Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Medrol (Methylprednisolone).
Blood Clots: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing a reduction of blood flow to the organs or extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, Stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Depression: Corticosteroids have been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood glucose (sugar). If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to check your blood glucose levels more often.
Eye problems: Prolonged use of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause Glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves or it may produce cataracts. It may also increase the risk of Eye Infections due to fungi or viruses. Report any change in vision, eye pain, eye irritation, redness, or discharge to your doctor as soon as possible.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause electrolyte imbalances (changes in the levels of certain salts in the blood). If you notice Dry Mouth, thirst, weakness, fatigue, muscle pain and cramps, fast heartbeat, or decreased urination, see your doctor.
Heart disease: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause an elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. People with heart disease should be monitored by their doctor while taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone). People with heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infections: Corticosteroids can reduce your body's ability to fight infections and may hide signs of infection that is developing. If you have had tuberculosis in the past, Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause the infection to return. If you experience signs of infection such as sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Kidney Disease: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may not clear from the body at the expected rate in cases where the kidney is not working properly. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may not clear from the body at the expected rate in cases where the liver is not working properly. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may also cause harm to the liver. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia gravis is a condition that causes specific muscle weakness. Medrol (Methylprednisolone) can cause muscle wasting or decreasing muscle. If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Ocular herpes simplex: People who have the herpes simplex virus affecting their eye should be monitored by their doctor while taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone), as the medication may cause damage to the cornea.
Osteoporosis (bone disease): Medrol (Methylprednisolone) causes the body to lose calcium and may cause osteoporosis to develop or worsen. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pancreatitis: Corticosteroids can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Skin test injection: Medrol (Methylprednisolone), like other corticosteroids, can cause false negative test results (i.e., tuberculosis or allergy) by reducing the body's reaction to the test serum.
Stomach ulcer: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may cause stomach ulcers to worsen or develop. If you have stomach problems or a history of stomach problems, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stress: A dosage adjustment of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may be required for anyone subjected to unusual stress.
Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may not clear from the body at the expected rate when a person is hypothyroid. As a result, the effects of the medication may be increased. If you have hypothyroidism, discuss with your doctor how Medrol (Methylprednisolone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Medrol (Methylprednisolone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vaccines: People receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids should not receive live or live-attenuated (modified) vaccines, as there is a risk of infection and poor immune response to the vaccine.
Pregnancy: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Medrol (Methylprednisolone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Medrol (Methylprednisolone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding
Children: The active ingredient in Medrol (Methylprednisolone), Medrol (Methylprednisolone), belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using this class of medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). The use of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) by children should be limited to the smallest dose that will be effective. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of the use of Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for children.
