Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a medication used to manage adrenal gland disorders. The adrenal gland sits on top of your kidneys and is responsible for making hormones such as cortisol. According to Drugs.com, Depo-Medrol also treats severe asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disorder. This medication is an injectable corticosteroid, and its initial dose is 4 to 120mg, depending on the disease being treated.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Depo-Medrol's common side effects include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site. This is a typical response to needle trauma, but tell your doctor if the site starts to exude fluid or white pus as this may be a sign of an infection. Depo-Medrol can also cause headaches, trouble sleeping, appetite changes and fatigue. In some instances, it can also cause acne.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine indicates that Depo-Medrol contains benzyl alcohol. This ingredient can be toxic, especially when used in large amounts. Signs of benzyl alcohol toxicity include low blood pressure (hypotension) and metabolic acidosis, a condition in which excess amounts of acid build up in your blood. Signs of hypotension include fainting (syncope), lightheadedness, blurry vision and weakness. Manifestations of metabolic acidosis include fast breathing, weakness and confusion.
Also, elevated doses of Depo-Medrol can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), salt and water retention (edema), and low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Symptoms of high blood pressure include chest pain, fatigue, visual changes and heart rhythm abnormalities. Signs of salt and water retention include swelling of your extremities. Physical manifestations of low blood potassium levels include constipation, muscular weakness and fatigue.
Chronic Depo-Medrol use may lead to Cushing's disease and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Cushing's disease refers to a condition of excess cortisol exposure. Symptoms of this disease include upper body obesity, fatigue and muscle weakness. Signs of high blood sugar include extreme thirst or hunger, frequent urination and weight loss. Call your physician immediately if you exhibit these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Depo-Medrol if you are hypersensitive to methylprednisolone or any other corticosteroids. Symptoms of a hypersenstivity reaction to Depo-Medrol include hives, difficulty breathing, and throat or facial swelling (edema). Drugs.com says you shouldn't take Depo-Medrol if you are taking mifepristone or suffer from a fungal infection, herpes of the eye or idiopathic thrombocytic purpura, a blood platelet disorder. Depo-Medrol may worsen these conditions and interact with mifepristone. Depo-Medrol is excreted into breast milk, so inform your physician if you are breastfeeding. This medication may stunt your child's growth, so tell your doctor if you notice your child isn't growing.
