Methylprednisolone

METHYLPREDNISOLONE - INJECTION (METH-ull-pred-NISS-oh-lone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol

USES: Methylprednisolone has various effects on the body. It reduces swelling and inflammation. It is used in a variety of disorders such as skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), allergic conditions, asthma, respiratory conditions, cancer, blood disorders (anemia), digestive problems, eye disorders, and rheumatic disorders (arthritis, bursitis).

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Use this medication as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. If you have been using this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced. You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopped. If this medication is injected into a joint, be careful how much stress you put on that joint, even if it is feeling better. Ask your doctor how much you can move the joint while it is healing.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffing of the face, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood changes or vision changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not have a vaccination, other immunization, or any skin test while you are taking this drug unless your doctor specifically tells you that you may. Before you use this drug, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant or wish to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. Because this drug appears in breast milk, contact your doctor before breast-feeding. This medication can cause growth suppression in infants. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, particularly if you have liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart disease; an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis (brittle bones); herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, ulcers, blood clots, any eye problems and of any allergies you may have. If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. It may make your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after treatment with this drug. Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking the drug again. If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar level. Test your urine for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact your doctor if sugar is present; your dose of diabetes medication and your diet may need to be changed. If your sputum (the matter you cough up during an asthma attack) thickens or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), diuretics ("water pills"), estrogen (e.g., birth control pills), phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenomium, and drugs for diabetes. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Persons taking this medication for long-term therapy should wear or carry identification stating that they are taking a corticosteroid. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.