Methylprednisolone tips from pharmacists

• Taking methylprednisolone with food or milk can lower the risk of stomach upset.

• Taking your dose in the morning can help prevent sleep disturbances.

• Methylprednisolone can affect your blood pressure and blood sugar level. If you have high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels and are on antihypertensive or diabetes medication, talk to your doctor about dose adjustment and keep an eye on your blood pressure and blood sugar level.

• You should not get live vaccines such as chickenpox (varicella), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and yellow fever while on methylprednisolone since this medication can weaken your immune system.

• Methylprednisolone reduces your body’s ability to fight infections. You should call your doctor right away if you experience fever, chills, flu symptoms, cough, pain with urination, or slow wound healing.

• If you have taken methylprednisolone for more than one week, follow your doctor’s instructions on slowly reducing the dose.