Depo-Medrol, or methylprednisolone, is a corticosteroid that is used to treat inflammation in the body. Drugs.com states that this medication is used to treat conditions that decrease adrenal gland function, asthma, allergies, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, blood disorders, lupus, multiple sclerosis and certain eye or skin conditions. Depo-Medrol decreases the effects of the body’s immune system. While beneficial in treating certain conditions, Depo-Medrol carries the risk of serious side effects.
Increased Thirst
MayoClinic.com states that Depo-Medrol may cause increased thirst in some patients. This occurs because corticosteroids, including Depo-Medrol, can affect the adrenal glands, which control the levels of salt in the blood stream. This alteration can cause a patient to have the urge to drink water because of the salt imbalance. In this case, a patient should tell his doctor that he is drinking more water or having the urge to drink more water. Left untreated, a patient can cause a further electrolyte imbalance that can lead to other complications.
Bloody Stools
According to Drugs.com, Depo-Medrol may cause bloody stools. This occurs because Depo-Medrol may affect the tissues that line the gastrointestinal system, particularly the stomach. A decrease in stomach lining can allow strong stomach acids to damage stomach tissue, which may cause bleeding. Because blood is digested as it passes through the digestive tract, a patient will notice black or tarry stools. This is a serious side effect of Depo-Medrol that requires immediate medical treatment. Failure to seek prompt medical condition can result in serious complications including uncontrolled internal bleeding, or in more serious cases, death.
Infection
Although decreasing the immune system’s response can be beneficial for treating certain diseases, it may leave a patient at a higher risk of developing infections. Patients who are chronically on corticosteroids will have a decreased immune response to invading bacteria or viruses. They can become sick more often and display sign and symptoms of infection that include fever, chills and sore throat. Early identification of the cause of fever and treatment are necessary to prevent serious complications. Furthermore, the patient should take measures to prevent infection, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding sick contacts and maintaining healthy diet and exercise habits.
