{"id":58951,"date":"2024-02-28T05:35:30","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T05:35:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medsname.com\/medrol\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T10:24:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T10:24:05","slug":"medrol","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/medrol\/","title":{"rendered":"Medrol"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- medsbase-tldr-answer --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff8e1;border-left:4px solid #f5a623;padding:18px 22px;margin:0 0 24px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;\">&#9889; Quick Answer &mdash; What is Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin:0;\"><strong>Medrol<\/strong> is an oral tablet from Pfizer containing <strong>methylprednisolone<\/strong> &mdash; a medium-potency <strong>synthetic glucocorticoid<\/strong> with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity and limited mineralocorticoid effect. Available at <strong>4 mg, 8 mg and 16 mg<\/strong>. Used across a very wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions (asthma, COPD exacerbations, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, vasculitis, IBD flares, allergic reactions, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis, and many more). Dose and duration depend entirely on the condition. <strong>Never stop suddenly after more than 2&ndash;3 weeks of daily use<\/strong> &mdash; abrupt withdrawal can precipitate adrenal crisis because the drug suppresses the body&#39;s own cortisol production (HPA-axis suppression). Always taper under medical supervision. Common side effects include weight gain, fluid retention, mood change, insomnia, raised blood sugar, raised blood pressure, bone loss (osteoporosis), cataract and glaucoma, and increased infection risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- medsbase-specialist-strip --><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#fff3f3;border-left:4px solid #d9534f;padding:16px 20px;margin:0 0 24px 0;border-radius:4px;font-size:14px;\"><strong>&#9877; Specialist-supervised medicine &mdash; clinician oversight required.<\/strong> This is a serious immunomodulatory drug with specific pre-treatment screening requirements, black-box warnings, and mandatory laboratory monitoring. It should be prescribed and supervised by a rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, or other specialist experienced with its use. Do <strong>niet<\/strong> self-prescribe, self-adjust the dose, or start\/stop without a prescriber&#39;s direction. Always provide your treating doctor with your current prescription before ordering from MedsBase.<\/div>\n<div class=\"medsbase-trust-strip\" style=\"background:#f4f6f8;border:1px solid #e1e4e8;border-radius:4px;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;font-size:0.95em;\"><span>\u2705 <strong>WHO-GMP gecertificeerd<\/strong> manufacturer<\/span><span>\ud83d\udce6 <strong>Discrete verpakking<\/strong><\/span><span>\ud83c\udf0d <strong>Wereldwijde verzending<\/strong><\/span><span>\ud83d\udcac <a href=\"\/nl\/reviews\/\">1.400+ klantbeoordelingen<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<p class=\"medsbase-reship-line\" style=\"font-size:14px;color:#444;margin:8px 0 18px;\">\ud83d\udce6 Elke bestelling is gedekt door onze <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\"><strong>Reshipment Assurance Policy<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 als uw pakket niet binnen 20 werkdagen arriveert, sturen wij het opnieuw.<\/p>\n<h3>Waarom bestellen bij MedsBase<\/h3>\n<p>Onze generieke medicijnen zijn afkomstig van WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten en worden wereldwijd verzonden in discrete, eenvoudige verpakkingen \u2014 geen medicijnnaam op de buitenkant van het pakket. Betalingen met kaart worden verwerkt via een gereguleerde processor (betalingsoverzichten vermelden een gereguleerde kaartbetalingprocessor \u2014 nooit \u201cMedsBase\u201d of een medicijnnaam). Crypto en SEPA bankoverschrijvingen worden ook geaccepteerd. Elke bestelling wordt ondersteund door ons Reshipment Assurance Policy.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Medrol?<\/h2>\n<p>Medrol is an oral tablet manufactured by Pfizer containing <strong>methylprednisolone<\/strong> &mdash; a synthetic corticosteroid in the glucocorticoid class. Glucocorticoids are the most powerful broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs available, with effects across almost every tissue and organ system.<\/p>\n<p>Medrol is Pfizer&#8217;s branded methylprednisolone &mdash; the original and most widely-studied oral methylprednisolone formulation. Compared with prednisolone, methylprednisolone has slightly stronger anti-inflammatory activity per milligram and weaker mineralocorticoid effect, making it the preferred oral corticosteroid when fluid retention or hypertension is a concern. Methylprednisolone has mostly glucocorticoid (anti-inflammatory) activity and minimal mineralocorticoid (fluid-retaining) activity, so it is preferred over hydrocortisone when the goal is to suppress inflammation rather than replace adrenal function. Methylprednisolone 4 mg is approximately equivalent to prednisolone 5 mg. The physiological daily cortisol output of a healthy adult is approximately 4&ndash;6 mg methylprednisolone per day &mdash; any dose above that is &ldquo;supraphysiological&rdquo; and begins to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does Medrol Work?<\/h2>\n<p>Methylprednisolone enters cells, binds the <strong>intracellular glucocorticoid receptor<\/strong>, and the receptor-drug complex translocates to the nucleus where it alters transcription of hundreds of genes. The end result is a broad dampening of the inflammatory cascade:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines<\/strong> (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-&alpha;, IFN-&gamma;) and chemokines.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stabilises lysosomal membranes<\/strong>, reducing release of proteolytic enzymes into tissue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inhibits phospholipase A<sub>2<\/sub><\/strong> via lipocortin, cutting off the prostaglandin and leukotriene pathways upstream.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduces capillary permeability<\/strong> and tissue oedema.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suppresses B- and T-lymphocyte function<\/strong> and circulating lymphocyte counts (relative lymphopenia).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reduces eosinophil and basophil activity<\/strong>, partially explaining the rapid effect in asthma, allergy and eosinophilic conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Clinical onset: symptomatic relief within <strong>hours to 1&ndash;2 days<\/strong> for most inflammatory conditions. Peak anti-inflammatory effect within 4&ndash;72 hours depending on dose and indication.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Toepassingen en Indicaties<\/h2>\n<p>Medrol is used across an unusually wide range of clinical conditions because inflammation and immune over-activation underlie so many diseases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asthma exacerbations<\/strong> &mdash; short course (5&ndash;7 days) to break a flare<\/li>\n<li><strong>COPD exacerbations<\/strong> &mdash; typically 5 days<\/li>\n<li><strong>Allergic reactions, angioedema, urticaria, severe contact dermatitis<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Rheumatoid arthritis<\/strong> &mdash; low-dose adjunct to DMARDs, bridge therapy during DMARD initiation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)<\/strong> &mdash; flare management and maintenance<\/li>\n<li><strong>Polymyalgia rheumatica<\/strong> &mdash; medium-dose induction, slow taper over 18&ndash;24 months<\/li>\n<li><strong>Giant cell (temporal) arteritis<\/strong> &mdash; urgent high-dose therapy to prevent vision loss<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares<\/strong> &mdash; short courses for Crohn&#39;s or ulcerative colitis<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vasculitis<\/strong> (including ANCA-associated vasculitis) &mdash; induction and maintenance with steroid-sparing agents<\/li>\n<li><strong>Minimal-change disease and other nephrotic syndromes<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, ITP<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Bullous skin diseases<\/strong> (pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optic neuritis, MS relapses<\/strong> (typically IV methylprednisolone followed by oral taper)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Covid-19 hospitalisation requiring oxygen<\/strong> (RECOVERY trial protocol)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bijnierinsuffici\u00ebntie<\/strong> &mdash; hydrocortisone is preferred, but methylprednisolone is used when once-daily dosing is needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Medrol is <strong>niet<\/strong> appropriate for: undiagnosed joint pain (treat the diagnosis, not the symptom), isolated mild eczema (topicals first), or long-term management of conditions where safer disease-modifying alternatives exist.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medrol Dosage and How to Take<\/h2>\n<p>Medrol is supplied at <strong>4 mg, 8 mg and 16 mg<\/strong>. Dose varies enormously by indication &mdash; these are typical adult starting ranges; always follow the prescriber&#39;s regimen for the specific condition.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical dosing by indication (methylprednisolone equivalent)<\/h3>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:12px 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#2c7cb0;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Condition<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Typical starting dose<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Duur<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Asthma \/ COPD exacerbation<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">32&ndash;40 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">5&ndash;7 days, no taper needed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Polymyalgia rheumatica<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">12&ndash;16 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Slow taper over 18&ndash;24 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Giant cell arteritis (no visual symptoms)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">32&ndash;48 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Slow taper over 18&ndash;24 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">SLE flare (moderate)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">16&ndash;32 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Taper to lowest effective dose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Rheumatoid arthritis (low-dose adjunct)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">4&ndash;6 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Bridge during DMARD initiation; taper off over 3&ndash;6 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">IBD flare (moderate)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">32&ndash;48 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Taper over 8&ndash;12 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Severe allergic reaction \/ angioedema<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">32&ndash;40 mg once daily<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">3\u20135 dagen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Take Medrol Properly<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Take the full daily dose in the morning with breakfast<\/strong> (usually 7&ndash;9 a.m.). Morning dosing mimics the body&#39;s natural cortisol peak, minimises HPA-axis suppression, and reduces insomnia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Always take with food<\/strong> &mdash; substantially reduces gastric irritation and GI bleed risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Slik de tabletten in hun geheel door met water.<\/strong> Tablets may be split if scored. Enteric-coated variants (EC prednisolone) must not be crushed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never stop abruptly after more than 2&ndash;3 weeks<\/strong> of daily use. Abrupt withdrawal can precipitate an adrenal crisis (hypotension, weakness, nausea, hypoglycaemia, potentially death). Always taper under medical supervision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Never skip a dose during acute illness<\/strong> &mdash; the body&#39;s cortisol demand rises during infection, injury or surgery. In fact, you may need a temporary dose increase (&ldquo;sick-day rules&rdquo;); ask your prescriber for written guidance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carry a steroid card<\/strong> if taking any corticosteroid for more than 3 weeks &mdash; it alerts emergency clinicians to your HPA suppression risk if you are incapacitated.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bone protection from the start<\/strong> &mdash; for courses expected to last 3+ months at 6 mg\/day or higher, calcium + vitamin D are standard, and a bisphosphonate should be considered from day one in post-menopausal women and older men. Do not wait for a DEXA scan to start protection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitor blood sugar, blood pressure and weight.<\/strong> Steroids raise all three. Pre-existing diabetes usually needs temporary insulin or tighter oral-hypoglycaemic adjustment during a course.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vaccinations<\/strong> &mdash; avoid live vaccines during and for 3 months after stopping a course of 16 mg\/day or more for 2 weeks or longer. Inactivated vaccines (flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19) are fine and recommended.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tell every healthcare provider you take steroids<\/strong> &mdash; especially before surgery, anaesthesia, or in any emergency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stopping Medrol &mdash; Why Tapering Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Exogenous corticosteroids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis &mdash; the brain stops signalling the adrenal glands to make cortisol because the incoming drug is doing the job. When treatment lasts long enough for suppression to set in, the adrenal glands atrophy and need weeks to months to recover. If the drug is stopped abruptly, the patient has no cortisol &mdash; a life-threatening adrenal crisis can follow.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Courses shorter than 2&ndash;3 weeks<\/strong> at any dose &mdash; can usually be stopped without a taper.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Any course longer than 3 weeks<\/strong>, of <strong>any course above 32 mg\/day<\/strong> for more than 1 week &mdash; requires a supervised taper.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Typical taper<\/strong>: reduce by 10&ndash;20% of current dose every 1&ndash;2 weeks until reaching physiological replacement (approximately 4&ndash;6 mg methylprednisolone per day), then smaller steps of 1 mg every 2&ndash;4 weeks. Total taper duration depends on original course length.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If withdrawal symptoms develop<\/strong> (fatigue, nausea, joint pain, dizziness, return of disease), step back up one level and taper more slowly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>After long courses (&gt; 3 months)<\/strong>, HPA recovery may take 6&ndash;12 months. Synacthen (ACTH stimulation) testing can guide when physiological replacement can safely be stopped.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Side Effects of Medrol<\/h2>\n<p>Corticosteroid side effects are generally dose- and duration-dependent. Short courses (&lt; 2 weeks) cause few problems; long-term use causes progressive metabolic, bone, skin, eye and infection changes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Short-term (days to weeks), common:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increased appetite, weight gain<\/li>\n<li>Mood elevation, occasionally agitation, insomnia, psychosis (higher doses)<\/li>\n<li>Raised blood sugar (may unmask or worsen diabetes)<\/li>\n<li>Raised blood pressure, fluid retention<\/li>\n<li>Heartburn and dyspepsia<\/li>\n<li>Acne flare<\/li>\n<li>Menstruatieonregelmatigheid<\/li>\n<li>Mild raised white cell count (especially neutrophils) &mdash; not infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Medium-term (weeks to months):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cushingoid appearance &mdash; moon face, central obesity, buffalo hump<\/li>\n<li>Thinning of skin, easy bruising, striae, delayed wound healing<\/li>\n<li>Muscle weakness (steroid myopathy &mdash; proximal leg weakness characteristic)<\/li>\n<li>Increased susceptibility to infection &mdash; bacterial, viral, fungal, opportunistic<\/li>\n<li>Cataract (especially posterior subcapsular)<\/li>\n<li>Raised intraocular pressure and steroid-induced glaucoma<\/li>\n<li>Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (especially high doses, alcohol co-use)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Long-term (months to years):<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Osteoporosis and fragility fractures &mdash; begins within the first 6 months; most rapid bone loss is in the first year<\/li>\n<li>Persistent diabetes mellitus<\/li>\n<li>Adrenal atrophy and HPA-axis suppression<\/li>\n<li>Growth suppression in children<\/li>\n<li>Persistent hypertension and cardiovascular risk<\/li>\n<li>Severe immunosuppression with opportunistic infection (Pneumocystis, TB reactivation, atypical fungal)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Rare but serious &mdash; seek urgent review:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>GI bleed or perforation (especially with concomitant NSAIDs)<\/li>\n<li>Severe psychiatric reaction, psychosis, mania<\/li>\n<li>Severe infection (TB reactivation, disseminated VZV, Pneumocystis pneumonia)<\/li>\n<li>Adrenal crisis during\/after withdrawal (hypotension, weakness, severe nausea, confusion)<\/li>\n<li>Sudden vision changes &mdash; possible steroid-induced glaucoma or cataract<\/li>\n<li>Unexpected hip or knee pain &mdash; possible avascular necrosis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waarschuwingen en voorzorgsmaatregelen<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Active infection<\/strong> &mdash; steroids mask signs of infection and worsen outcomes. Do not use for undiagnosed fever. In established infection, steroids may still be indicated (e.g. severe COVID-19) but require specialist judgement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Latent TB<\/strong> &mdash; screen before any long course; consider isoniazid cover if positive.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Diabetes<\/strong> &mdash; expect significant worsening; up-titrate oral hypoglycaemics or insulin during the course.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hypertension, heart failure<\/strong> &mdash; steroids retain fluid and raise BP; increase diuretic or antihypertensive as needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Peptic ulcer disease, history of GI bleed, NSAID co-prescription<\/strong> &mdash; co-prescribe a PPI for any moderate-to-long course.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Osteoporosis risk<\/strong> &mdash; post-menopausal women, older men, prior fragility fracture, low BMI. Start calcium + vitamin D immediately; consider bisphosphonate from day one for courses &gt; 3 months at &gt; 6 mg\/day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Glaucoma and cataract history<\/strong> &mdash; annual ophthalmology review for long-term users.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Psychiatric history<\/strong> &mdash; steroids can trigger mania, depression, psychosis. Use the lowest effective dose; warn the patient and family.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Zwangerschap<\/strong> &mdash; methylprednisolone crosses the placenta in small amounts (about 10%) because of extensive metabolism; considered compatible with pregnancy when indicated, particularly for maternal autoimmune disease. Prednisolone is preferred over dexamethasone or betamethasone in pregnancy for maternal indications.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Borstvoeding<\/strong> &mdash; compatible at doses up to 16 mg\/day; higher doses transfer in small amounts into milk but clinical significance is minimal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kinderen<\/strong> &mdash; growth suppression is a real concern with prolonged use; monitor height and weight, use minimum effective dose for minimum duration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ouderen<\/strong> &mdash; higher risk of osteoporosis, diabetes, infection, psychiatric effects. Lower doses and shorter durations when possible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Levende vaccins<\/strong> &mdash; contraindicated at doses &ge; 16 mg\/day for 2+ weeks, and for 3 months after stopping.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications &mdash; Who Should NOT Take Medrol<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Known hypersensitivity to methylprednisolone or any tablet excipient<\/li>\n<li>Systemic fungal infection (unless specifically covered by antifungal therapy)<\/li>\n<li>Untreated active infection (bacterial, viral, mycobacterial, parasitic) without appropriate treatment<\/li>\n<li>Recent administration of a live vaccine (or planned live vaccine) at immunosuppressive doses<\/li>\n<li>Cerebral malaria (corticosteroids worsen outcome)<\/li>\n<li>Severe, unstable psychiatric disorder without psychiatric co-management (relative)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Geneesmiddelinteracties<\/h2>\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;margin:12px 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#2c7cb0;color:#fff;\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Combineren met<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Effect<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;text-align:left;\">Wat te doen<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">NSAID's (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Major additive GI ulceration and bleed risk<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Co-prescribe a PPI; avoid long-term combination.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Warfarin, DOACs<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Variable &mdash; steroids can raise or lower INR; increased GI bleed risk<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Monitor INR more frequently during dose changes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Steroids raise blood glucose significantly<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Expect 1.5&ndash;3&times; higher insulin needs during course; up-titrate orals. Drop back down as dose tapers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Antihypertensives, diuretics<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Steroids retain fluid, raise BP<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Monitor BP; up-titrate antihypertensives as needed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Potassium-losing drugs (thiazides, loop diuretics, amphotericin)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Additieve hypokali\u00ebmie<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Monitor potassium; supplement as needed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Sterke CYP3A4-remmers (ketoconazol, ritonavir, clarithromycine)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Raise methylprednisolone levels<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Watch for amplified steroid side effects; consider lower dose.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Sterke CYP3A4-induceerders (rifampicine, fenyto\u00efne, carbamazepine, Sint-Janskruid)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Lower methylprednisolone levels &mdash; loss of disease control<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">May need 2&ndash;3&times; higher steroid dose; specialist review.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever, BCG, Zostavax, live nasal flu)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Risk of disseminated vaccine-strain infection at immunosuppressive doses<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Contraindicated at &ge; 16 mg\/day for 2+ weeks, and for 3 months after. Inactivated vaccines are fine.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Digoxine<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Hypokalaemia from steroids increases digoxin toxicity risk<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Monitor potassium; consider potassium-sparing diuretic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Other immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, biologics, JAK inhibitors)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Additive infection risk<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border:1px solid #ddd;\">Combinations are common and often necessary (e.g. steroid + DMARD) &mdash; specialist supervision, infection-prophylaxis consideration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bewaaradvies<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Bewaren bij kamertemperatuur, <strong>below 25&deg;C<\/strong>, protected from light and moisture.<\/li>\n<li>Bewaar tabletten in de originele blisterverpakking tot gebruik.<\/li>\n<li>Bewaar niet in de badkamer \u2014 vocht verkort de houdbaarheid.<\/li>\n<li>Buiten bereik van kinderen houden.<\/li>\n<li>Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.<\/li>\n<li>Breng ongebruikte tabletten terug naar een apotheek voor vernietiging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gerelateerde alternatieven op MedsBase<\/h2>\n<p>Other medications used in anti-inflammatory and autoimmune care stocked alongside this product:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/barinat\/\"><strong>Barinat (baricitinib 2 \/ 4 mg) \u2014 JAK1\/2 inhibitor for RA<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/tofe\/\"><strong>Tofe (tofacitinib 5 mg) \u2014 JAK1\/3 inhibitor for RA, UC, PsA<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/azoran\/\"><strong>Azoran (azathioprine 50 mg) \u2014 classic immunosuppressant DMARD<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/lefuheal\/\"><strong>Lefuheal (leflunomide) \u2014 oral DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/conimune-me\/\"><strong>Conimune ME (cyclosporine) \u2014 calcineurin inhibitor<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wysolone\/\"><strong>Wysolone (prednisolone 5 \/ 10 \/ 20 mg) \u2014 oral corticosteroid<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/predniheal\/\"><strong>Predniheal (prednisolone) \u2014 oral corticosteroid<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/hisone\/\"><strong>Hisone (hydrocortisone) \u2014 physiologic replacement steroid<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/budez-cr\/\"><strong>Budez CR (budesonide) \u2014 gut-targeted corticosteroid for Crohn&#39;s<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/kenacort\/\"><strong>Kenacort (triamcinolone) \u2014 systemic corticosteroid<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Explore the full <a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/anti-inflammatory-autoimmune-care\/\">Ontstekingsremmende &amp; Auto-immuunzorg<\/a> category.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faqs\">Veelgestelde vragen<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the &ldquo;steroid equivalent dose&rdquo; of Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p>Glucocorticoids are compared by their anti-inflammatory potency. Rough equivalents: <strong>hydrocortisone 20 mg &asymp; prednisolone 5 mg &asymp; methylprednisolone 4 mg &asymp; dexamethasone 0.75 mg &asymp; betamethasone 0.75 mg<\/strong>. Methylprednisolone 4 mg is approximately equivalent to prednisolone 5 mg. When switching between oral steroids (for example, hospital dexamethasone to outpatient methylprednisolone), use this conversion to keep the anti-inflammatory dose the same.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why must I take Medrol in the morning?<\/h3>\n<p>The body&#39;s own cortisol peaks between 6 and 9 a.m. Morning dosing mimics this natural pattern, causes less HPA-axis suppression than evening dosing, and reduces insomnia. Once-daily morning dosing is standard; twice-daily dosing is reserved for severe or rapidly-worsening disease, at the cost of more HPA suppression.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why can&#39;t I just stop Medrol if I feel better?<\/h3>\n<p>After more than about 2&ndash;3 weeks of daily dosing, the adrenal glands stop making their own cortisol because the pituitary sees plenty of it arriving from the tablet. If you stop abruptly, the adrenal glands cannot switch back on fast enough &mdash; you have no cortisol for hours to days, which can cause an adrenal crisis (collapse, low blood pressure, severe nausea, confusion, potentially death). Always taper under medical supervision.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I protect my bones on Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p>Start calcium 1,000&ndash;1,200 mg\/day + vitamin D 800&ndash;1,000 IU\/day from day one. For courses expected to last more than 3 months at 6 mg\/day or higher, a weekly bisphosphonate (alendronate or risedronate) or annual zoledronic acid should be considered from the start in post-menopausal women and older men &mdash; do not wait for a DEXA scan. Weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol, and adequate protein intake all help.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will Medrol give me diabetes?<\/h3>\n<p>Corticosteroids raise blood glucose and can unmask latent diabetes or worsen existing diabetes. Expect fasting glucose to rise within days of starting any moderate-dose course. Check fasting glucose or HbA1c before starting; monitor during; and be ready to up-titrate oral hypoglycaemics or add temporary insulin. Steroid-induced diabetes during a short course usually resolves within weeks of tapering off; steroid use for months to years can cause persistent diabetes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I drink alcohol on Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p>Moderate alcohol (up to 1&ndash;2 units\/day) is generally safe on short-to-medium steroid courses, but combined steroid + NSAID + alcohol is a major risk factor for GI bleed and ulcer. Higher alcohol intake during long-term steroid therapy also increases risk of avascular necrosis of the hip. Keep alcohol low during any steroid course &mdash; and avoid entirely if taking concomitant NSAIDs or if you have a history of GI bleed.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I get an infection while on Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p>Steroids suppress both the immune response and the outward signs of infection (fever may be blunted, symptoms less obvious). Any unexplained fever, productive cough, new pain, severe fatigue or malaise on Medrol should be reviewed promptly by a clinician. During acute illness you may need a temporary DOSE INCREASE (&ldquo;stress dose&rdquo;) rather than a dose reduction &mdash; your prescriber should have given you sick-day rules. Do not stop the steroid when you are ill.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I have live vaccines on Medrol?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>No &mdash; at immunosuppressive doses.<\/strong> Live vaccines (MMR, varicella, yellow fever, BCG, live nasal flu, live Zostavax shingles vaccine) are contraindicated at 16 mg\/day or more of methylprednisolone for 2 weeks or longer, and for 3 months after stopping. Inactivated vaccines &mdash; annual flu jab, pneumococcal, COVID-19, Shingrix recombinant shingles vaccine, HPV &mdash; are fine and recommended. Plan your travel vaccinations and Shingrix dose before starting a prolonged course.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a &ldquo;steroid card&rdquo; and do I need one?<\/h3>\n<p>A steroid card is a small card you carry stating that you are on long-term corticosteroid therapy. It warns emergency clinicians and anaesthetists that you have HPA-axis suppression and may need stress-dose steroid cover during surgery, trauma or severe illness. You should carry one if you have been on any oral corticosteroid for more than 3 weeks. Pharmacies can issue one on request.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Waarom bestellen bij MedsBase<\/h3>\n<p>Medrol is supplied through a WHO-GMP certified manufacturer with full COA documentation. We ship worldwide in plain, discreet packaging, and every order is covered by our <a href=\"\/nl\/medsbase-re-shipment-assurance-policy\/\">Reshipment Assurance Policy<\/a>. Uw betalingsbeschrijving bij betaling per kaart toont de gereguleerde betalingsverwerker (een gereguleerde kaartbetalingverwerker), nooit \u201cMedsBase\u201d of een medicijnnaam.<\/p>\n<p><!-- medsbase-related-alts-v1 --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Anti-Inflammatory &amp; Autoimmune Medications<\/h3>\n<p>If Medrol does not suit your situation, the following options are available in this category:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wysolone\/\">Wysolone (Prednisolone 5\/10\/20 mg, Wyeth) \u2014 most-prescribed prednisolone<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/solu-medrol\/\">Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone IV 40\/125\/500 mg) \u2014 IV pulse formulation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/kenacort\/\">Kenacort (Triamcinolone 4 mg, Abbott) \u2014 fluorinated, no fluid retention<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/tricort\/\">Tricort (Triamcinolone 4 mg, Cipla) \u2014 same as Kenacort, different brand<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/predniheal\/\">Predniheal (Prednisolone 5\/10\/20\/40 mg, Healing Pharma)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2705 Vermindert ontsteking<br \/>\n\u2705 Relieves pain<br \/>\n\u2705 Treats allergic reactions<br \/>\n\u2705 Manages autoimmune conditions<br \/>\n\u2705 Controls asthma attacks<\/p>\n<p>Medrol contains Methylprednisolone.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":58952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[3897,3141,3223],"product_tag":[4601,4469],"class_list":{"0":"post-58951","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-anti-inflammatory-autoimmune-care","7":"product_cat-category-overview","8":"product_cat-chronic-conditions","9":"product_tag-medrol","10":"product_tag-methylprednisolone","12":"first","13":"instock","14":"shipping-taxable","15":"purchasable","16":"product-type-variable","17":"has-default-attributes"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/58951","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58951"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=58951"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=58951"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medsbase.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=58951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}