Methylprednisolone (By Mouth)

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

Treats asthma, allergic reactions, 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):

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.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. If you are using this medicine for an ongoing illness, your dose may need to be changed occasionally. Some people take this medicine only every other day, which helps to decrease side effects.
• Take your medicine in the morning, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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®), 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, thyroid problems, liver disease, mental or emotional problems, eye disease (especially herpes), stomach or digestive problems, osteoporosis, or myasthenia gravis.
• 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. Your dose of this medicine may need to be changed.
• 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
• Increased urination or thirst
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Seizures, dizziness
• 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
• Weight gain, increased hair growth, roundness of the face, thinning skin

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.