the knee.
The injection should be administered under sterile conditions and the shoulder should be protected after the injection. If increased pain in the knee occurs after a few hours or sometimes even days or if the knee becomes thick and overheated, a doctor should be consulted. Sometimes fever is added to these symptoms.
These symptoms are indicative of an inflammation of the joint and are in dire need of treatment. Lipotalon® can also be administered to the spine. There are many small joints in the spine where inflammatory changes can occur. Here, a small dose of Lipotalon® is usually necessary. Here, too, the back should be protected after the injection and no great strain should be placed on the back.
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