Before using Depo-Medrol (Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current fungal infections.
Before using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other infections (such as tuberculosis, threadworm), bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, certain eye diseases (such as cataracts, herpes infection, glaucoma), kidney disease, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression), seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), thyroid problems (both underactive and overactive conditions), untreated mineral problems (such as low potassium or calcium).
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/cough/fever, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur while using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) or within 12 months after stopping it.
Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) or have used Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone).
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor. Live vaccines may cause serious problems (e.g., infection) if given while you are using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone). Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers, or if you take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you have diabetes, Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst and urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Caution is advised when using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent bone loss.
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked.
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to an unborn baby when corticosteroids are used during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) passes into breast milk and is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Shake Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) well before using. Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) is usually injected into a joint as directed by your doctor. Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may also be injected into a muscle or into skin wounds. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dosage of Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
If you are giving Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
If Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) is injected into a joint, be careful how much pressure you put on that joint, even if it is feeling better. Ask your doctor how much you can move/use the joint while it is healing.
If you have been using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, or extreme tiredness.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual period changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, weight gain, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles/feet, tendon pain, persistent weight gain, puffy face, unusual hair growth, thinning skin, slow wound healing, signs of infection (such as persistent fever/cough/sore throat, painful urination, eye pain/discharge), muscle weakness/pain, mental/mood changes (such as mood swings, depression, agitation), vision changes, seizures, unusual skin growths.
A very serious allergic reaction to Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) as directed. If you miss a dose of Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone), contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone) include: live vaccines, aldesleukin, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (such as salicylates), birth control pills, blood thinners (such as warfarin), bupropion, cyclosporine, drugs for diabetes, drugs that cause potassium loss (such as amphotericin B, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), estrogens, mifepristone, natalizumab, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen), herbal products (e.g., licorice).
Other medications can affect the removal of Depo-Medrol (Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)) from your body, which may affect how Depo-Medrol (Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone)) works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifampin, certain anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin and phenobarbital), among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that may increase the risk of stomach bleeding from Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone). Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This product may interfere with certain lab tests (including skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.