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Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a glucocorticoid, used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation. Conditions it is commonly used to treat include:

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

Medrol can be used on a daily basis or, particularly in the case of children, every other day. The reason for every-other-day treatment is minimizing certain side effects, such as growth suppression in children or pituitary-adrenal suppression.

Only a doctor can tell, at least early on, whether or not the medication should be used on a daily basis or every other day; doctor involvement is critical at all stages of treatment.

What to Expect from Treatment

Dosage of Medrol is highly variable and dependent upon the condition, response to treatment, and other factors. Dosage will be determined by a doctor and range from 2 mg to 32 mg per day, likely starting at lower dosage.

A precise doctor should monitor the results of treatment and adjust dosage if necessary. Always take Medrol as prescribed by a physician; do not attempt to adjust dosage or duration of treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking Medrol without first consulting a physician. Discontinued use of Medrol should not be immediate, it should be slowly tapered. A doctor can provide individualized details about a discontinuation plan.

Important Precautions

Medrol should not be taken in the event of systemic fungal infection because it lowers the defensive response of the body to them. The medication should be taken with caution in the presence of any other type of existing infection as it may become exacerbated.

As Medrol may produce an increase in ocular pressure it should be used only with caution by those with existing glaucoma.

Use in pregnancy may induce hypoadrenalism in a fetus. If pregnant or intending to become so a physician should be consulted.

Medrol should not be taken by people receiving live vaccines. While taking Medrol only killed vaccines should be received and these vaccines may not be as effective as typical response may be diminished.

Because Medrol can decrease emotional stability it should be used with great caution in those with preexisting emotional instability or psychotic tendencies.

Steroids such as Medrol can increase the risk of perforation abscess, or infection in ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, hypertension, osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis. Patients with these preexisting conditions should be monitored carefully.

Patients may experience the following while taking Medrol:

• Unusual deposition of body fat
• Intraocular pressure increase
• Osteoporosis
• Sleeping problems
• Congestive heart failure
• Menstrual irregularity
• Impaired wound healing
• Thin or delicate skin
• Increased infection
• Mood swings
• Personality changes
• Stunted growth
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Convulsions
• Tendon rupture
• Headache
• Vertigo
• Sweating
• Acne

Contact a physician immediately if any of the above symptoms are experienced. The above are not all the possible side effects of using Medrol; the insert included with each package of pills will include a full and comprehensive list. Do not stop using Medrol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Medrol. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical professional who treats you should know that you take steroid medication.

Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid useful in a variety of conditions, though it perhaps sees the most use in alleviating joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The medication inhibits the immune system's reaction, alleviating the swelling, itching, pain, redness, and other symptoms associated with an overactive immune system.

Note that this medication is administered by injection. It must be shaken well before using. Unused product can be stored at room temperature.

Depo-Medrol can be used in all ages in emergency situations, though ideally dosage will be modified accordingly.

Routine Use

Depo-Medrol injections can be used to alleviate symptoms of a range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Some cancers
• Some eye conditions
• Blood disorders
• Skin diseases
• Intestinal diseases
• Lung diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Immune system disorders

Treatment can vary widely depending on the condition being treated. Injections may be given daily or weekly, with dosage typically ranging from 4 to 80 mg; in some cases dosage may go up to 160 mg. A doctor should determine dosage and will show patients how to administer the medication directly---or as directly as possible---to the affected area.

The medication should always be shaken prior to use. Skin should be cleaned with alcohol prior to use, and syringes should be cleaned with alcohol following administration if they'll be reused. Applying a small dressing and pressure to the injection site will help eliminate bleeding and pain.

If therapy has continued long-term, treatment should not be abruptly ended. A doctor can help come up with a discontinuation plan.

Emergency Use

Depo-Medrol is sometimes used as a rescue injection in case of anaphylaxis or other allergic reactions. It can alleviate symptoms of food allergies, asthma, reactions to medications, and so forth. Basically, if an allergen is provoking a potentially life-threatening response, Depo-Medrol can be utilized, much like an Epi-Pen, assuming rapid medical attention is not an option.

In relatively mild allergic reactions in adults:

• Administer 10 to 120 mg intramuscularly, depending on the condition.
• Do not exceed 120 mg doses.

And in relatively mild cases involving children under age 16:

• Administer 0.11 to 2 mg per kg of body weight intramuscularly.
• Do not exceed 60 mg doses.

In severe reactions in adults and children:

• Administer 1 to 2 mg per kg of body weight intramuscularly, up to 125 mg.
• Do not exceed 125 mg doses for adults or children.

Again, the above is for emergency use, only when medical attention is not available. The medication is better administered intravenously and dosage is best determined by a doctor, if the medication is used at all; for some situations epinephrine will be preferred.

Precautions

Patients should avoid use of other medications---including recreational ones like alcohol or marijuana---that induce drowsiness or dizziness while taking Depo-Medrol. At a minimum, use caution until effects are known.

Depo-Medrol does weaken the immune system to some extent. Avoid contact with contagious persons, and do not receive vaccinations, immunizations, or skin tests without prior doctor approval. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received vaccinations.

Corticosteroid use can impact how a person responds to surgery. If the medication is being used long-term, carrying a card or bracelet indicating use is a good idea. If undergoing dental or medical surgery, be sure to inform the physicians that Depo-Medrol is being used, or has been used in the last 12 months.

Though rare, there is a chance Depo-Medrol can negatively impact unborn babies if it's used by the mother. Use during pregnancy should be stopped unless the benefits outweigh the risks.