Before taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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.
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: untreated active fungal infections.
Before using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, history of blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure), diabetes, certain eye diseases (such as cataracts, herpes infection, glaucoma), kidney disease, current infections (such as tuberculosis, threadworm), severe liver disease (cirrhosis), certain mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, 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).
Methylprednisolone (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.
Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/cough/fever, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur while taking Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) or have used Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone).
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests while you are using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) unless specifically directed by your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles infection while taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone). If you are exposed to these infections, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone). Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding.
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.
Methylprednisolone (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.
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 and is unlikely to harm 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.
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.
Take Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) by mouth with food or milk, or as directed by your doctor. Take Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Dosage and duration of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
If you are taking only one dose of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) per day, it is best to take it in the morning before 9 a.m. If you are taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
If you are using the Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)) tapered dose pack, follow the dosing schedule and take it exactly as prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) in your body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you have been taking Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) for a long time, do not suddenly stop it without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, or extreme fatigue.
Inform 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, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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, 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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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 are using Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) once daily and miss a dose, take 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.
If you are using the tapered dose pack or if you take Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) every other day, ask your doctor what you should do if you miss a dose.
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.
(See also the How to Use section).
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Methylprednisolone (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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone)) from your body, which may affect how Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone) (Methylprednisolone (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 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.
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 Methylprednisolone (Methylprednisolone).
This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
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.