Brand Name (s): Medrol, Depo–Medrol
Generic Name: methylprednisolone (meth-ill-pred-NISS-oh-lone)

Medrol. Common Uses.

Medrol is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Medrol. How to Take.

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Taking it with food may help to decrease the chance of stomach upset.

Medrol. Warning and Precautions.

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause serious side effects. Keep all doctors and laboratory appointment while you are using this medicine. Corticosteroids may lower your ability to fight or may cause infections to be more severe. The risk may be greater if you take them for a long time. Avoid contact with people who have infections such as colds, chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB). Tell your doctor right away if you have contact with anyone who has these infections. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you plan on beginning pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Medrol. Missed Dose.

If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the regular daily dose.

If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses (the one you missed plus your regularly scheduled dose) when it is time for the next dose.

If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.

Medrol. Overdose.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Medrol. Storage.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light, between 20° and 25°C (68–77°F).

Medrol. Possible Side Effects.

Adverse effects of methylprednisolone depend on dose, duration and frequency of administration. Short courses of methylprednisolone are usually well–tolerated with few, mild side effects. Long term, high doses of methylprednisolone may produce predictable and potentially serious side effects. Whenever possible, the lowest effective doses of methylprednisolone should be used for the shortest length of time to minimize side effects.

Side effects of methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids range from mild annoyances to serious irreversible bodily damage. Side effects include fluid retention, weight gain, high blood pressure, potassium loss, headache, muscle weakness, puffiness of the face, hair growth on the face, thinning and easy bruising of the skin, glaucoma, cataracts, peptic ulceration, worsening of diabetes, irregular menses, growth retardation in children, convulsions, and psychic disturbances. Psychic disturbances may include depression, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and even psychotic behavior.

More Information about Medrol.

Patients taking this medicine for long-term therapy should carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies the possible need of supplemental steroids during periods of stress. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Disclaimer.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information. It is not containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.