Solu-Medrol can cause side effects ranging from weight gain and irregular periods to glaucoma and cataracts.
It also describes the possible side effects and risks and when the drug cannot be used.
What Is Solu-Medrol?
Verywell / JR Bee
Solu-Medrol is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics a steroid naturally produced by the body, calledcortisol.
Multiple sclerosis is just one condition treated by Solu-Medrol.
MS is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells (calledautoantibodies) attack the protective covering of nerve cells.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
How Solu-Medrol Is Given
Solu-Medrol is delivered byintravenous (IV)infusion.
After the IV line is inserted, a bag containing Solu-Medrol is infused over one to four hours.
You may experience an initial stinging and cold sensation when the drug first starts to flow.
Thereafter, the experience is relatively painless.
You will often get your first Solu-Medrol infusion in a hospital on aninpatient basis.
That is so you’re able to be closely monitored in the event of a severe drug reaction.
How Much Does Solu-Medrol Cost?
The cost for a 1000-milligram infusion is generally between $50 and $70.
Possible Side Effects of Solu-Medrol
As with all drugs, Solu-Medrol can cause side effects.
This is especially true given the high dose you’ll receive over a short period of time.
Interactions and Contraindications
Solu-Medrol may interact with certain drugs.
This includes people with a severe milk allergy as Solu-Medrol contains substances derived from cow’s milk.
It works by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system and closing the blood-brain barrier.
Side effects include facial mooning, weight gain, shortness of breath, acne, depression, and others.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Solu-Medrol.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, USP).
Ghasemi N, Razavi S, Nikzad E.Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnoses and cell-based therapy.Cell J.
2017;19(1):110. doi:10.22074/cellj.2016.4867
DailyMed.Solu-Medrol - methylprednisolone sodium succinate injection, powder, for solution.
2016;263(8):1641-51. doi:10.1007/s00415-016-8183-3
