Methylprednisolone tablets

About methylprednisolone

Methylprednisolone tablets belong to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It is sometimes referred to simply as an oral steroid. Oral steroids are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some examples include inflammatory bowel diseases (for example, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), sarcoidosis), joint and muscle diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), and allergies. They are also used to treat some cancers.

Methylprednisolone works in part by interfering with the release of certain chemicals in your body which cause inflammation.

Methylprednisolone is also available in the form of an injection. Some types of injection are used when treatment is needed quickly, or a person is unable to swallow tablets. Other types of injection are given to relieve inflammation in a specific area, such as a painful or swollen joint. This leaflet gives advice for people taking methylprednisolone tablets.

Before taking methylprednisolone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking methylprednisolone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have had a heart attack, or if you have any other heart problems.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you (or a close family member) have either diabetes or an eye condition called glaucoma.

• If you have any of the following conditions: an underactive thyroid, 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis), epilepsy, a condition causing muscle weakness (called myasthenia gravis), a stomach ulcer, or a bowel disorder.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Oral steroids like methylprednisolone can be taken while you are expecting or breastfeeding; however, it is important that your doctor knows about the baby.)

• If you have any kind of infection at the moment, or if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).

• If you have ever had an unwanted blood clot in an artery or a vein.

• If you have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.

• If you are taking other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever developed muscle pain after taking a steroid medicine.

How to take methylprednisolone tablets

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information you are given by your doctor. These will give you more information about methylprednisolone and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets to take for each dose. It is usual to take methylprednisolone once daily at breakfast-time. If you have been told otherwise, you must take the tablets exactly as you have been told by your doctor.

• Take methylprednisolone with food. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember (with something to eat). If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Continue to take methylprednisolone until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping taking the tablets suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually over a period of time if/when this becomes necessary.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your course of treatment is due to last more than three weeks, you will be given a 'Steroid Treatment Card' which says that you are on steroids and contains some important advice for you. It is important that you read this card and carry it with you at all times. It also contains details about your dose, how long you have been taking methylprednisolone for, and who prescribed it for you. Please make sure that this information is kept up to date. If you are having an operation or dental treatment or any treatment for an injury, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking methylprednisolone and show them your treatment card. This is because your dose may need adjusting.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have tests from time to time to make sure you remain free from some of the unwanted side-effects of treatment.

• There are several strengths of methylprednisolone tablets available: 2 mg, 4 mg, 16 mg, and 100 mg. Each time you collect a new supply of tablets from your pharmacy, check to see if the tablets are the same as before. If they are different, speak with your pharmacist who will check it out for you.

• Methylprednisolone can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. Also, if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have them), you must see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Some vaccines are not suitable for you while you are being treated with methylprednisolone. If you need any immunisations, make sure you mention that you are taking an oral steroid.

• It is best not to drink grapefruit juice while you are on methylprednisolone. This is because a chemical in grapefruit juice is thought to increase the amount of methylprednisolone in your bloodstream, and could make side-effects more likely.

• If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are suitable to take with methylprednisolone.

Can methylprednisolone cause problems?

Along with its useful effects, methylprednisolone can cause unwanted side-effects which your doctor will discuss with you. The benefits of taking an oral steroid usually outweigh the side-effects; however, they can sometimes be troublesome. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with methylprednisolone. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below.

Although not everyone experiences side-effects, and some will improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you become concerned about any of the following:

Important: you should let your doctor know if you start to experience blurred vision or other vision problems whilst taking methylprednisolone.

For more information about side-effects which are possible when methylprednisolone is taken long-term, see the separate leaflet called Oral Steroids.

How to store methylprednisolone tablets

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines