Drug Name

Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

Drug Uses

Medrol is used for treating severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, certain blood disorders, and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Medrol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Medrol by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Medrol is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the immune system response to various conditions and decreasesing inflammation.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Medrol, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Medrol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Medrol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Medrol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Medrol;
• you are presently taking mifepristone;
• you have a systemic fungal infection;
• you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Medrol may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Medrol may cause serious increases in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased potassium loss. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplements may be necessary.
• Medrol cause calcium loss and can promote the development of osteoporosis (brittle bones). Take adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Medrol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Medrol may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Lab tests, such as adrenal function tests or blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Medrol . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments;
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Medrol.
• Medrol should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Medrol while you are pregnant. It is not known if Medrol is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Medrol , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; feeling of whirling motion; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual periods; changes in skin color; chest pain; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; sudden severe dizziness or headache; swelling of feet or legs; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); tendon or bone pain; thinning of the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

More Information

Medrol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.