Methylprednisolone: Uses & Side effects

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Methylprednisolone is used to treat many different inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, allergic disorders, gland (endocrine) disorders, and conditions that affect skin, eyes, lungs, stomach, nervous system, or blood cells.

Important information

You should not use this medicine if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.

Before taking methylprednisolone, you should tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.

Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have in the past several weeks.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using this medicine. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.

Do not stop using methylprednisolone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop the medication. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical professional who treats you should know that you take steroid medication.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to methylprednisolone: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
• bruising, thinning skin, or any wound that will not heal;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• severe depression, changes in personality, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• new or unusual pain in an arm or leg or in your back;
• bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• seizure (convulsions);
• low potassium—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common methylprednisolone side effects may include:

• fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles);
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• headache;
• mild muscle pain or weakness;
• stomach discomfort, such as bloating.

Keywords: methylprednisolone.