methylprednisolone
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.
What is Methylprednisolone (Medrol)?
What is Methylprednisolone (Medrol) used 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
How Methylprednisolone (Medrol) works
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a corticosteroid. It's a lab-made medication that's similar to cortisol, a natural stress hormone your body makes. Methylprednisolone (Medrol) works by calming down your body's immune response, which can help get rid of certain medical problems that are caused by a sensitive immune system. In addition, methylprednisolone (Medrol) lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause pain, redness, itching, and swelling.
Drug facts
More on Methylprednisolone (Medrol) essentials
Side effects of Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Increased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin thinning
- Joint problems
- Infection
- Headache
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Long-term fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, belly pain
More on Methylprednisolone (Medrol) side effects
The following Methylprednisolone (Medrol) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
blindness
bloody vomit
blurred vision
bone pain
change in vision
chills
confusion
dark urine
darkening of the skin
decrease in height
decrease in the amount of urine
decreased range of motion
decreased vision
difficulty in swallowing
dilated neck veins
dizziness or lightheadedness
extreme tiredness or weakness
eye tearing
eyeballs bulge out of the eye sockets
fainting
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
full or bloated feeling
headache
impaired wound healing
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
indigestion
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
joint pain
limp
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
lower back or side pain
mental depression
mood changes
muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
nervousness
noisy, rattling breathing
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
pain or burning in the throat
pain or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury
painful or difficult urination
painful, swollen joints
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pounding in the ears
pressure in the stomach
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
seizures
sensation of spinning
severe or continuing stomach pain
slow growth in children
slow or fast heartbeat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, abdominal or stomach area, or lower legs
tearing
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
troubled breathing at rest
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Abnormal fat deposits on the face, neck, and trunk
bruising
dry scalp
increased sweating
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
lightening of normal skin color
menstrual changes
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
redness of the face
small, red or purple spots on the skin
swelling of the stomach area
thin, fragile skin
thinning of the scalp hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
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
Pharmacist tips for Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- It's very important that you continue taking this medication according to your provider's treatment plan even if you start feeling better. Missing doses or stopping methylprednisolone (Medrol) suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous.
- Take methylprednisolone (Medrol) tablets with breakfast to help relieve stomach upset and to prevent trouble sleeping in the evening.
- Depending on the dose of methylprednisolone (Medrol), it typically takes about 15 minutes to an hour to receive methylprednisolone (Medrol) injection into a vein.
- Avoid getting live vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) and YF-Vax (yellow fever vaccine), while you're taking methylprednisolone (Medrol). This is because a high dose of this medication can weaken your immune system, which can make live vaccines unsafe. Talk with your provider or pharmacist before you get a vaccine. They can let you know which ones are safe and help schedule them while you’re taking methylprednisolone (Medrol).
- Methylprednisolone (Medrol) can raise your blood sugars and blood pressure. If you've high blood pressure or diabetes, it's important that you check your blood pressure and blood sugar while taking this medication.
- Tell your provider right away if you've a fever, chills, congestion, cough, or a wound that won't heal when you're taking methylprednisolone (Medrol). These could be signs of an infection.
Common questions about Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
No, methylprednisolone (Medrol) isn't the same as prednisone. Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone are both steroids used to treat similar health conditions. And they're both available by prescription with lower-cost generics available as well. One difference is that methylprednisolone (Medrol) is also available as an injection. Both medications work similarly in your body, which means you don't typically take both at the same time because they're doing the same thing to weaken your immune system and lower inflammation.
It depends. Although it's not clear how long it takes methylprednisolone (Medrol) to work if taken by mouth, your body starts absorbing the medication once you take it. If this medication is injected into a vein, it typically starts working after an hour. And when it's injected into a joint, it typically starts working after a week. Depending on what you're using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for, your provider will help you decide what's the best way to use this medication.
It's best to avoid or limit drinking alcohol if you're taking corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol). In general, alcohol raises your risk of infection, stomach pain, weight gain, and heartburn, which are similar side effects to steroids. Drinking alcohol while taking methylprednisolone (Medrol) can worsen some of these side effects. Speak with your provider about your alcohol habits and consumption.
In general, it's recommended to take methylprednisolone (Medrol) in the morning. Since this medication can affect your sleep, taking it earlier in the day might help to prevent trouble sleeping later in the day. But it's most important to take methylprednisolone (Medrol) per your provider's instructions. It's also recommended to take methylprednisolone (Medrol) with food since this medication can cause stomach upset. Taking the medication with food helps to avoid an upset stomach.
There isn't enough information to know if methylprednisolone (Medrol) is safe to use during pregnancy. Discuss with your provider about the benefits and risks of using methylprednisolone (Medrol) if you're pregnant.
Some medications can interact with methylprednisolone (Medrol). This can affect how well the medication works and might raise your risk of side effects. Taking certain seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin (Dilantin)) or the tuberculosis medication rifampin (Rifadin) can lower the amount of methylprednisolone (Medrol) in your body, which might cause the steroid to not work as well. In addition, methylprednisolone (Medrol) can also interfere with how your body gets rid of other medications. For example, if you take aspirin long-term, methylprednisolone (Medrol) can lower its amount in your body. As a result, your provider will monitor you closely for side effects of aspirin when you stop treatment with methylprednisolone (Medrol).
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Risks and warnings for Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
New or worsened infection
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time | People who aren't vaccinated against viral illnesses | Coming into contact with people who have viral illnesses | History of bacterial or viral conditions | Receiving live vaccines
Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) long term can raise your risk of getting an infection or hide signs of an infection. These infections include serious fungal, viral (e.g., chicken pox, measles), or bacterial (e.g, tuberculosis or TB) infections. Avoid close contact with anyone who had a history of these serious infections during treatment with methylprednisolone (Medrol). If you have had TB or parasitic (worm) infections in the past, let your provider know so they can closely monitor you for symptoms and make sure these infections don't come back. In addition, talk to your provider first before getting any vaccination. Live vaccines might not be safe for you since they can sometimes raise your risk of an infection during treatment with high doses of methylprednisolone (Medrol).
Mood and behavior changes
- Risk factors: History of mental health conditions
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) can cause changes in your mood or behavior. Tell your provider right away if you feel depressed, have mood swings, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there) while taking this medication.
Reduced adrenal gland function
- Risk factors: Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long period of time | Stress such as trauma, injury, or infection
In some rare cases, using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time can cause a medical condition called adrenal suppression. This is when your adrenal glands stop making your own natural hormones as your body gets used to methylprednisolone (Medrol). If you suddenly stop the medication, it can be dangerous to your body. In adults, symptoms of withdrawal include fever, joint or muscle pain, and low energy. In children, symptoms often include stunted growth, weight gain, and headaches. To prevent adrenal suppression from happening, your provider will prescribe the lowest possible dose of methylprednisolone (Medrol) that works well for you for the shortest amount of time. If you need to use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long period of time, your provider may ask you to do some lab work to test how well your adrenal gland works. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of withdrawal. Don't suddenly stop using methylprednisolone (Medrol) without talking to your provider first.
Changes in heart and kidney function
- Risk factors: Recent heart attack | History of heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney problems
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) can cause changes in your fluids and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, and calcium). This can result in high blood pressure, swelling, and kidney problems. In addition, some studies suggest that methylprednisolone (Medrol) can damage the heart if used after a recent heart attack. If you have a history of heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, let your provider know before using this medication.
Stomach problems
- Risk factors: History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | History of ulcerative colitis | Taking other medications that can also cause stomach problems | Alcohol use
Taking methylprednisolone (Medrol) raises the risk of stomach damage, leading to certain problems, like stomach irritation, and more seriously, ulcers and bleeding. Your risk is higher if you have a history of stomach problems or if you're taking other medications that can damage your stomach, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication because it can worsen stomach irritation. Get medical attention right away if you have stomach pain that doesn't go away or you get bloody or dark stools. These can be signs of a serious stomach problem.
Bone problems with long-term use
- Risk factors: Taking methylprednisolone (Medrol) at high doses or for a long period of time | Risks for osteoporosis (e.g., female, history of falls, smoking) | Infants and young children
Long-term use of methylprednisolone (Medrol) can lower calcium absorption and weaken your bone. Over time, this will cause or worsen osteoporosis in adults or slow down growth in children. If you've had bone fractures before or have osteoporosis (weak bones), talk to your provider about your risk before using this medication.
Eye problems with long-term use
- Risk factors: Cataracts | Glaucoma | History of herpes eye infection
Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long period of time can lead to greater risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and certain eye infections. Tell your provider if you currently have an eye infection or have had a viral eye infection (herpes keratitis) in the past. If you experience blurry vision, eye pain, or any vision changes during treatment with this medication, let your provider know right away. You might need to get regular eye exams during long-term treatment with methylprednisolone (Medrol).
High blood sugar
- Risk factors: Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long period of time
Using methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long period of time can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. If blood sugar is not controlled, this can lead to diabetes. Let your provider know if you have symptoms like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit. If you have diabetes, your provider may ask you to check your blood sugar regularly to make sure this medication is safe for you.
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) dosage
Typical dosage for Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is available as oral tablets. It's also available as an injection, which is usually given in a hospital setting or at home by a visiting nurse.
In general, the dose of methylprednisolone (Medrol) depends on the condition that you're taking the medication for and how serious it is. Your provider will raise or lower your dose based on how you respond to this medication and if you have any side effects.
The typical starting dose of oral methylprednisolone (Medrol) tablets can range from 4 mg to 48 mg by mouth per day.
The typical starting dose of methylprednisolone (Medrol) injections can range from 4 mg to 120 mg per day. It's either injected into the muscle, vein, joint, or under the skin.
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Methylprednisolone (Medrol).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Methylprednisolone (Medrol) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 143 people taking this medication
3.3
Effectiveness by condition:
multiple sclerosis108 reviews
3.0
systemic lupus erythematosus15 reviews
3.4
optic neuritis11 reviews
2.8
pneumonia5 reviews
4.3
kidney transplant4 reviews
3.1
Severity of side effects
Based on 383 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Insomnia
17%
Increased appetite
8%
Weight gain
6%
Restlessness (akathisia)
6%
Anxious mood
6%
Reasons people stopped taking Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Based on 952 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
71%
Doctor's advice
14%
Side effects too severe
6%
Did not seem to work
5%
Other
5%
Personal research
1%
Change in health plan coverage
1%
Expense
1%
How long people take Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
Based on 357 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
Interactions between Methylprednisolone (Medrol) and other drugs
More on Methylprednisolone (Medrol) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Desmopressin
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Aldesleukin
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Balofloxacin
- Bemiparin
- Besifloxacin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Bupropion
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Enoxacin
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Fleroxacin
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flumequine
- Flurbiprofen
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
- Macimorelin
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Moxifloxacin
- Nabumetone
- Nadifloxacin
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Norfloxacin
- Ofloxacin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Pranoprofen
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Prulifloxacin
- Ritonavir
- Rofecoxib
- Rufloxacin
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sargramostim
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sparfloxacin
- Sulindac
- Telaprevir
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Tosufloxacin
- Valdecoxib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Alcuronium
- Aprepitant
- Aspirin
- Atracurium
- Auranofin
- Carbamazepine
- Clarithromycin
- Cyclosporine
- Dalfopristin
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Fluindione
- Fosaprepitant
- Gallamine
- Hexafluorenium
- Ketoconazole
- Licorice
- Metocurine
- Mibefradil
- Nefazodone
- Phenobarbital
- Primidone
- Quinupristin
- Rifampin
- Saiboku-To
- Troleandomycin
- Warfarin
How much does Methylprednisolone (Medrol) cost?
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Methylprednisolone (Medrol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently have a fungal infection
- Receiving live vaccines - High dose of methylprednisolone (Medrol)
What are alternatives to Methylprednisolone (Medrol)?
Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:
This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:
Hydrocortisone (Cortef) is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Some examples include:
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