What is Medrol?
Medrol is a steroid that prevents substances from being released in the body that cause inflammation. Medrol can be used to treat a variety 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. Medrol can also be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Medrol
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to your lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately!
Medrol can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with mild exercise;
- Any wound or bruise that does not heal
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- Changes in personality or thoughts, severe depressive symptoms,
- A new or unusual pain in your arm, leg, or back
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Seizure (convulsions);
- low sodium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst and urination, and irregular heartbeats
Steroids can affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking medrol, tell your doctor.
Medrol can cause the following side effects:
- Fluid retention (swelling of the hands or ankles)
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Headache;
- Mild muscle pain, weakness, or a weakening
- Stomach discomfort and bloating.
There may be other side effects.Need advice regarding side effects? Get advice from your physician immediately. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, prednisone, albuterol, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, and fluticasone topical
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from a fungus in any part of your body.
Before you take this drug
Medrol should not be used if:
- A fungus infection can occur anywhere on your body.
Medrol can weaken the immune system and make it easier to contract an infection. Steroids may also exacerbate an infection that you have or reactivate a recent infection. Inform your doctor of any illnesses or infections you may have experienced in the last few weeks.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Medrol will be safe for you:
- A thyroid disorder
- Herpes infection in the eyes
- Diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, or ulcerative colitis.
- Depression, mental illness, or psychosis;
- Liver disease, especially cirrhosis.
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis;
- A muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis.
- Multiple Sclerosis.
Tell your doctor as well if you suffer from diabetes. Steroids can increase glucose levels (sugars) in the blood or urine. Your diabetes medication could need to be adjusted. Medrol does not pose any known danger to unborn babies. Inform your physician if you are planning or expecting pregnancy. No information exists as to whether methylprednisolone passes into breast milk and could negatively impact nursing babies, so please notify your healthcare provider if breastfeeding occurs.
How to take Medrol?
Please follow all directions provided on your prescription label, although your physician may sometimes alter your dosage. Only take this medicine according to its recommended schedule - do not exceed its maximum recommended amount or continue taking more than instructed. Medrol can be taken every alternate day. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. If you are experiencing unusual stress, such as a severe illness, infection, or fever, or have had surgery or an emergency, your dose requirements may change. Inform your doctor of any situation that may affect you. Medrol can produce unusual results in certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you see about your use of Medrol.
Do not abruptly stop taking Medrol. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dose. Wear a Medrol medical alert tag or carry a card that states you are taking the medication. You should inform any medical provider that treats you about your steroid medication. Tell the surgeon that you use Medrol before you have surgery. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medication. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a Medrol dose, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdoses of methylprednisolone are not expected to cause life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use of high doses of steroids can cause symptoms like thinning of the skin, easy bruises, changes in body fat distribution (especially on your neck, back, and face), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence, or loss of sexual interest.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around those who may be sick or infected. If you have been exposed to measles or chicken pox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. These conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medications. Avoid receiving a "live vaccine" while taking Medrol. This may cause the vaccine to not protect you as well, and it may not work at all. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (chickenpox), varicella (shingles), and influenza (nasal flu).
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, may interact with methylprednisolone. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
