methylprednisolone, Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Solu-Medrol (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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By interfering with the patient's immune response, methylprednisolone can prevent vaccines from being effective. Methylprednisolone also can interfere with the TB skin test and cause falsely negative results in patients with dormant TB infections.

Methylprednisolone impairs calcium absorption and new bone formation. Patients on prolonged treatment with methylprednisolone and other corticosteroids can develop osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fractures. Supplemental calcium and vitamin D are encouraged to slow this process of bone thinning. In rare individuals, destruction of large joints can occur while undergoing treatment with methylprednisolone or other corticosteroids (aseptic necrosis). These patients experience severe pain in the joints involved, and can require joint replacement. The reason behind such destruction is not clear. Methylprednisolone can be used in pregnancy, but is generally avoided.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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