Medrone (methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid used in a wide range of disorders, from topical skin infections to cancer. Like all steroids it inhibits the immune system's response and decreases inflammation, which often significantly reduces pain.

This product is available in tablets ranging from 2 mg to 100 mg, and administration may range from multiple daily doses to every other day or, in some cases, every third day. Doctor involvement is important in determining dosage and administration schedules as well as monitoring patients, if taking the medication for more than a few days, for developing side effects.

Medrone can be used by children, but be aware that it can cause serious and permanent side effects, such as stunted growth or pituitary-adrenal suppression. Every-other-day administration is common in children in the interest of minimizing side effects, though in severe cases every-other-day may be too infrequent.

Conditions Treated

The range of conditions Medrone can help with are too many to list; it can be used to address pain in inflammatory conditions but also has a wide range of other applications. Some of the more common treatments include:

• Edema
• Asthma
• COPD
• Croup
• Cancer
• Colitis
• Allergies
• Enteritis
• Tuberculosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Rheumatic disorders
• Collagen diseases
• Ophthalmic diseases
• Hematologic disorders
• Other conditions

In some scenarios Medrone may be the only medication given to address an issue, but in others it is not the only treatment. Both situations are normal, and patients should follow doctor instructions.

Treatment Overview

As mentioned above, there are too many variables to summarize treatment. A doctor should take into account not just the condition ailing a patient, but also more personal factors; age, weight, other medications being taken, other medical conditions, and so forth can all influence dosage and frequency of administration.

Patients being treated with Medrone for non-emergency, chronic conditions---such as rheumatoid arthritis---are often started on lower doses, 2 to 4 mg, though this may be raised if well tolerated and inefficient at lower doses. Patients in more urgent situations---such as severe asthma or allergic reactions---are often started on higher doses. There are exceptions to both cases, however.

Duration of treatment is also highly variable; Medrone is often taken for one week to control a severe asthma attack, but may be taken for years to combat rheumatoid arthritis. Severe infections, as well as cancer, are typically somewhere in between.

Regardless of why Medrone is being taken, particularly at higher doses, use should not end abruptly if taken for more than a few days. Dosage should be gradually tapered down. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Before Use

Some patients will need to be extra-alert for side effects, and may need to be seen more frequently by a doctor throughout treatment. Of particular concern are:

• Medrone may produce an increase in ocular pressure. It should be used only with caution by those with existing glaucoma.
• Medrone should not be taken in the event of systemic fungal infection because it lowers the defensive response of the body.
• Medrone should be taken with caution in the presence of any other type of existing infection as the infection may become exacerbated.
• Medrone can reduce emotional stability and it should be used with great caution in patients with preexisting emotional instability disorders or psychotic disorders.
• Live vaccinations should be avoided while taking Medrone.
• Killed vaccinations may not be as effective while taking Medrone, but they can be administered if deemed necessary.
• Medrone increases risk of infection in many conditions---such as patients with a peptic ulcer---as well, though to a lesser extent, in all patients in general. Consult a doctor if infection or illness becomes present.

All patients will need to use some basic care while taking Medrone; avoiding places where contagions are likely to be present, proper wound care, basic hygiene, and so forth. A doctor can address any questions or concerns prior to or during treatment.

If taking the medication for more than a few weeks, wearing a medical alert tag, carrying a card stating that Medrone is being taken, or a similar method is advisable in case of emergency medical scenarios in which the patient is not conscious.

Adverse Reactions

There are a wide range of side effects associated with Medrone use, though many patients---particularly if only taking the medication for a week or less---experience minimal or no side effects at all, such as:

• Impaired wound healing
• Increased infection
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Fluid retention
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypertension
• Weakness
• Headache
• Vertigo
• Sweating
• Acne

With the exception of impaired wound healing and infections, the above are generally not cause for concern unless they become severe. Wounds that won't heal or infections should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

Patients taking Medrone longer term are at increased risk of experiencing one or more of the following:

• Adrenocortical or pituitary unresponsiveness
• Unusual deposition of body fat
• Negative nitrogen balance
• Intraocular pressure increase
• Osteoporosis with bone fracture
• Congestive heart failure
• Menstrual irregularity
• Cranial pressure increase
• Esophageal ulceration
• Thin or delicate skin
• Vertebral fractures
• Cushingoid state
• Facial erythema
• Personality changes
• Sodium retention
• Loss of muscle
• Potassium loss
• Stunted growth
• Exophthalmos
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Convulsions
• Tendon rupture
• Pancreatitis
• Psychosis
• Alkalosis
• Myopathy
• Ulcer

A doctor should be notified right away if the above are suspected. Again not all long-term users of Medrone will develop the above, but unfortunately some do and it's best to be alert for symptoms.

The insert included with each package will include a full list of all possible side effects.

Notify all doctors or dentists that Medrone is being taken prior to any medical procedure. The procedure may need to be delayed until treatment ends.