Methylprednisolone

Wirral Hospital NHS Trust

Rheumatology Patient Information Leaflet

How is it given?

Methylprednisolone is given by intravenous infusion, that means slow injection through a drip, into a vein.

What does it do?

Your medicine works in two ways. Firstly it reduces inflammation (pain, swelling, redness and heat) in your body and secondly it reduces the activity of the body's immune system (your body's natural defence mechanism). In some instances the immune system attacks parts of the body. In Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is the joint lining which is attacked.

Are there any side-effects?

As with any medicine, Methylprednisolone can have side-effects. Your doctor will carefully weigh up the risks of the side-effects against the benefits of treatment, before giving you your injection. You are more likely to get side-effects if you are given a high dose over a longer period of time. Doctors do try to use the lowest dose to relieve your symptoms and it is usually given for only a short period. This means that the risk of developing a serious side-effect is low, whereas the chances of improving your medical condition, are high.

For more detailed information, please ask to speak to a pharmacist or a doctor.

Document Information
Expiry Date: 11/04/04
Author: Richards, Sue. Sr
Organisation: Wirral Hospital Trust