MEDROL

This medicine contains the active ingredient methylprednisolone which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. These medicines are used for the treatment of many diseases and conditions when the adrenal cortex does not produce enough of these hormones which are necessary for our health. Methylprednisolone is primarily used for the reduction of inflammation or allergic reactions in the body, such as meningitis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, leukemia, optic neuritis, uveitis or iritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, asthma, tuberculosis, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, eczema, psoriasis and it is also used for the treatment of immune system diseases.

Is Methylprednisolone suitable for me?

Methylprednisolone is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to methylprednisolone or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have fungal infection
• if you need to have a vaccination, particularly with ‘live virus’ vaccines

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• if you have ever had severe depression or manic depression
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have high blood pressure
• have heart problems
• have liver or kidney problems
• have diabetes mellitus or glaucoma 
• have osteoporosis 
• have an underactive thyroid
• have epilepsy
• have herpes eye infection
• Kaposi’s sarcoma (skin cancer)
• have had a stomach ulcer or an inflammatory bowel disorder
• have recently had chickenpox, measles or shingles
• have worm infestination
• have ever had a blood clot in an artery or vein
• have tuberculosis
• have Cushing’s disease
• have brain injury
• have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)

Methylprednisolone interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Methylprednisolone?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take methylprednisolone exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

• The usual dose is between 4 mg and 360 mg per day.
• It can be taken as a single daily dose, divided in several daily doses or it can be taken every other day at the same time.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Methylprednisolone side effects?

Like all medicines methylprednisolone can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• high blood pressure
• headache
• loss of potassium
• damage to the optic nerve or cataracts
• slowing of normal growth in infants, children and adolescents
• muscle weakness
• depression, mania
• insomnia
• confusion
• acne
• poor wound healing
• thinning of skin

Uncommon:

• increased numbers of white blood cells
• low blood pressure
• heart failure
• nausea or vomiting
• ulcers, inflammation or thrush in the esophagus
• indigestion
• bloated stomach
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• hiccups
• glaucoma
• sight disturbance
• irregular or no periods in women
• increased hair on the body and face in women
• increased appetite and weight gain
• diabetes
• broken bones or fractures
• muscle and joint pain
• irritability
• fits
• dizziness
• stretch marks, bruising
• sweating
• itchy skin, rash or redness of skin
• tiredness

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.