How does it work?

Methylprednisolone acetate is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands which have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Methylprednisolone acetate is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation. It is given by injection where oral corticosteroid therapy is not possible, and works by acting within cells to prevent the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. These chemicals are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses, resulting in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in a particular area, inflammation is reduced. This can help control a wide number of disease states, characterised by excessive inflammation. They include severe allergic reactions, inflammation of the lungs in asthma and inflammation of the joints in arthritis. Methylprednisolone acetate is also given by injection directly into a joint or the tissue around a joint, to relieve inflammation and pain and increase mobility of the affected joint, in conditions such as arthritis. It is also injected directly into diseased skin tissue such as red, scaly skin patches in lupus erythematosus. Methylprednisolone acetate is used in much higher doses than the levels of corticosteroids produced naturally by the body, and as such, the usual actions of corticosteroids become exaggerated and can be observed as side effects of this medicine.

What is it used for?

Aspiration of the contents of the stomach

In conjunction with other medicines in treating tuberculosis

Inflammatory disorders e.g. asthma, arthritis, severe allergic reactions, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus

Joint injection in inflammatory disease of the joints (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)

Joint injection in osteoarthritis with associated inflammation

Patches of baldness on the scalp, eyebrows and bearded portion of the face (alopecia areata)

Raised and enlarging scars (keloids)

Skin injection (intralesional injection) in e.g. long term itchy, thickened patches of skin (lichen planus)

Soft tissue injection in e.g. inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis)

Warning!

A steroid card will be supplied with this medicine. This contains details of the prescriber, type of steroid and dose taken and the duration of treatment. It should be carried at all times.

If individuals have not had chickenpox, they should avoid close personal contact with people with chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster). If exposed, seek urgent medical attention as these diseases can be life-threatening in people whose immune system is suppressed.

This medicine should not be stopped abruptly but tapered down, especially when taken for longer than 3 weeks. The natural production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands is suppressed by this medicine and the body therefore becomes reliant on it.

This medicine may increase susceptibility to infections and also mask the symptoms of these infections.

Although oral and injected corticosteroids are banned by the international olympic committee, injections of corticosteroids into joints are not.

Following joint injection, the occurrence of a distinct increase in pain accompanied by swelling, further restriction of joint movement, fever and malaise are suggestive of an infected arthritis. Antimicrobial treatment should be given to treat this complication.

This medicine may reduce the secretion of steroid hormones in the body normally responsible for fluid and salt balance. A replacement steroid (mineralocorticoid) and/or salt should be taken with this medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Abscess or other infections producing pus

Adolescents

Children

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Family history of diabetes

Family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma

Heart failure

Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye

High blood pressure

History of drug allergy

History of or current mental disorder

History of steroid induced mental disturbances

Hypothyroidism

Inflammation of a vein associated with blood clot formation (thrombophlebitis)

Inflammation of small sac-like structures which sometimes form in the walls of the intestine (diverticulitis)

Inflammation of the bowel and back passage

Liver cirrhosis

Liver failure

Osteoporosis

Peptic ulcer

Post-menopausal women

Previous muscle disease (myopathy) caused by steroids

Recent surgical procedure involving the joining together of ends of the intestine after a section has been removed (intestinal anastomosis)

Schizophrenia

Tuberculosis

Not to be used in

Infection throughout the body (systemic infection) unless treated with specific anti-infectives

Injection into a vein (intravenous injection)

Injection into the achilles tendon

Injection into the spinal cord (intrathecal injection)

Injection into unstable joints

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Discuss its use during breastfeeding with your doctor.

Label warnings

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

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