Indications
Methyl Prednisolone Acetate is a long-acting corticosteroid (steroid) injection. It is injected into a joint or soft tissue to relieve pain and swelling in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis flare-ups, bursitis, tendonitis and gout. It can also be injected into skin lesions such as keloids or certain types of eczema and psoriasis patches, or into a muscle to give steroid treatment over a longer period for allergic, skin, rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions.
How It Works
Methyl Prednisolone is a man-made form of the body’s natural hormone cortisol. It switches off many of the chemical signals that cause inflammation and calms the immune system. The acetate form dissolves slowly at the injection site, so its effect lasts for days to weeks.
Dosage and Administration
This injection is given by a doctor or trained nurse. The dose and how often it is repeated depend on the joint or area treated and the condition, and are decided by the doctor. It must not be given into a vein, into the spine (intrathecal) or into an infected joint. Rest the treated joint for a short time after the injection, as advised.
Interactions
Non-steroidal painkillers such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac and Aspirin increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Medicines that lower potassium, such as Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide, can make low potassium worse. Steroids can raise blood sugar and reduce the effect of diabetes medicines. Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine reduce its effect, while Ketoconazole, Itraconazole and Ritonavir can increase it. Live vaccines should be avoided during high-dose steroid treatment. Steroids can change the effect of Warfarin.
Contraindications
Must not be used if you are allergic to Methyl Prednisolone or any ingredient, if you have an untreated serious infection such as a fungal infection throughout the body, or by injection into an infected joint or skin area. Live vaccines should not be given to people receiving immunosuppressive steroid doses.
Side Effects
- Pain, a temporary increase in joint pain or swelling at the injection site
- Thinning, dimpling or lightening of the skin at the injection site
- Facial flushing, raised blood sugar and raised blood pressure for a few days
- Mood changes or difficulty sleeping
- With repeated doses: weight gain, weak bones, muscle weakness, cataracts and a higher chance of infections
Get urgent medical help if the injected joint becomes hot, red, very painful and swollen with fever (possible infection), or if you have a severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, black stools or vomiting blood, severe mood changes, or very high blood sugar symptoms such as extreme thirst.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if a doctor considers the benefit greater than the risk. Small amounts pass into breast milk; short courses are usually acceptable during breastfeeding, but discuss this with your doctor.
Precautions and Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, a stomach ulcer, osteoporosis, glaucoma, epilepsy, tuberculosis, a recent infection, or a history of mental illness. The same joint should not be injected too often. Avoid contact with chickenpox or measles if you are not immune, and tell your doctor if you are exposed. After repeated or high doses, the body’s own steroid production may be reduced for some time.
Overdose
A single overdose rarely causes serious problems. Repeated high doses can cause steroid side effects such as fluid retention, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Report any concerns to your doctor.
Therapeutic Class
Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid), long-acting depot injection.
Storage
Stored as directed on the pack, usually below 25°C, protected from light; do not freeze. Kept by the clinic or hospital and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.