What is Medrol Dosepak?
Medrol Dosepak contains a steroid that prevents substances from being released in the body that can cause inflammation. Medrol Dosepak can be used for a variety of inflammation conditions, including arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. It is also effective in treating allergic disorders, gland disorders (endocrine), and disorders that affect the skin, eyes, or lungs. Medrol Dosepak can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Medrol Dosepak
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face throat or tongue
Medrol Dosepak can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Rapid weight gain, swelling, and shortness of breath even with light exertion;
- Any wound or bruise that does not heal
- Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos around lights
- Changes in behavior, personality changes, or severe depressive symptoms;
- New or unusual pains in the arm, leg, or back
- Bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Constipation, or leg cramps. Low sodium; irregular heartbeats.
Steroids can affect the growth of children. If your child's growth isn't normal while taking medrol dosepak, tell your doctor.
Side effects that may occur with medrol dosepak include:
- Fluid retention
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Changes in menstrual cycles;
- Headache;
- Mild muscular pain;
- Stomach discomfort and bloating.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively call the FDA's hotline on side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 for reporting purposes.
Similar/related drugs
Aspirin, prednisone, albuterol, ibuprofen, meloxicam, naproxen, and fluticasone topical
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if there is a fungus infection in any part of your body.
Before you take this drug
Medrol Dosepak should not be used if:
- A fungus infection can occur anywhere on your body.
Medrol Dosepak may weaken the immune system and make it more likely that you will contract an infection. The steroids can worsen or even 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 Dosepak will be safe for you:
- A thyroid condition;
- Herpes in the eye
- 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. The glucose levels (sugars) in urine or blood can be increased by steroids. Your diabetes medication could require adjustments. Uncertain is whether Medrol Dosepak may harm an unborn baby. Please inform your healthcare provider immediately if you plan on becoming pregnant while using Medrol Dosepak. It's not known if methylprednisolone can pass into the breast milk or if this could have an effect on nursing babies. Inform your doctor that you are breastfeeding.
How to take Medrol Dosepak?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your dose may be changed by your doctor from time to time. Use this medication only as prescribed.Avoid exceeding or prolonging the recommended dosage or use. Medrol Dosepak can be taken once every two days. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. If you are experiencing unusual stress, such as an illness or fever, surgery, or medical emergencies, your dose requirements may be different. Inform your doctor of any situation that may affect you. You may experience unusual medical test results when using this medicine. Inform any physician who treats you about your use of Medrol Dosepak. Medrol Dosepak should not be stopped abruptly. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.
You can wear a Medrol Dosepak medical alert badge or carry a card that states you are taking the medication. You should inform any medical provider that treats you about your steroid medications. Tell the surgeon in advance if you will need surgery that you use Medrol Dosepak. It may be necessary to temporarily stop taking the medication. Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a Medrol Dosepak, 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 likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. Long-term use of high doses of steroids can cause symptoms like thinning of the skin, easy bruises, changes to your body's shape and location (particularly in your neck, waist, face, or back), acne, facial hair, or menstrual issues.
What should be avoided?
Stay away from people with infections or illnesses. If you have been exposed to measles or chicken pox, call your doctor immediately for treatment. The conditions are serious and can even be fatal for people taking steroid medications. Do not use a live vaccine when using Medrol Dosepak. The vaccine might not protect you as effectively during this period. The live vaccines are measles (mumps), rubella (MMR), yellow fever (chickenpox), varicella, and the nasal flu vaccine (influenza).
Interaction with other drug
Other medications, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins, may also interact with methylprednisolone. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those that you plan to start using.
