Methylprednisolone Acetate Suspension for in... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Methylprednisolone Acetate Suspension for injection

Brand name(s):

A-Methapred, Adlone, Adlone-40, Adlone-80, Dep Medalone 80, Depmedalone, Depo-Medrol, Depo-Predate, Depoject-80, Depopred, Duralone, M-PREDNISolone, Med-Jec-40, Medipred, Medralone, Medralone 40, Medralone 80, Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, Methacort 40, Methacort 80, MethylPREDNISolone Acetate, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack, MethylPREDNISolone Sodium Succinate, Methylcotol, Methylcotolone, Predacorten, Solu-Medrol

What is this medicine?

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (meth ill pred NISS oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cataracts or glaucoma
• Cushings
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• infection including tuberculosis
• low calcium or potassium levels in the blood
• recent surgery
• seizures
• stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis
• threadworms
• thyroid problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to methylprednisolone, corticosteroids, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, joint, or other tissue. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• mifepristone
• radiopaque contrast agents

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cyclosporin
• ketoconazole
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• tacrolimus
• troleandomycin
• vaccines
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

The medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

You may need to avoid some vaccines. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.