A-Methapred®
Drug class
- Corticosteroid
Generic name
Methylprednisolone
Safety
Efficacy
Convenience
Indications
Approved as an anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressant agent for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
How it works
Quickly lowers inflammation (swelling) and induces remission.
Drug interactions
Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Some medications may need dose adjustments, such as anticoagulants, antifungals, and diabetes medications.
Pre-treatment screening tests
Liver function tests, mental health conditions, other health conditions.
Tests during screening
Blood pressure, blood glucose, electrolytes, weight, intraocular (eye) pressure, creatine kinase, and bone mineral density.
Route of administration
Frequency
Depends on formulation
Side effects
Headache, dizziness, weight gain, insomnia (trouble sleeping), nausea, upset stomach or vomiting, diarrhea (loose stool), abdominal (stomach) pain, flatulence (passing a lot of gas), respiratory infection. sinus infection, joint and back pain or stiffness and extreme tiredness, acne, high blood sugar.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any component of the formulation, systemic fungal infection (except intra-articular injection for localized joint conditions), intrathecal administration, live or attenuated virus vaccines (with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids).
Safety information
Signs of a allergic reaction, like face swelling, fainting, dizziness, hives, shortness of breath. Pancreatitis, high blood sugar, chest pain, throwing up, unexpected bruising or bleeding.