Methylprednisolone is used to relieve inflammation and treat a wide variety of diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles), lupus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation), cancer of the blood cells, and inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Methylprednisolone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Methylprednisolone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have any serious fungal infection which is not being treated as Methylprednisolone may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- worm infestation e.g. threadworm
- history of allergic reaction to any drug
- thyroid disease
- diabetes or family history of diabetes
- severe depression or mood disorder
- fits or seizures
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- existing or family history of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- heart disease
- stomach or gut problems
- lung infection known as tuberculosis or TB
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- suspected or confirmed phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- unusual stress
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Methylprednisolone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going for a certain laboratory test (e.g. skin test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. sugar or electrolyte levels, bone mineral density, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of weight, signs of changes in mood or behaviour, infection, and changes in the adrenal glands may also be needed.
- Your doctor may need to check the height of your child regularly.
Methylprednisolone may cause any of the following side effects: muscle weakness, acne, thinning of the skin, and poor wound healing.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- stomach pain that spreads to the back, pass out bloody or black as tar stools, vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- fever and feeling unwell
- severe upset stomach, dizziness or passing out, weight loss, feeling very tired
- weight gain in the upper back or belly, severe headache, moon face
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- swollen, painful, and redness in the leg or calf
- eye pain or pressure, blurring of vision, or other visual disturbances
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Methylprednisolone. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, amphotericin B
- certain antibiotics e.g. troleandomycin
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. diltiazem, mibefradil
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicines to treat TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- cimetidine (medicine for excessive acidity in the stomach)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Methylprednisolone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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