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Methylprednisolone has various effects on the body. It reduces swelling and inflammation. It is used in a variety of disorders such as skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), allergic conditions, asthma, respiratory conditions, cancer, blood disorders (anemia), digestive problems, eye disorders, and rheumatic disorders (arthritis, bursitis).
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Solu-Medrol
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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a-Methapred
Solu-Medrol
Uses
Methylprednisolone has various effects on the body. It reduces swelling and inflammation. It is used in a variety of disorders such as skin diseases (psoriasis, hives), allergic conditions, asthma, respiratory conditions, cancer, blood disorders (anemia), digestive problems, eye disorders, and rheumatic disorders (arthritis, bursitis).
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture, heat and sunlight.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
How To Use
- Use A-Methapred as prescribed.
- Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
- Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- If you have been using A-Methapred for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor s approval.
- Your dose may need to be gradually reduced.
- You may experience extreme fatigue, weakness, stomach upset or dizziness when the medication is suddenly stopped.
- If A-Methapred is injected into a joint, be careful how much stress you put on that joint, even if it is feeling better.
- Ask your doctor how much you can move the joint while it is healing.
Side Effects
- May cause dizziness, nausea, indigestion, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness or sleep disturbances These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting of blood, black or tarry stools, puffing of the face, swelling of the ankles or feet, unusual weight gain, prolonged sore throat or fever, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, mood changes, vision changes.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, particularly of: liver problems, kidney problems, intestinal problems, heart disease, an underactive thyroid gland, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis (brittle bones), herpes eye infection, a history of tuberculosis (TB), seizures, ulcers, blood clots, eye problems, allergies (especially drug allergies).
- Do not have a vaccination, other immunization, or any skin test while you are taking A-Methapred unless your doctor specifically tells you that you may.
- If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking A-Methapred.
- It may make your stomach and intestines more susceptible to the irritating effects of alcohol, aspirin, and certain arthritis medications, increasing your risk of ulcers.
- Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after treatment with A-Methapred.
- Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking A-Methapred again.
- If you have diabetes, A-Methapred may increase your blood sugar level.
- Test your urine for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact your doctor if sugar is present; your dose of diabetes medication and your diet may need to be changed.
- If your sputum (the matter you cough up during an asthma attack) thickens or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or gray, contact your doctor; these changes may be signs of an infection.
- A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period).
- The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
- Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates.
- A-Methapred can cause growth suppression in infants.
- Before you use A-Methapred, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think that you may be pregnant or wish to become pregnant.
- If you become pregnant, contact your doctor.
- Because A-Methapred appears in breast milk, contact your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose.
- Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not "double-up the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Before you take A-Methapred, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially of: aspirin, arthritis medication, anticoagulants (blood thinners), diuretics ( water pills ), estrogen (e.g., birth control pills), phenytoin, rifampin, phenobarbital, macrolide (e.g., erythromycin), ketoconazole, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, ambenomium, drugs used for diabetes.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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