Medrol
(methylprednisolone)
Calms down your immune system.
Our bottom line
Medrol (methylprednisolone) is very effective for controlling allergic reactions and many types of inflammatory conditions, but it is associated with serious and potentially life-threatening side effects if you have to take it for a long time.
- Price before coupon$26.99
- Lowest price with coupon$11.5857% savings
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (methylprednisolone)
Upsides
- Medrol (methylprednisolone) is effective for treating a variety of conditions involving the immune system.
- Can help improve energy and stimulate your appetite.
- Works quickly to provide relief for swelling, rash, asthma attacks, and pain.
- Medrol (methylprednisolone) is available in a generic form.
- Available as blister packs that organize tablets into specific days and times for easier administration.
What to expect from Medrol, on one page
Downsides
- Medrol (methylprednisolone) can cause unwanted side effects such as mood changes, trouble sleeping, and increase in blood pressure as well as blood sugar at higher doses.
- Long-term use can cause problems to your skin, bones, eyes, and place you at a higher risk for infections.
- If Medrol (methylprednisolone) is used for more than 2 weeks, you will need to work with a doctor to get off of the medicine by gradually decreasing the dose.
- Medrol (methylprednisolone) can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it might not be a good option for pregnant women.
- Might cause abnormal growth and development when used in children.
What to expect from Medrol, on one page
Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a corticosteroid that is similar to a hormone your body naturally makes in response to stress. It helps reduce swelling and blocks the actions of your immune system that normally would cause pain, discomfort, or harm.
- Drug class: Autoimmune
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (methylprednisolone)
Used for
- Allergies
- Skin conditions
- Endocrine conditions
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$11.95
- Get free coupon$13.41
What to expect when you take Medrol (methylprednisolone) for Inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Stomach ulcer
- Unexplained weight gain
- Thin skin
- Increased fat on the face
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Medrol for null
- Unexplained weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Weakening of bones
- Fracture
- Stomach ulcer
- Pancreas inflammation
- Bloating
- Esophagus inflammation
- Slower wound healing
- Thin skin
- Red spots and bruising
- Reddening of face
- Increased sweating
- Suppressed reaction to skin tests
- Convulsions
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Menstrual problems
- Increased fat on the face
- Slowing of growth in children
- Diabetes
- Increased insulin requirements
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Bulging of eyes
- Hives
- Itching and allergic reaction
Risks and Warnings for Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking high doses of Medrol (methylprednisolone) for a long period of time
- › Young children
- › Stress such as trauma, injury, or infection
If you've been taking Medrol (methylprednisolone) for a long time, it is dangerous to stop taking it suddenly since your body may have become dependent on it for responding to stress. Changes in your dose need to be done gradually over time. Talk to your doctor about how you should decrease the dose.
Common concerns from people taking Medrol (methylprednisolone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take Medrol (methylprednisolone) in the morning with food to lower your chances of getting stomach upset and having trouble sleeping. For an evening dose, it is best to take the medicine at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
- Medrol (methylprednisolone) can cause high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, and other changes in the way your kidneys work. If you have a history of heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, talk to your doctor first before using this medicine.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed otheron 3/4/2018For severe facial pain with vomiting I usually need 8 mg...first dose is kept down better if take ondansetron or meclizine bonine....brand under the tongue. Then 4 mg again at bedtime. Next day 4 mg in morning Next day 2 mg...half tab in morning. May also need 350mg soma (carisoprodol) to sleep til pain subsides somewhat...can then ice neck...or if able ice neck immediately for an attack of trigeminal pain or feelings of numbness in upper teeth. Sleep with cold pack and neckbrace60WomanJust as neededWould rather not say