Is methylprednisolone a steroid?
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.
What does Medrol do to your body?
It relieves inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain) and is used to treat certain forms of arthritis; skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis); severe allergies; and asthma. Methylprednisolone is also used to treat certain types of cancer.
Does Medrol lower your immune system?
Methylprednisolone can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you recently had.
How long does it take for methylprednisolone to work for back pain?
Methylprednisolone works quickly. It reaches its peak effect within about one hour after an intravenous dose. Its peak effect is about two hours when given orally.
Who Should Not Take Medrol?
What should I avoid while taking Medrol Dosepak? 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. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
What happens if you don’t finish a steroid pack?
This is because after some days or weeks of taking steroids your body stops making enough of its own steroids to maintain important functions (such as blood pressure). A sudden withdrawal from medication may cause a sharp fall in blood pressure and affect blood sugar levels.
How long should you take Medrol?
Dosage for multiple sclerosis
- Typical starting dosage: 160 mg per day taken in one or two doses.
- Dosage changes: After taking 160 mg per day for 1 week, your doctor will reduce your dosage to 64 mg taken every other day for one month.