Medrol

Medrol

     * Generic Name: methylprednisolone
     * Brand Name: Medrol


     * What is methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
       MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What are the possible side effects of methylprednisolone
       (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose
       Pack)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose
       Pack)?
     * How should I take methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
       MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
       MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
       MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What should I avoid while taking methylprednisolone (Medrol,
       Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * What other drugs will affect methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol
       Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?
     * Where can I get more information (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
       MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?

What is methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose
Pack)?

   Methylprednisolone is a steroid that prevents the release of
   substances in the body that cause inflammation.

   Methylprednisolone 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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol
Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   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 this medicine.

   Common side effects 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 is the most important information I should know about methylprednisolone
(Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?

   You should not use this medicine if you have a fungal infection
   anywhere in your body.

   Medrol Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?

   You should not use methylprednisolone if you are allergic to it, or if
   you have:
     * a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

   Methylprednisolone 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 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 (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Methylprednisolone 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.

   You should not stop using methylprednisolone 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. 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. You may need to stop using the medicine for a
   short time.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Medrol Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment

   Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the RA Quiz
   Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises:Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines

   Joint-Friendly Exercises Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone
Dose Pack)?

   Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of
   methylprednisolone.

What happens if I overdose (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone Dose
Pack)?

   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 methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
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. 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.

What other drugs will affect methylprednisolone (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak,
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 (Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, MethylPREDNISolone
Dose Pack)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about methylprednisolone.
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