Medication Monday....Medrol....Methylprednisolone

Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...

• that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
  
• please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
  

• the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.

For this installment, I have chosen  Medrol ....GENERIC NAME(S): METHYLPREDNISOLONE  

Uses: Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases, and immune system disorders. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. This medication is a corticosteroid hormone.

**Please read this information carefully**  If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.

Medrol 
GENERIC NAME(S): METHYLPREDNISOLONE

Uses
Methylprednisolone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, severe allergic reactions, certain cancers, eye conditions, skin/kidney/intestinal/lung diseases, and immune system disorders. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. This medication is a corticosteroid hormone.

Methylprednisolone may also be used with other medications in hormone disorders.

How to use Medrol
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually with food or milk. Follow your dosing instructions carefully. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Different dosing schedules exist for this medication. If you are not taking the same dose each day or if you take this medication every other day, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen or you may experience withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness) when this drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent these withdrawal symptoms when stopping methylprednisolone, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. See also Precautions section.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, increased sweating, or acne may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, cough, white patches in the mouth).

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual weight gain, menstrual period changes, bone/joint pain, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as mood swings, depression, agitation), muscle weakness/pain, puffy face, slow wound healing, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands, thinning skin, unusual hair/skin growth, vision problems, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black/bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, persistent stomach/abdominal pain.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug 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.

Side Effects List Medrol side effects by likelihood and severity. 
 The following side effects are associated with Medrol: 
 Common side effects of Medrol: ·                                 
                                  Infection Severe

·                                 Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe

·                                 Conditions of Excess Stomach Acid Secretion Less Severe

·                                 Increased Hunger Less Severe

·                                 Nervous Less Severe

Infrequent side effects of Medrol: ·                                
                                 Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe

·                                 Cushing's Syndrome Severe

·                                 Diabetes Severe

·                                 Low Amount of Calcium in the Blood Severe

·                                 Osteoporosis Severe

·                                 Thin Fragile Skin Severe

·                                 Dry Skin Less Severe

·                                 High Blood Sugar Less Severe

·                                 Irregular Periods Less Severe

·                                 Puffy Face from Water Retention Less Severe

·                                 Small Red Skin Lesions caused by Dilated Blood Vessels Less Severe

Rare side effects of Medrol: ·                                 
                                  A Rupture in the Wall of the Stomach or Intestine Severe

·                                 Abnormal Heart Rhythm Severe

·                                 Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe

·                                 Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas Severe

·                                 Anemia Severe

·                                 Blood Clot in Vein Severe

·                                 Broken Bone Severe

·                                 Cataracts Severe

·                                 Chronic Heart Failure Severe

·                                 Complete Stoppage of the Heart Severe

·                                 Decreased Neutrophils a Type of White Blood Cell Severe

·                                 Delirium Severe

·                                 Disease of the Nerves Severe

·                                 Enlarged Liver Severe

·                                 False Sense of Well-Being Severe

·                                 Fluid in the Lungs Severe

·                                 Hallucination Severe

·                                 High Blood Pressure Severe

·                                 Impaired Wound Healing Severe

·                                 Increased Pressure in Eyes Severe

·                                 Increased Pressure in the Eye Severe

·                                 Insufficiency of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland Severe

·                                 Kaposi's Severe

·                                 Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe

·                                 Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe

·                                 Lupus-Like Syndrome Severe

·                                 Mental Disturbance Severe

·                                 Mood Changes Severe

·                                 Muscle Problems Severe

·                                 Obstruction of a Blood Vessel by a Blood Clot Severe

·                                 Obstruction of Blood Vessel caused by a Fat Globule Severe

·                                 Paranoia Severe

·                                 Pseudotumor Cerebri Severe

·                                 Reaction due to an Allergy Severe

·                                 Rupture of a Tendon Severe

·                                 Seizures Severe

·                                 Slow Heartbeat Severe

·                                 Trouble Breathing Severe

·                                 Ulcer from Stomach Acid Severe

·                                 Ulcers of Esophagus Severe

·                                 Vasculitis Severe

·                                 Abnormal Fat Distribution Less Severe

·                                 Absence of Menstrual Periods Less Severe

·                                 Acne Less Severe

·                                 Blurred Vision Less Severe

·                                 Confused Less Severe

·                                 Depression Less Severe

·                                 Disorder involving Personality Changes Less Severe

·                                 Dizzy Less Severe

·                                 Excessive Hairiness Less Severe

·                                 Excessive Sweating Less Severe

·                                 Extreme Sense of Well Being Less Severe

·                                 Fast Heartbeat Less Severe

·                                 Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe

·                                 Feeling Faint Less Severe

·                                 Head Pain Less Severe

·                                 Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Less Severe

·                                 Hiccups Less Severe

·                                 Hives Less Severe

·                                 Inflammation of Skin caused by an Allergy Less Severe

·                                 Joint Pain Less Severe

·                                 Loss of Memory Less Severe

·                                 Muscle Weakness Less Severe

·                                 Not Feeling Well Less Severe

·                                 Numbness and Tingling Less Severe

·                                 Optic Disk Edema Less Severe

·                                 Over Excitement Less Severe

·                                 Overactive Thyroid Gland Less Severe

·                                 Problem with Periods Less Severe

·                                 Rash Less Severe

·                                 Redness of Skin Less Severe

·                                 Scaling of Skin Less Severe

·                                 Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe

·                                 Skin Stretch Marks Less Severe

·                                 Small Reddish-Purplish Pin-Point Sized Spots on the Skin Less Severe

·                                 Swelling of the Abdomen Less Severe

·                                 The Presence of Sugar in the Urine Less Severe

·                                 Underactive Thyroid Less Severe

·                                 Visible Water Retention Less Severe

·                                 Water Retention Less Severe

·                                 Weight Gain Less Severe

Precautions
Before taking methylprednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis),diabetes, eye diseases (such as cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), heart problems (such as recent heart attack, congestive heart failure), high blood pressure, current/past infections (such as those caused by tuberculosis, threadworm, herpes, fungus), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, depression, anxiety), stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), seizures.

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.

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

Limit alcoholic beverages to decrease risk of dizziness and stomach bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Methylprednisolone can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

This medication may cause vaccines to not work as well. Live vaccines may cause serious problems (such as infection) if given while you are using this medication. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations/skin tests without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

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 this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication. See also Medical Alert section.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially brittle bones (osteoporosis). Talk to your doctor about the ways to prevent osteoporosis. See also Notes section.

This medication 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.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have hormone problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions
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 this drug include: aldesleukin, mifepristone, other drugs that can also cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/dabigatran, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin, salicylates).

If your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Other medications can affect the removal of methylprednisolone from your body, which may affect how methylprednisolone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), boceprevir, cyclosporine, estrogens, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifampin), St. John's wort, some drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine), telaprevir, among others.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes
Do not share this medication with others.

If this medication is used for a long time, laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar/mineral levels, blood pressure, eye exams, bone density tests, height/weight measurements) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Taking this medication for a long time may cause brittle bones (osteoporosis). Lifestyle changes that help promote healthy bones include increasing weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and limiting alcohol. Consult your doctor for specific advice.

Missed Dose
If you are taking this medication 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 do not take the same dose each day or if you take this medication every other day, ask your doctor or pharmacist what you should do if you miss a dose.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.

MEDICAL ALERT:
 Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc