Methylprednisolone

(Depo-Medrol)

We have included information on this drug as it is the most common medication used to treat acute symptoms during an MS exacerbation. Many patients have a speedy recovery from symptoms and are able to return to work much sooner than they would have been able to had they not had the course of treatments. It is most effective if it is administered soon after the onset of new, or more severe existing symptoms. Consult your physician for further information about this medication.

Chemical Name: methylprednisolone (meth-ill-pred-niss-oh-lone)

Brand Name: Depo-Medrol (U.S. and Canada)

Generic Available: Yes, in U.S. and Canada

Description

Methylprednisolone is one of a group of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medications) that are used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for the management of acute exacerbations because they have the capacity to close the damaged blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although Methylprednisolone is among the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethazone, prednisone, betamethasone, and prednisolone. The following information applies to all the various corticosteroids.

Proper Usage

Most neurologists treating MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously are the most effective treatment for an exacerbation, although the exact protocol for the drug's use may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another. Patients generally receive a four-day course of treatment (either in the hospital or as an outpatient), with doses of the medication spread throughout the day. This high-dose, intravenous steroid treatment is then typically followed by a gradually tapering dose of an oral corticosteroid.

Precautions

Since corticosteroids can stimulate the appetite and increase water retention, it is advisable to follow a low-salt and/or potassium-rich diet, and to watch your caloric intake. Your physician will make specific dietary recommendations to you.

Corticosteroids can lower your resistance to infection and make any infection that you get more difficult to treat. Consult your physician if you notice any sign of infection, such as sore throat, fever, coughing, or sneezing.

Avoid close contact with anyone who has chicken pox or measles. Tell your physician right away if you think you have been exposed to either of these illnesses. Do not have any immunizations after you stop taking this medication until you have consulted your physician. People living in your home should not have the oral polio vaccine while you are being treated with corticosteroids, as they might pass the polio virus on to you.

Corticosteroids may affect the blood sugar levels of diabetic patients. If you notice a change in your blood or urine sugar tests, be sure to speak to your physician.

The risk of birth defects for women taking corticosteroids is not known. Overuse of corticosteroids during pregnancy may slow the growth of the infant after birth. Animal studies have demonstrated that corticosteroids cause birth defects.

Corticosteroids pass into breast milk and may slow the infant's growth. If you are nursing, or planning to nurse, be sure to discuss this with your physician. It may be necessary for you to stop nursing while taking this medication.

Corticosteroids may produce mood changes and/or mood swings. These mood alterations can vary from relatively mild to extremely intense, and can vary in a single individual from one course of treatment to another. Neither the patient nor the physician can predict with any certainty whether the corticosteroids are likely to precipitate these mood alterations. If you have a history of mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder, for example), be sure to share this information with your physician. If you begin to experience mood changes or swings that feel unmanageable, contact your physician so that a decision can be made about whether or not you need an additional medication to help you until the mood alterations subside.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that may go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue or are bothersome: increased appetite; indigestion; nervousness or restlessness; trouble sleeping; headache; increased sweating and unusual increase in hair growth on body or face.

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