MSActiveSource

Methylprednisolone

Medrone (tablets), Solu-Medrone (intravenous)
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid (steroid) that can be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses.

How methylprednisolone works
In MS, your body’s defence (immune) system attacks its own myelin – the ‘insulation’ that surrounds nerve fibres. When myelin is damaged, the messages between the brain and other parts of the body are disrupted. This is what causes the symptoms of MS.

Methylprednisolone is thought to work through a combination of suppressing the immune system and reducing the build up of fluid around the site of nerve damage. By doing so, it helps to reduce many of the symptoms associated with a relapse and speeds up recovery, but has no effect on the long-term progression of the condition.

How is methylprednisolone taken?
Treatment may be in hospital or at home and the drug can be given by mouth or intravenously (injection or infusion into a vein). NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), the organisation which makes recommendations for healthcare in England and Wales, states that any individual who experiences a relapse that causes distressing symptoms or limits activities should be offered a course of high dose steroids to be started as soon as possible after the onset of the relapse. This should be either:

• Intravenous methylprednisolone 500mg-1g daily for 3-5 days; or
• High dose oral methylprednisolone 500mg-2g daily for 3-5 days.

More detailed prescribing information on Medrone and Solu-Medrone can be found by going to www.medicines.org.uk. Typing Medrone in the search box and pressing Go will bring you to patient information leaflets on Medrone and Solu-Medrone.

Methylprednisolone is also available as a non-branded (generic) drug. For more information refer to the patient information leaflet you received with your medication or ask a healthcare professional.