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Compare Medrol vs. Kenalog

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and triamcinolone (Kenalog) are both corticosteroids used to treat various conditions, but they have some key differences. Methylprednisolone is available as both oral tablets and injections, while triamcinolone is primarily given as an injection. Methylprednisolone is used for a wide range of conditions, including joint conditions, lupus, and multiple sclerosis, whereas triamcinolone is often a first-choice for treating gout attacks and is also used for allergies, skin conditions, and arthritis. Both medications can cause similar side effects like high blood sugar and mood changes. Triamcinolone has specific risks against its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which are less clear for methylprednisolone. Both medications require careful monitoring and shouldn’t be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog)

  • Summary of Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Triamcinolone injection (Kenalog) is a steroid injection that helps reduce inflammation in adults and children. The medication is used to treat many conditions, including allergies, skin conditions, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, and gout attacks. It's typically given as a shot into the muscle (intramuscular) or directly into the affected joint (intra-articular). Side effects are similar to other steroid medications and can include trouble sleeping, mood changes, and injection side reactions.

  • Indications of Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Indications for

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus
    •Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye inflammation
    •Lung problems
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Multiple sclerosis
    Indications for

    This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

    •Allergies or allergic reactions
    •Skin conditions
    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia)
    •Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
    •Eye conditions
    •Kidney conditions
    •Lung conditions
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus

  • Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Also available in an easy-to-follow dose pack that organizes tablets into specific days and times
    Cons
    •Long-term use might weaken your bones and cause high blood sugar
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to slowly lower your dose if you take it for a long time
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available in multiple strengths
    •Can be injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation
    •A dose can last for several weeks
    •Safe for children and adults
    Cons
    •Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    •Causes side effects like headache, mood swings, and weight gain
    •Has a risk for bone loss or fractures

  • Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Bloating
    •Increased appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Weight gain
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection site reactions
    •Swelling
    •High blood pressure
    •High blood sugar
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Changes in your mood
    •Headache
    •Acne
    •Weight gain

  • Warnings of Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •New or worsened infection
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use
    •High blood sugar
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious nervous system problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Heart and kidney problems
    •Hormone effects
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Eye problems
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems
    •Changes in mood and behavior
    •Cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Kenalog

    Learn more about Methylprednisolone
    Learn more about Triamcinolone injection

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