Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · How we verify

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections (intra-articular-corticosteroid-injections)

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections, developed by Pfizer Inc., are used to treat various joint-related conditions. The mechanism involves reducing inflammation within the joint. Key indications include osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. This treatment has a significant commercial presence, with $21.2B in revenue. Clinical differentiation lies in its targeted approach to joint inflammation. Commercial significance is evident in its widespread use. Pipeline developments are not specified.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendinitis (e.g., Achilles, rotator cuff)
• Bursitis (e.g., olecranon, prepatellar)
• Synovitis (e.g., of the knee, elbow)
• Epicondylitis (e.g., tennis elbow)
• Trigger finger
• Gouty arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Frozen shoulder
• Tendinosis (e.g., patellar)

Common side effects

• Arthralgia
• Headache
• Viral upper respiratory tract infection
• Injection site pain
• Toothache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Joint swelling
• Spinal pain
• Pyrexia
• Bronchitis
• Abdominal Pain Upper
• Diarrhea

Drug interactions

• Aspirin
• Anticoagulants
• Antibiotics
• Antifungals
• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Warfarin
• Live vaccines
• Typhoid vaccine

Key clinical trials

• OMT for Adhesive Capsulitis (PHASE4)
• Capsular Distension Versus Corticosteroid Injection in Adhesive Capsulitis (NA)
• Evolution of Post-Stroke Shoulder Pain With a Capsular Pattern With Physiotherapy Alone Versus Coupled With Mild Arthrographic Distension With Cortisone (PHASE4)
• Corticosteroid Meniscectomy Randomized Trial (PHASE4)
• Knee Injections for Obese Patients With Knee Arthritis (PHASE4)
• A Study to Determine the Safety and Effectiveness of a Connective Tissue Allograft (ActiveMatrix) Verses Standard of Care in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder (PHASE4)
• This is a Study to Verify if Periarticular Hip Injection of Corticosteroid After Hip Replacement Reduce the Pain and the Hospitalisation Time (PHASE4)
• Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular vs Gluteal Intramuscular Corticosteroid Injection for Frozen Shoulder (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Intra-articular corticosteroid injections CI brief — competitive landscape report
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• Pfizer portfolio CI