Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a glucocorticoid, used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation. Conditions it is commonly used to treat include:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• COPD
• Asthma
• Croup
• Allergies
• Rheumatic disorders
• Collagen diseases
• Ophthalmic diseases
• Hematologic disorders
• Edema
• Colitis
• Enteritis
• Skin disease
• Tuberculosis
• Other conditions

Medrol can be used on a daily basis or, particularly in the case of children, every other day. The reason for every-other-day treatment is minimizing certain side effects, such as growth suppression in children or pituitary-adrenal suppression.

Only a doctor can tell, at least early on, whether or not the medication should be used on a daily basis or every other day; doctor involvement is critical at all stages of treatment.

What to Expect from Treatment

Dosage of Medrol is highly variable and dependent upon the condition, response to treatment, and other factors. Dosage will be determined by a doctor and range from 2 mg to 32 mg per day, likely starting at lower dosage.

A precise doctor should monitor the results of treatment and adjust dosage if necessary. Always take Medrol as prescribed by a physician; do not attempt to adjust dosage or duration of treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking Medrol without first consulting a physician. Discontinued use of Medrol should not be immediate, it should be slowly tapered. A doctor can provide individualized details about a discontinuation plan.

Important Precautions

Medrol should not be taken in the event of systemic fungal infection because it lowers the defensive response of the body to them. The medication should be taken with caution in the presence of any other type of existing infection as it may become exacerbated.

As Medrol may produce an increase in ocular pressure it should be used only with caution by those with existing glaucoma.

Use in pregnancy may induce hypoadrenalism in a fetus. If pregnant or intending to become so a physician should be consulted.

Medrol should not be taken by people receiving live vaccines. While taking Medrol only killed vaccines should be received and these vaccines may not be as effective as typical response may be diminished.

Because Medrol can decrease emotional stability it should be used with great caution in those with preexisting emotional instability or psychotic tendencies.

Steroids such as Medrol can increase the risk of perforation abscess, or infection in ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, hypertension, osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis. Patients with these preexisting conditions should be monitored carefully.

Patients may experience the following while taking Medrol:

• Unusual deposition of body fat
• Intraocular pressure increase
• Osteoporosis
• Sleeping problems
• Congestive heart failure
• Menstrual irregularity
• Impaired wound healing
• Thin or delicate skin
• Increased infection
• Mood swings
• Personality changes
• Stunted growth
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Convulsions
• Tendon rupture
• Headache
• Vertigo
• Sweating
• Acne

Contact a physician immediately if any of the above symptoms are experienced. The above are not all the possible side effects of using Medrol; the insert included with each package of pills will include a full and comprehensive list. Do not stop using Medrol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Medrol. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical professional who treats you should know that you take steroid medication.