Drug Name

Medrol (Methylprednisolone)

Drug Uses

Medrol is used for treating severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, certain blood disorders, and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Medrol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Medrol by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Medrol is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the immune system response to various conditions and decreasing inflammation.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Medrol, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Medrol at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Medrol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Medrol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Medrol
• you are presently taking mifepristone
• you have a systemic fungal infection
• you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, or any mental or mood problems
• if you have or have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; or shingles
• if you have HIV or tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test
• if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus
• if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
• if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Medrol . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they may decrease Medrol 's effectiveness
• Aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or troleandomycin because side effects, such as adrenal gland or nervous system problems, may occur
• Aspirin, live vaccines, mifepristone, or ritodrine, because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Medrol

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; feeling of whirling motion; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual periods; changes in skin color; chest pain; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; sudden severe dizziness or headache; swelling of feet or legs; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); tendon or bone pain; thinning of the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

More Information

Medrol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.