Methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone

(meth il pred NIS oh lone)

U.S. Brand Names

A-Methapred®; Depo-Medrol®; Medrol®; Solu-Medrol®

Canadian Brand Names

Depo-Medrol®; Medrol®; Methylprednisolone Acetate; Solu-Medrol®

Mexican Brand Names

Advantan; Cryosolona; Depo-Medrol; Predlitem; Solu-Medrol

Pharmacologic Category

Corticosteroid, Systemic

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to methylprednisolone or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a severe infection.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.

• This medicine is used to treat Addison's disease.

• This medicine is used to treat diseases where the anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant properties are needed.

• This medicine is used to treat a variety of skin rashes.

• This medicine is used to treat spinal cord injuries.

How does it work?

• Methylprednisolone replaces an important chemical produced in the body.

• It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

• It prevents or reduces irritation and swelling.

• It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Directions may change; read label closely.

• Take this medicine in the morning if taking once a day.

• Take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset.

• Take calcium and vitamin D as recommended by healthcare provider.

Injection:

This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• Talk with healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.

• Do not run out of this medicine.

• Avoid exposure to chickenpox and measles.

• Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.

• If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. This medicine can increase blood sugar.

• If you have glaucoma or cataracts, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have osteoporosis, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have stomach ulcers, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have tuberculosis, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have a weakened heart, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High blood sugar. Usually reverses when stopped.

• Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Weight gain.

• Mood changes.

• Change in body fat distribution.

• Weakened bones with long-term use.

• Muscle weakness.

• Skin changes (acne, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).

• Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.

• If a child is using this medicine, monitor growth carefully.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Feeling extremely tired, weak, or irritable; trembling; having a fast heartbeat, confusion, sweating, or dizziness if you missed a dose or recently stopped this medicine.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Significant weight gain.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Sudden change in vision.

• If exposure to chickenpox has occurred and you have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 14:12:48.0

Modified: 2009-09-01 13:29:36.0

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