Pronunciation: METH-il-pred-NIS-oh-lone
Generic Name: Methylprednisolone
Brand Name: Depo-Medrol
Methylprednisolone Suspension is used for:
Treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is also used to treat severe inflammation caused by certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Methylprednisolone Suspension is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the body's immune response and decreasing inflammation.
Do NOT use Methylprednisolone Suspension if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Methylprednisolone Suspension
- you are taking mifepristone
- the patient is a premature infant
- you have a systemic fungal infection or an active herpes infection of the eye
- you are scheduled to have a live vaccine (eg, smallpox)
- you have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Methylprednisolone Suspension:
Some medical conditions may interact with Methylprednisolone Suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), low blood potassium levels, diabetes, seizures, an underactive or overactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, fluid retention (eg, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet), or any mental or mood problems
- if you have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye or other eye problems (eg, glaucoma, cataracts); chickenpox; measles; or shingles
- if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB), or you have ever had a positive TB skin test
- if you have stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), or inflammation of the esophagus, or you have had recent intestinal surgery
- if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis), muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis), or recent head trauma
- if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Methylprednisolone Suspension. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Aprepitant, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, neostigmine, or troleandomycin because side effects, such as adrenal gland or nervous system problems (eg, seizures) or severe muscle weakness, may occur
- Estrogens (eg, oral contraceptives) and macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin) because they may increase the risk of Methylprednisolone Suspension's side effects
- Aminoglutethimide, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cholestyramine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they may decrease Methylprednisolone Suspension's effectiveness
- Amphotericin B, aspirin, digoxin, live vaccines, mifepristone, potassium-depleting diuretics (eg, furosemide), quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Methylprednisolone Suspension
- Aldesleukin, oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), antidiabetic medications (eg, glipizide), isoniazid, salicylates (eg, aspirin), or certain skin tests (eg, skin allergy tests) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Methylprednisolone Suspension
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Methylprednisolone Suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Methylprednisolone Suspension:
Use Methylprednisolone Suspension as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Methylprednisolone Suspension is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Methylprednisolone Suspension at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Methylprednisolone Suspension. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
- Do not use Methylprednisolone Suspension if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- If you miss a dose of Methylprednisolone Suspension, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Methylprednisolone Suspension.
Important safety information:
- Methylprednisolone Suspension may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
- If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Methylprednisolone Suspension before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Diabetes patients - Methylprednisolone Suspension may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
- Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Methylprednisolone Suspension.
- Methylprednisolone Suspension has benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
- Lab tests, including adrenal function, blood pressure monitoring, and eye exams, may be performed while you use Methylprednisolone Suspension. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Methylprednisolone Suspension may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Methylprednisolone Suspension for a few days before the tests.
- Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Methylprednisolone Suspension.
- Methylprednisolone Suspension should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Methylprednisolone Suspension while you are pregnant. Methylprednisolone Suspension is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Methylprednisolone Suspension.
Possible side effects of Methylprednisolone Suspension:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Acne; dizziness; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; mild fatigue or tiredness; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; trouble sleeping.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bloody, black, or tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual period; chest pain; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; mental or mood changes (eg, depression, personality or behavioral changes); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; slow, fast, or irregular heart beat; slow wound healing; stomach pain; sudden, severe dizziness or headache; swelling of the feet or legs; tendon, bone, or joint pain; thinning or discoloration of the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; fever; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; nausea; seizures; severe dizziness.
Proper storage of Methylprednisolone Suspension:
Methylprednisolone Suspension is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Methylprednisolone Suspension at home, store Methylprednisolone Suspension as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Methylprednisolone Suspension out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Methylprednisolone Suspension, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Methylprednisolone Suspension is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Methylprednisolone Suspension. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Methylprednisolone resources
- Methylprednisolone Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Methylprednisolone Drug Interactions
- Methylprednisolone Support Group
- 41 Reviews for Methylprednisolone - Add your own review/rating
Compare Methylprednisolone with other medications
- Adrenogenital Syndrome
- Asthma
- Asthma, acute
- Asthma, Maintenance
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Dermatologic Lesion
- Gout, Acute
- Hay Fever
- Immunosuppression
- Inflammatory Conditions
- Neuralgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Shock
No comments:
Post a Comment