What is Solu-MEDROL?
Solu-MEDROL, a steroid, prevents substances from being released in the body that cause inflammation. Solu-MEDROL can be used to treat a wide range of inflammatory disorders, including arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. It is also effective in treating ulcerative colitis as well as allergic disorders, gland disorders (endocrine disorders), and conditions that impact the skin, eyes, or lungs. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Solu-MEDROL.
Side effects of Solu-MEDROL
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, lips, face, tongue or throat swelling and/or difficulty swallowing
Solu-MEDROL can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- Severe depression is characterized by changes in personality or unusual thoughts and behaviors.
- A new or unusual pain in your arm, leg, or back
- Severe pain spreading from your upper abdomen to your back and nausea
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Low sodium can result in leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, numbness or tingling sensations in extremities or muscles, muscle weakness or an "orange peel" appearance of skin.
Solu-MEDROL can affect growth in children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking Solu-MEDROL, tell your doctor.
Solu-MEDROL can cause the following side effects:
- Weight gain (especially on your face, upper back, or torso)
- Slow wound healing
- Muscle pain or weakness;
- Skin thinning, increased sweating
- Stomach discomfort, bloating;
- Headache
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have a fungus infection, it is possible that you will not be able to receive solumedrol.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Solu-MEDROL, it is not recommended that you receive treatment with this medicine. This medicine may not be available to you if your infection is fungal.
Solu-MEDROL may weaken your immunity, which can make it easier to contract an infection. Steroids may also worsen or reactivate a recent infection. Inform your doctor of any illnesses or infections you may have experienced in the last few weeks.
Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- A thyroid disorder
- Diabetes;
- Glaucoma and cataracts are both eye diseases.
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis and other liver diseases
- Seizures, epilepsy, or a recent head injury;
- Tuberculosis, past or present
- Herpes infection in the eyes
- A condition known as scleroderma.
- If you have stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or recent intestinal surgery, please contact us.
- A parasite that causes diarrhea, such as threadworms;
- Mental illness or psychosis
- Osteoporosis, or low bone mineral densities (steroid medications can increase the risk of bone loss);
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis
- An electrolyte imbalance can occur (for example, a low potassium level in the blood).
Solu-MEDROL is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Solu-MEDROL should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Solu-MEDROL?
Solu-MEDROL can be injected into soft tissues, muscles, skin lesions, the area around joints, or as an intravenous infusion. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.
Steroids can lower your immune system and make it easier to contract an infection. If you experience any symptoms of an infection (fever, chills, or body aches), call your doctor.
Solu-MEDROL dosage may need to be adjusted if you are undergoing major surgery or have a severe infection or injury. Be sure to tell any doctor who is treating you that you are taking this medication. You may need to undergo medical tests or vision exams if you take this medication for a long time.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to receive your solumedrol, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while using solumedrol. Live vaccines are measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever (typhoid), varicella (mumps), zoster, and influenza (nasal flu).
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox, call your doctor immediately for preventive treatment. Solu-MEDROL users are at risk of serious or even fatal conditions.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Taking certain drugs together can cause side effects and/or make other medications less effective. Solu-MEDROL can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
