Examples
| dexamethasone |
|
| methylprednisolone |
Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol |
| prednisone |
|
How It Works
Methylprednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone are
corticosteroids. These medicines shorten
multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks by reducing
inflammation.
A high dosage of methylprednisolone may be given through a vein
(intravenous, or IV) daily for 3 to 5 days during an MS attack. Prednisone or
methylprednisolone may then be given by mouth for several days after the IV
treatment.
Why It Is Used
Corticosteroids may be used to treat sudden, severe (acute) MS
attacks and acute
optic neuritis.
How Well It Works
Treatment with corticosteroids may reduce the symptoms of MS
attacks and help you recover more quickly.1 There is
no convincing evidence that corticosteroids can reduce the progression of
MS.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call
911
or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Signs of an infection, such as a sore throat, fever, sneezing, or coughing.
- Belly pain, nausea, or vomiting that won't go away.
- Bloody or black, tarry stools.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Changes in your eyes, including blurred vision or eye pain.
- Muscle cramps, pain, or weakness.
- Changes in skin, including acne or reddish purple lines.
- Increased thirst, especially with frequent urination.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Increased appetite.
- Nervousness or restlessness.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Some doctors like to use IV corticosteroids to treat MS attacks instead of using corticosteroid pills. This is because there is some evidence that corticosteroid pills may increase the risk for repeated attacks of optic neuritis. But this connection is controversial, and many doctors use corticosteroid pills to treat MS attacks too.
Corticosteroid treatment does not work for everyone. In some people
who have severe or frequent attacks, corticosteroids are effective at first
but become less helpful after repeated use.
Corticosteroids can keep your immune system from fighting infection. When you are taking this medicine (and even when you have finished taking it), try not to be around people who are sick. And make sure you talk to your doctor before you get any vaccinations.
People who take corticosteroids for more than
2 to 3 months should take calcium and vitamin D supplements or other medicines,
such as bisphosphonates, to prevent osteoporosis. For more information, see the
Medications section of the topic Osteoporosis. Your doctor may want you to have
a bone density test to check for osteoporosis.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
Women who use this medicine during pregnancy have a slightly higher chance of having a baby with birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you and your doctor must weigh the risks of using this medicine against the risks of not treating your condition.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Nicholas R, Chataway J (2009). Multiple sclerosis,
search date June 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology |
|
Last Revised
|
May 14, 2012 |