What is Depo-Medrol? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Depo-Medrol

• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may be given through a needle placed into one of your veins, as a shot into a muscle or joint, or as a shot into a lesion on your skin.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Your doctor may give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

• Your doctor may give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may be given through a needle placed into one of your veins, as a shot into a muscle or joint, or as a shot into a lesion on your skin.

What to do if you miss a dose of Depo-Medrol

Depo-Medrol contraindications - Who shouldn't take Depo-Medrol?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to methylprednisolone, cow's milk or other dairy products, or if you have a fungus infection that affects your whole body. You should not have this medicine injected into a muscle if you have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Depo-Medrol® and some strengths of Solu-Medrol® contain benzyl alcohol and should not be used in premature babies.

Depo-Medrol warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problems, cataracts, congestive heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, mental health problems, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcers, ulcerative colitis), myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, brain injury, or a recent heart attack. Tell your doctor if you have an infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm), or if you have recently spent time in a tropical climate. Also tell your doctor if you have a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles.

• If this medicine is being injected into a joint, tell your doctor about any other problems you have had with that joint.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of infectionChanges in visionChanges in mood or behaviorSlow growth in childrenHigh blood pressureLiver problemsBone problems (including osteoporosis)Stomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole)Increased risk for cancer (including Kaposi€™s sarcoma)Muscle problems

• If you use this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Depo-Medrol interactions & what to avoid when taking Depo-Medrol

• Tell your doctor right away if you have a fever or other signs of an infection such as chills, sore throat, or pain. This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. If you are exposed to chicken pox or measles, tell your doctor right away. Avoid people who are sick, and wash your hands often.

• Some medicines can affect how methylprednisolone medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, azithromycin, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, digoxin, erythromycin, isoniazid, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, troleandomycinBirth control pills (including estrogen)Blood thinner (including warfarin)Diabetes medicineDiuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• If this medicine is being injected into a joint, make sure your doctor knows about any other problems you have had with that joint.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you already have an infection, such as herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm (Strongyloides). Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea or if you get infections often.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine may cause mood or behavior changes. Talk with your doctor if you feel unusually happy or sad, have trouble sleeping, have mood swings, or start to have unusual behavior.

• If you use this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.

• Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, trouble seeing, eye pain, or any other changes in vision. You may need to be checked by an eye doctor.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you have any bone pain or if you have an increased risk for osteoporosis (weak bones). If your child is using this medicine, tell the doctor if you think your child is not growing properly. This medicine might affect the bones, so it could cause slow growth in children or osteoporosis in anyone if it is used for a long time.