It's the 'slang term' for MethylPREDNISolone Tables, USP. They are the post medication regime that from what my doctors office told me, most patients have to take after their remicade. It's to prevent a reaction to the Remicade, its a tapper yourself off drug, you start with 6 tablets the first day, 5 the second, etc... But you take them at different times through out the day, not at the same time. They told me, that once I've had 4 infusions, that they will see if I have a reaction to it, and then I might not have to take it anymore. BUT, as today was my second time, I'm having a small reaction to it. (Burning face, pain in joins, my skin is warm to the touch, etc) Along with that I have to take Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Benydril) and also Advil for the pain and inflamation in the joints.
I found this explination online:
Methylprednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug. It is sold in the USA and Canada under the brand names Medrol and Solu-Medrol.
Like most adrenocortical steroids, methylprednisolone is typically used for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, glucocorticoids have a wide range of effects, including changes to metabolism and immune responses. The list of medical conditions for which methlyprednisolone is prescribed is rather large, and is similar to other corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Common uses include arthritis therapy and short-term treatment of bronchial inflammation or acute bronchitis due to various respiratory diseases. It is used both in the treatment of acute periods and long-term controlling of autoimmune diseases, most notably SLE.
Methylprednisolone has serious side effects if taken long-term, including weight gain, glaucoma, osteoporosis and psychosis, especially when overdosed. The most serious side effect occurs after the adrenal glands cease natural production of cortisone, which methylprednisolone will replace. Abrupt cessation of the drug after this occurs can result in a condition known as Addisonian crisis, which can be fatal. To prevent this, the drug is usually prescribed with a tapering dosage, including a pre-dosed "dose pack" detailing a specific number of pills to take at designated times over a six day period.
Alternative treatments to many of the conditions currently indicated for methlyprednisolone are actively being researched. Additionally, new drugs such as budesonide are being created, which provide similar benefits but without the adrenal suppression problems.
and its perscribed for spinal cord injuries(traumas).It has been proven that a dose of 30 mg/ kg IV followed by IV drip at 5.4 mg / kg / hr for 23 hours: improves sensory and motor recovery if given within 8 hours of the injury.
Hope that helps explain it!
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WhiteSox1 said...
A dude here.
This website is great and I had no shame coming here for advice. At the time I desperately needed it.
Quick question, what's a Medrol Dose pack?