Solu-Medrol Solution

GENERIC NAME: METHYLPREDNISOLONE (meth-ill-pred-NISS-oh-lone)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a corticosteroid used to treat 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.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. DO NOT USE this medicine if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. This medicine is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using this medicine at home, STORE THIS MEDICINE as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including adrenal function, blood pressure monitoring, and eye exams may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INTERFERE WITH SKIN ALLERGY TESTS. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop using this medicine for a few days before the tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. DO NOT touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD CHICKENPOX OR MEASLES, avoid contact with anyone who has any of these diseases. THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS BENZYL ALCOHOL, which may cause serious and sometimes fatal reactions in premature infants and newborns. DO NOT USE this medicine in premature infants and newborns. CORTICOSTEROID MEDICINES MAY AFFECT growth rate in children and adolescents in some instances. They may need regular growth checks while they use this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking this medicine include dizziness; facial flushing; headache; increased sweating; mild nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; stomach pain or bloating; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody, black, or tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual period; chest pain; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; mental or mood changes (eg, depression, personality or behavioral changes); muscle pain, weakness, or wasting; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat; slow wound healing; stomach pain; sudden, severe dizziness or headache; swelling of the feet or legs; tendon, bone, or joint pain; thinning or discoloration of the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are presently taking mifepristone. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking aprepitant, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, neostigmine, troleandomycin, estrogens (eg, oral contraceptives), macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), aminoglutethimide, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, cholestyramine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, rifampin, amphotericin B, aspirin, digoxin, live vaccines, potassium-depleting diuretics (eg, furosemide), quinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), ritodrine, aldesleukin, oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), antidiabetic medications (eg, glipizide), isoniazid, certain skin tests (eg, skin allergy tests), or salicylates (eg, aspirin). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure; kidney problems, liver problems (eg, cirrhosis), low blood potassium levels; diabetes, seizures, an underactive or overactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, fluid retention (eg, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet); mental or mood problems; stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis); inflammation of the esophagus; weak bones (eg, osteoporosis); muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis); recent head trauma; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have had recent intestinal surgery; a fungal, bacterial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye or other eye problems (eg, glaucoma, cataracts); chickenpox; measles; or shingles. Tell your doctor if you have HIV infection, tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test. Tell your doctor if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a systemic fungal infection or if you are scheduled to have a live vaccine (eg, smallpox vaccine). Use of this medicine in premature infants is not recommended. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

OVERDOSE: IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness; fainting; fever; loss of appetite; muscle pain or weakness; nausea; or seizures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.