Methylprednisolone (Injection)

Introduction:

Methylprednisolone (meth-il-pred-NIS-oh-lone)

Treats inflammation, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems. May also be used to lessen some symptoms of cancer. This medicine is a steroid.

Brand Name(s):

Depo-Medrol, Depo Medrol, Solu-Medrol, A-Methapred, Solu Medrol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to methylprednisolone or if you have a fungal infection. Some strengths of Solu-Medrol® should not be used in premature babies.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, vein, or joint, or under the skin.
  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • This medicine will work best if you use it exactly as your doctor has ordered. If you do miss a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets. After using a dose of this medicine, throw away any liquid medicine that is left over.
  • Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. After you have mixed a dose of Solu-Medrol®, use it within 48 hours.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), phenobarbital (Luminol®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), rifampin (Rifadin®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), troleandomycin (TAO®), pancuronium (Pavulon®), high-dose aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as Avandia®, Glucophage®).
  • Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving methylprednisolone. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, tuberculosis, Strongyloides (threadworm) infection, ulcers, thyroid problems, liver disease, mental or emotional problems, eye disease (especially herpes), stomach or digestive problems, osteoporosis, or myasthenia gravis or other nerve-muscle problems. If this medicine is being injected into a joint, make sure your doctor knows about any other problems you have had with that joint.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • Avoid people who are sick or have infections, because you may get sick more easily. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor if you have any events causing unusual stress or anxiety in your life.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Headache, eye pain, or trouble seeing
  • Irregular or slow heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Seizures
  • Stomach problems, stomach pain, bloody or black stools
  • Sudden pain, swelling, or loss of movement in the lower leg
  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, rapid weight gain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Mood changes, trouble sleeping, unusual behavior
  • Skin change where the shot is given
  • Weight gain, increased hair growth, roundness of the face, thinning skin, unusual bruising
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