Medrol Dosepak
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Medrol – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases, and immune system disorders. It decreases your immune system’s response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. This medication is a corticosteroid hormone.Methylprednisolone may also be used with other medications in hormone disorders.
How to use Medrol
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually with food or milk. Follow your dosing instructions carefully. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Different dosing schedules exist for this medication. If you are not taking the same dose each day or if you take this medication every other day, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used methylprednisolone for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. See also Precautions section.
Patients, too, are unhappy with the care they receive during those brief interactions with their doctors. Healthcare communications company West Corporation reported that 25% of patients don’t feel that their provider cares about them as an individual and nearly 20% aren’t convinced their doctor is focused on improving their health – even though 93% of doctors strongly agree that patient satisfaction is important.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, increased sweating, or acne may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills, cough, white patches in the mouth).
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual weight gain, menstrual period changes, bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as mood swings, depression, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, puffy face, slow wound healing, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, thinning skin, unusual hair/skin growth, vision problems, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, symptoms of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as stomach/abdominal pain, black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking methylprednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to prednisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), diabetes, eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), heart problems (such as recent heart attack, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, current/past infections (such as those caused by tuberculosis, threadworm, herpes, fungus), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, depression, anxiety), stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), seizures.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Limit alcoholic beverages. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Methylprednisolone can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using methylprednisolone before having any immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication. See also Medical Alert section.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
This medication may slow down a child’s growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child’s height and growth can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Medrol Dosepak
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is Medrol Dosepak?
Medrol Dosepak is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Medrol Dosepak is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, allergic disorders, gland (endocrine) disorders, and conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, stomach, nervous system, or blood cells.
Medrol Dosepak may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Medrol Dosepak if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Medrol Dosepak if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Medrol Dosepak can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
To make sure Medrol Dosepak is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a thyroid disorder;
- herpes infection of the eyes;
- stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
- depression, mental illness, or psychosis;
- liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
- high blood pressure;
- osteoporosis;
- a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or
- multiple sclerosis.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether methylprednisolone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Related/similar drugs
How should I take Medrol Dosepak?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use Medrol Dosepak in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Medrol Dosepak is sometimes taken every other day. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Your dose needs may change if you have unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Medrol Dosepak.
You should not stop using Medrol Dosepak suddenly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Medrol Dosepak. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take steroid medication.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Medrol Dosepak. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Medrol Dosepak.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of methylprednisolone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while taking Medrol Dosepak?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using Medrol Dosepak. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
Medrol Dosepak side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Medrol Dosepak may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
- bruising, thinning skin, or any wound that will not heal;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- severe depression, changes in personality, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- new or unusual pain in an arm or leg or in your back;
- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- seizure (convulsions); or
- low potassium–leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Medrol Dosepak.
Common side effects of Medrol Dosepak may include:
- fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles);
- dizziness, spinning sensation;
- changes in your menstrual periods;
- headache;
- mild muscle pain or weakness; or
- stomach discomfort, bloating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Medrol Dosepak?
Other drugs may interact with methylprednisolone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
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.
Popular FAQ
Yonsa is used in combination with methylprednisolone to treat advanced prostate cancer because methylprednisolone helps to prevent the side effects of Yonsa caused by mineralocorticoid excess.
Treatment with Yonsa can cause mineralocorticoid excess, which can result in side effects such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium) and fluid retention. Continue reading
More FAQ
- Medrol Dosepak – How long does a dose pack stay in your system?
- Methylprednisolone vs Prednisone – What’s the difference between them?
- How long does methylprednisolone tablets stay in your system?
More about Medrol Dosepak (methylprednisolone)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (37)
- Latest FDA alerts (12)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: glucocorticoids
- Breastfeeding
- En español
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 22, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.
What is MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack?
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, allergic disorders, gland (endocrine) disorders, and conditions that affect the skin, eyes, lungs, stomach, nervous system, or blood cells.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack Dose Pack if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
To make sure MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- a thyroid disorder;
- herpes infection of the eyes;
- stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis;
- depression, mental illness, or psychosis;
- liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
- high blood pressure;
- osteoporosis;
- a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis; or
- multiple sclerosis.
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether methylprednisolone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How should I take MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack Dose Pack in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack is sometimes taken every other day. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Your dose needs may change if you have unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.
This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack.
You should not stop using MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack suddenly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take steroid medication.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack Dose Pack.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while taking MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), zoster (shingles), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
- bruising, thinning skin, or any wound that will not heal;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- severe depression, changes in personality, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- new or unusual pain in an arm or leg or in your back;
- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
- seizure (convulsions); or
- low potassium–leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack Dose Pack.
Common side effects of MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack may include:
- fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles);
- dizziness, spinning sensation;
- changes in your menstrual periods;
- headache;
- mild muscle pain or weakness; or
- stomach discomfort, bloating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack?
Other drugs may interact with methylprednisolone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
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.
Popular FAQ
Yonsa is used in combination with methylprednisolone to treat advanced prostate cancer because methylprednisolone helps to prevent the side effects of Yonsa caused by mineralocorticoid excess.
Treatment with Yonsa can cause mineralocorticoid excess, which can result in side effects such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hypokalemia (low potassium) and fluid retention. Continue reading
More FAQ
- Methylprednisolone vs Prednisone – What’s the difference between them?
- How long does methylprednisolone tablets stay in your system?
- Methylprednisolone Tablets – How long does a Medrol pack tablet stay in your system?
More about MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack (methylprednisolone)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (43)
- Latest FDA alerts (12)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: glucocorticoids
- Breastfeeding
- En español
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Professional resources
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Further information
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