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Medrol vs. Cortef

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.

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

• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Increased appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Dizziness

• 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

Oral hydrocortisone (Cortef) is a corticosteroid. It's taken by adults and children to treat health conditions related to inflammation or an overactive immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis and certain skin conditions. Hydrocortisone (Cortef) comes as a tablet that you take by mouth daily, though dosing can also differ depending on your condition. There's a separate intravenous or IV form called Solu-Cortef. Some side effects of hydrocortisone (Cortef) include adrenal insufficiency and weight gain. Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Some examples include:

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

• Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Muscle weakness
• Stomach pain
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Changes in your mood
• Headache
• Acne
• Weight gain and greater appetite

• Reduced adrenal gland function
• Greater risk of infections
• Eye problems
• Behavior changes
• Bone problems with long-term use
• Stomach problems
• Changes in heart and kidney function