DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Methylprednisolone Injection Solution (meth-il-pred-NIS-oh-lone)
Brand Name: Examples include A-methapred and Solu-Medrol

A-methapred Solution is used for:

Treating certain conditions associated with decreased adrenal gland function. It is also used to treat severe inflammation due to certain conditions, including severe asthma, severe allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, certain blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and certain eye and skin conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

A-methapred Solution is a corticosteroid. It works by modifying the body's immune response to various conditions and decreasing inflammation.

Do NOT use A-methapred Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in A-methapred Solution
• you are presently taking mifepristone
• the patient is a premature infant
• you have a systemic fungal infection
• you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using A-methapred Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with A-methapred Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, or any mental or mood problems
• if you have recently had a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; or shingles
• if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test
• if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), or inflammation of the esophagus, or you have had recent intestinal surgery
• if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
• if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with A-methapred Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they may decrease A-methapred Solution's effectiveness
• Aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or troleandomycin because side effects, such as adrenal gland or nervous system problems (eg, seizures), may occur
• Aspirin, mifepristone, ritodrine, or live vaccines because the risk of their side effects may be increased by A-methapred Solution

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if A-methapred Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use A-methapred Solution:

Use A-methapred Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• A-methapred Solution is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using A-methapred Solution at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use A-methapred Solution. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not use A-methapred Solution if it contains particles, or is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of A-methapred Solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use A-methapred Solution.

Important safety information:

• A-methapred Solution may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take A-methapred Solution before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - A-methapred Solution may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using A-methapred Solution.
• Lab tests, including adrenal function tests and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use A-methapred Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• A-methapred Solution contains benzyl alcohol, which has been associated with serious and sometimes fatal breathing problems, in premature infants. Do NOT use A-methapred Solution in premature infants.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use A-methapred Solution.
• A-methapred Solution should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using A-methapred Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if A-methapred Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use A-methapred Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of A-methapred Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; feeling of whirling motion; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; sleeplessness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual periods; changes in skin color; chest pain; easy bruising or bleeding; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; swelling of feet or legs; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; sudden severe dizziness or headache; symptoms of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); tendon or bone pain; thinning of the skin; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; fainting; fever; loss of appetite; low blood pressure; low blood sugar; muscle pain; nausea.

Proper storage of A-methapred Solution:

A-methapred Solution is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using A-methapred Solution at home, store A-methapred Solution as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep A-methapred Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about A-methapred Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• A-methapred Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about A-methapred Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.