Before using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (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.
Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, threadworm), bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, certain heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, certain eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, herpes infection, glaucoma), kidney disease, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), untreated mineral problems (e.g., low potassium or calcium).
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) or within 12 months after stopping it.
If you have been using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) for a long time, your body may not be able to make enough natural steroids while you are under stress due to infection, surgery, or injury. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you have stopped using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) within the past 12 months, you may need to start using it again if your body is under severe stress. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness.
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 Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) or have used it within the last 12 months.
If you have diabetes, Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (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.
Caution is advised when using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) for a long time in children. Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.
Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (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.
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) passes into breast milk. Although there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, 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.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) well before using. Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) is usually injected into a joint by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) may also be injected into a muscle or into skin wounds. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dosage of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor. Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) should appear milky white. Before using this product, check it visually for discoloration. Do not use the liquid if it is discolored. Do not mix with other medications in the same syringe.
If Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (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.
If you are giving yourself injections at home, learn how to prepare and inject Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) properly. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse any questions you may have about how to give yourself Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)). Learn how to store and discard needles, medical supplies, and any unused medication safely. Consult your pharmacist. Never reuse needles or syringes.
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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: 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 (e.g., persistent fever/cough/sore throat, painful urination, eye pain/discharge), muscle weakness/pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., mood swings, depression, agitation), vision changes, seizures, unusual skin growths.
A very serious allergic reaction to Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.
If you miss a dose of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone), use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: live vaccines.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)).
Before using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aldesleukin, large doses of aspirin and aspirin-like drugs (salicylates such as salsalate), birth control pills/patch/ring, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), bupropion, cyclosporine, drugs for diabetes, drugs that cause potassium loss (e.g., amphotericin B, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), estrogens, mifepristone, natalizumab, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as indomethacin, ibuprofen), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., levofloxacin), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)) from your body (e.g., aprepitant, azole antifungals such as ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, rifamycins such as rifampin, certain anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin and phenobarbital), herbal products (e.g., licorice).
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 Methylprednisolone (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.
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
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.