LOOKING FOR A KENALOG HAYFEVER INJECTION IN CARDIFF?
Kenalog, the steroid injection many people used for hayfever, was discontinued in the UK in 2025.
The MHRA has confirmed it is not licensed for hayfever, and the NHS stopped offering it and advises against it, because it acts on the immune system throughout the body and its effects can't be reversed once it has been injected.
If you used to rely on Kenalog, HayTox is the medically led alternative we offer in Cardiff and South Wales: botulinum toxin given as a fine spray into the nose, with no needles and no steroid, for £250.
It works locally in the nasal passages, and for many people one treatment covers the whole season. Book HayTox or read more below.
HAYFEVER TREATMENT
One in four people in the UK has hay fever, equating to around 16 million people. And if you live in Wales, your chances of suffering are higher than anywhere else in the country — Wales records the highest search rate for hay fever treatment of any UK nation, driven by high rainfall, extensive grassland and one of the longest pollen seasons in Britain.
For years, many severe hayfever sufferers relied on one treatment above all others: the Kenalog injection. That option is now gone.
Licensed Kenalog was formally discontinued in the UK, with remaining stock exhausted by June, 2025.
The MHRA has also been actively pursuing clinics that continued to promote it - even before it's discontinuation, because it was never licensed for hayfever treatment in the first place — and its risks, including immune suppression and serious systemic side effects, mean it should never have been a first-line option (you can see our blog we wrote on that subject previously)
If you are one of the thousands of people in Cardiff and South Wales now searching for a Kenalog alternative that actually works, you have found it.
WHY KENALOG IS GONE
And why that's a good thing!
Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) was never licensed for hayfever treatment in the UK. It is a powerful intramuscular corticosteroid that works by suppressing the immune system — and once it is injected, nothing can be done to stop it spreading systemically over the following weeks, even if serious side effects occur. Risks include immune suppression increasing infection vulnerability, weight gain, mood changes, insomnia, high blood pressure and osteoporosis with repeated use, with unpredictable duration and effects that cannot be reversed.
Allergy UK has never endorsed it.
The NHS removed it from prescribing - years ago.
And now the licensed product has been discontinued entirely (thankfully). Some clinics bulk-bought remaining stock — but that is a finite supply of an unlicensed, high-risk treatment, and the MHRA is watching.
HayTox / Aller-Tox is not Kenalog, does not work like Kenalog, and is not a corticosteroid. It is a different treatment for the same condition — and a safer, more appropriate one.
WHAT IS HAYTOX / ALLER-TOX / HAYFEVER BOTOX?
What Is HayTox / Aller-Tox / Hayfever Botox?
HayTox, Aller-Tox and Hayfever Botox are all names for the same treatment: the use of botulinum toxin type A, diluted in sterile saline and administered as a fine nasal spray, to reduce the overactive nerve and glandular activity in the nasal passages responsible for triggering hayfever and rhinitis symptoms.
The Aller-Tox name refers specifically to a method developed and taught through specialist UK medical training, and is the protocol used at Sebastian Rose. The treatment targets the autonomic nerve fibres and secretory glands of the nasal mucosa — reducing sneezing reflexes, mucus overproduction and nasal congestion at the source, rather than blocking histamine reactivity after symptoms have already begun.
There are no needles involved in the treatment. It is administered via a medical atomiser nasal spray device.
THE CLINICAL EVIDENCE
This is not a social media treatment.
Botulinum toxin for rhinitis has been studied in randomised controlled trials for more than two decades. A systematic review and meta-analysis covering nine randomised controlled trials and 340 patients found that compared with placebo, botulinum toxin produced statistically significant improvements in total nasal symptom scores, with beneficial effects demonstrated beyond 12 weeks and evidence of continued improvement up to 24 weeks.
A peer-reviewed literature review published in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports concluded that intranasal botulinum toxin type A administration appears to be a safe and effective treatment method for decreasing rhinitis symptoms with a long-lasting effect.
T
he Aller-Tox method, published in the PMFA Journal, reports patient relief of up to two months per treatment using the nasal spray protocol — with many patients achieving relief for two to four months from a single session.
WHAT IT TREATS
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever) — triggered by grass, tree and weed pollens between March and November. Perennial allergic rhinitis — year-round symptoms from dust mites, pet dander, mould or other persistent allergens.
Non-allergic / vasomotor rhinitis — chronic nasal symptoms triggered by temperature change, strong smells or humidity. Idiopathic rhinitis — persistent nasal symptoms without a clearly identifiable allergic cause.
If antihistamines, corticosteroid nasal sprays or other conventional treatments have failed to give you adequate control, you are likely an ideal candidate.
TREATMENT, RESULTS, & WHAT TO EXPECT
Treatment takes 15 minutes. Use a saline or eucalyptus nasal spray 30 to 60 minutes beforehand to clear the nasal passages. The botulinum toxin solution is delivered via medical atomiser into each nostril. No needles. You may experience brief pressure or mild sneezing immediately after treatment, which settles quickly.
Do not blow your nose for as long as possible after treatment.
Avoid all nasal sprays for 24 hours.
Antihistamines can be continued alongside treatment if preferred.
Results begin within a few days and most patients experience relief for two to four months.
Patients with severe symptoms may benefit from a top-up at four weeks.
IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?
You may be a strong candidate if: antihistamines and nasal sprays have not given you adequate relief; you previously relied on Kenalog and are now searching for an alternative; you have seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis or chronic non-allergic rhinitis; or you want a targeted medical treatment rather than daily medication throughout the season.
A consultation is required at least 48 hours before treatment as botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine. This is a legal requirement and is carried out as part of your standard appointment.
Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for those with neuromuscular conditions, or with known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin.
Book your hay fever treatment at Sebastian Rose Medical Aesthetics, Cardiff today.
HAYTOX FAQs
How much does HayTox cost in Cardiff?
HayTox (Aller-Tox) costs £250 at Sebastian Rose in Cardiff. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the price. New patients need a consultation at least 48 hours before treatment. Book HayTox.
Is HayTox a hayfever jab or injection?
No. There are no needles. Botulinum toxin is given as a fine spray into each nostril, using a single-use medical atomising device. It is not a steroid, and it works locally in the nose rather than throughout the body.
Can I still get a Kenalog injection for hayfever?
Kenalog was discontinued in the UK in 2025. The MHRA has confirmed it is not licensed for hayfever, and the NHS stopped offering it and advises against it because of its effects on the whole body. HayTox is the medically led alternative we offer in Cardiff.
Is HayTox a replacement for Kenalog?
Not a like-for-like replacement, because it works differently. Kenalog suppressed the immune system throughout the body. HayTox works locally in the nasal passages, with no steroid. It is an off-label alternative for people who previously relied on Kenalog, and we explain what off-label means at your consultation.
How is HayTox different from antihistamines?
Antihistamines block histamine after your immune system has already reacted. HayTox works upstream, on the nerves and glands in the nose that produce symptoms. It does not suppress your immune system and acts only locally within the nasal passages.
How long does HayTox last?
Two to four months for most patients, and many find one treatment covers the whole hayfever season. People with severe symptoms may benefit from a top-up at four weeks.
When should I book HayTox?
Ideally two to four weeks before your pollen season begins. Grass pollen peaks from May to July in Wales, so March or April is ideal. It can also be given during the season if your symptoms have already started.
What are the side effects of HayTox?
Generally mild and temporary: brief nasal discomfort or sneezing straight after treatment, a minor nosebleed or a mild headache. We go through the risks in full at your consultation.