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Methylprednisolone

Chemotherapy Supportive Care

Brand names:

Depo-Medrol®, Medrol®, Solu-Medrol®

Other names:

Methylprednisolone Acetate, Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate

Often used for:

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Side effects of cancer treatments, Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after stem cell transplant

What is Methylprednisolone?

Methylprednisolone is a type of corticosteroid that is also used as a chemotherapy. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant drug.

Methylprednisolone can be used to decrease the body’s natural immune response and prevent or treat GVHD in hematopoietic cell transplant. This medicine may also be used to treat inflammation, allergies, asthma, skin rashes, pneumonia, and adrenal gland problems.

Urine and blood tests may be needed to monitor levels of blood glucose, potassium, calcium, and certain hormones. Patients who take methylprednisolone for a long time will be monitored to watch for eye problems and changes in growth.

May be taken as a tablet by mouth

May be given as a liquid into a vein by IV

May be given as a liquid injected into a muscle

Possible Side Effects

Problems sleeping
Increased appetite
Changes in personality or mood
Restlessness
Stomach irritation
Heartburn
Nausea or vomiting
Water retention, swelling of the legs or feet
Increased risk of infection
Slow wound healing
Increased blood sugar levels

Fatigue or weakness
Headache
Dizziness
Acne
Dry skin
Increased sweating
Eye problems
Change in the normal menstrual cycle

Not all patients who take methylprednisolone will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Late Effects

Some patients may experience long-term or late effects of treatment that may continue or develop months or years after treatment ends. Possible side effects of methylprednisolone with long-term use include:

Decreased muscle mass and muscle weakness
Impaired growth
Thin, fragile skin
Weak bones, osteoporosis
Eye problems including cataracts or glaucoma
Second cancers (Kaposi sarcoma)

Tips for Families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

The care team may recommend a low-sodium, low sugar, high-protein diet. A nutritionist can suggest ways to make healthy food choices and manage increased appetite.
Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Methylprednisolone at home:

Take methylprednisolone at the same time each day. Take in the morning if once per day.
Take with food or milk to decrease stomach problems.
Store methylprednisolone at room temperature.
Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
Do not use the medicine past the expiration date.
Follow instructions for safe handling and disposal.

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency.

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.