What is Methylprednisolone?
Methylprednisolone can be described as a corticosteroid drug that prevents the release of chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation.
Methylprednisolone is a treatment for numerous inflammatory disorders like arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, ulcerative colitis, glandular (endocrine) conditions, and conditions that have an effect on the eyes, skin, lungs, stomach, nervous system, or blood cells.Methylprednisolone is also used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.
Warnings
This medication is necessary if you suffer from any fungal infection within your body.Before taking methylprednisolone, you should inform your physician about all of your medical conditions as well as about any other medications you're taking. There are a myriad of other conditions that can be impacted by steroid use, as well as other medications that interact with steroids.
Steroid medications can degrade immunity, which makes it more likely for you to contract an infection or worsen an infection you've already had or recently experienced. Inform your doctor of any infection or illness you've had in the last few weeks.Avoid being around those who are sick or suffer from illnesses. Contact your doctor to receive preventive treatment in the event that you have been exposed to measles or chickenpox. Don't get the "live" vaccine while using this medication. The vaccine might not function at all during this time and could not fully shield you from diseases.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Consult your physician about the best way to avoid withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking the drug. Any dentist, doctor, or emergency medical specialist that treats patients should be aware that you're taking steroid medication.
Before you Take this Drug
Do not take methylprednisolone if you are allergic to this substance or are suffering from
- Fungal infections can be found anywhere in your body.
Methylprednisolone could affect your immune system, which makes it more likely for you to develop an infection. Steroids may also aggravate an existing infection or revive an infection you had previously. Inform your doctor of any illness or infection that you have suffered in the last few weeks.
To ensure that this medication is appropriate for you, tell your physician if you have any of the following:
- An thyroid disorder;
- Eye herpes infection;
- Stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis
- Depression, mental illness, or psychosis;
- Liver disease (especially the cirrhosis);
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis;
- An illness of the muscles, like myasthenia gravis;
- Multiple sclerosis.
Tell your doctor that you have diabetes. Steroid medications can increase glucose (sugar) concentrations in your urine or blood. It is also possible to adjust the dosage of the diabetes medication.It isn't known if this medication will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
It is not clear if the methylprednisolone in breast milk is passed on to the baby or if it affects the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding.
How to take Methylprednisolone?
Follow the exact dosage as recommended by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor might alter your dosage. Don't take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for longer periods than the recommended time.Methylprednisolone can be taken daily or once a day. Follow the doctor's dosage instructions with care.
The dose you require could change if you are under unusual stress, like an illness of serious severity or fever, or if you are undergoing surgery or an emergency medical situation. Discuss with your doctor any situation that could affect you.
This medication can cause unexpected results in certain tests. Inform any physician who treats you that you're taking methylprednisolone.It is not recommended to stop taking this medication abruptly. Follow the directions of your doctor regarding increasing your dosage.
Wear tags for medical alerts or carry an ID card stating that you're taking methylprednisolone. Any doctor who cares for you should be aware that you are taking steroid medications.If you require surgery, inform the surgeon in advance that you're taking this medication. It is possible that you will need to stop using the medication for a short period of time.Maintain room temperature and clear of moisture and heat.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Consult your physician for instructions when you have missed the dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
A high dose of methylprednisolone should not be expected to trigger life-threatening symptoms. However, prolonged consumption of large doses of steroids could cause symptoms such as skin thinning and easy bruising, as well as changes in the appearance or placement of fat (especially on your neck, face, back, hips, and waist), a rise in facial hair or acne, menstrual disorders, and impotence. This can cause disinterest in sexual activity.
What Should be Avoided?
Avoid being around those with illnesses or suffering from illnesses. Consult your physician for treatment to prevent infection when you've been exposed to measles or chickenpox. These diseases can be very serious or even fatal for people who take steroid medications.
Do not get a "live" vaccine while using methylprednisolone. The vaccine might not function at all at this point and might not completely safeguard you against disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, oral typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccines.
Side effects of Methylprednisolone
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction to methylprednisolone, symptoms include hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Breathing shortness (even when exercising) swelling rapidly and gaining weight;
- Swelling, thin skin, or any wound that does not heal;
- Blurred vision blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light sources;
- Severe depression, personality changes and behavior, or unusual thoughts;
- Unusual or atypical pain that is new in the leg or arm and in your lower back
- Bloody or tarry stool and coughing blood; or vomit that appears to be coffee grounds
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Lower potassium Leg cramps frequent heartbeats, constipation, chest flutters, and increased thirst or urination Numbness or tingling.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Inform your doctor if your child isn't growing as normal when taking this medication.
The most common methylprednisolone side effects are:
- Fluid retention (swelling around your ankles, hands, or fingers);
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Changes in your menstrual cycle;
- Headache;
- Minor muscular pain, weakness,
- Stomach discomfort and bloating.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Other medications may interfere with methylprednisolone, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medication you are taking now and about any medication you stop or start taking.
