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Compare Medrol vs. Ozurdex

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

Key takeaways

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and dexamethasone (Ozurdex) are both corticosteroids that can be used to treat eye inflammation, but they differ in their specific uses and forms. Methylprednisolone is available as oral tablets and injections and also treats a wide range of conditions, including joint issues, lupus, and allergic reactions. Dexamethasone, on the other hand, is used as an ophthalmic implant to treat eye conditions like diabetic macular edema and inflammation in the back of the eye. While methylprednisolone is available as a lower-cost generic, dexamethasone (Ozurdex) is only available as a brand-name medication. Methylprednisolone can cause side effects like weight gain and high blood sugar, while dexamethasone may lead to eye-related side effects such as increased eye pressure and retinal detachment.

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Ozurdex (dexamethasone)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Ozurdex (dexamethasone)

  • Summary of Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    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

    Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is a medication that's injected into the eye to treat certain eye conditions, including diabetic macular edema (DME). It comes as a small implant that must be placed in the eye by a healthcare provider. The implant slowly releases medication over time and dissolves on its own. Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is only available as a brand-name medication.

  • Indications of Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    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
    •Diabetic macular edema (DME)
    •Macular edema due to a blocked vein in the retina
    •Inflammation in the back of the eye not caused by an infection

  • Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    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
    Cons

  • Common Side Effects of Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Bloating
    •Increased appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Weight gain
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Medrol vs. Ozurdex

    Learn more about Methylprednisolone
    Learn more about Ozurdex

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