Methylprednisolone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Methylprednisolone reduces
swelling and decreases the body’s immune response.
Methylprednisolone is used to treat many different conditions. It is used to treat endocrine
(hormonal) disorders when the body does not produce enough of its own steroids. It is also used to
treat many immune and allergic disorders, such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, asthma, ulcerative
colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Methylprednisolone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Take methylprednisolone exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than is
prescribed for you. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor
to explain them to you.
Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
Take oral methylprednisolone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Methylprednisolone is also available as an injection. Your healthcare provider will
administer injectable methylprednisolone. If you are using injectable methylprednisolone at home,
your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration,
and storage of the medication.
If you are taking one dose daily, take that dose before 9 a.m. if possible, to follow the body’s
natural cycle. If you take more than one dose daily, space the doses evenly throughout the day as
directed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking methylprednisolone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few
weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking
methylprednisolone in the case of an accident.
Store methylprednisolone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
methylprednisolone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred
vision); or
sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take methylprednisolone and talk to your doctor if you experience
insomnia;
nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
fatigue or dizziness;
muscle weakness or joint pain;
problems with diabetes control; or
increased hunger or thirst.
Other side effects that occur only rarely, usually with high doses of
methylprednisolone, may include
acne,
increased hair growth,
thinning of the skin,
cataracts,
glaucoma,
osteoporosis,
roundness of the face, and
changes in behavior.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications, including herbal
products, during treatment with methylprednisolone without first talking to your doctor. Many other
medicines can interact with methylprednisolone resulting in side effects or altered effectiveness of
the medications.
Use alcohol cautiously. Together, alcohol and oral methylprednisolone can be damaging
to the stomach.
Avoid sources of infection. Wash the hands frequently and keep them away from the mouth
and eyes. The immune system may be weakened while taking methylprednisolone.
Do not receive any immunizations during treatment with methylprednisolone without first
talking to your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention. A single large dose of this medication is unlikely to
cause symptoms or death. An overdose is more likely to be caused by a chronic overdose—large
doses taken over a period of time.
Symptoms of an overdose include obesity (especially around the stomach); a round face;
increased hair growth (especially around the face); acne; bruising; increased blood pressure; swollen
hands, feet, or ankles (fluid retention); and sore or weak muscles.
If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you
don’t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the regular daily dose.
If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you
remember, or you can take two doses (the one you missed plus your regularly scheduled dose) when
it is time for the next dose.
If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go
back to your regular every-other-day schedule.
Do not stop taking methylprednisolone suddenly if you have been taking it for a few
weeks. You may need a gradual reduction in dosage before you stop taking this medication.
Take oral methylprednisolone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Carry some type of medical identification that will let others know you are taking
methylprednisolone in the case of an emergency.
Do not take methylprednisolone if you have a serious bacterial, viral, or fungal
infection. Methylprednisolone weakens the body’s immune response and thus its ability to fight
infection.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease,
liver disease,
high blood pressure or heart disease,
ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or stomach ulcers,
hypothyroidism,
a psychiatric condition,
osteoporosis,
myasthenia gravis,
diabetes mellitus, or
any other medical conditions.
You may not be able to take methylprednisolone, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above.
Methylprednisolone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether methylprednisolone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Methylprednisolone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take
methylprednisolone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Methylprednisolone is available with a prescription under the several brand and generic
names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to
you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your
medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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