Methylprednisolone: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Methylprednisolone is a fast-acting corticosteroid injection. It is a prescription medicine used for severe allergic reactions, asthma, flare-ups of autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis relapses, severe skin conditions and organ transplant rejection. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Methylprednisolone works

Methylprednisolone is a man-made version of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It switches off many of the chemical signals that drive inflammation and dampens the immune response, which reduces swelling, redness and tissue damage within hours to days.

What is Methylprednisolone used for?

• Severe allergic reactions
• Asthma
• Flare-ups of autoimmune diseases
• Multiple sclerosis relapses
• Severe skin conditions
• Organ transplant rejection

Methylprednisolone injection is a fast-acting steroid given in hospital when inflammation needs to be brought under control quickly. Doctors use it for severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions, relapses of multiple sclerosis, and flare-ups of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis and severe skin disease. It is also used to treat rejection after an organ transplant.

Side effects of Methylprednisolone

Short courses of Methylprednisolone are usually well tolerated, although you may notice:

• Raised blood sugar
• Mood changes, restlessness or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased appetite
• Flushing of the face
• A metallic taste during the infusion

Tell staff immediately if you develop a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe stomach pain or black stools, a fever or other signs of infection, or sudden confusion or very low mood.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell the team if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach ulcers, glaucoma or thinning bones, as steroids can make these worse.
• Mention any current infection, including tuberculosis, chickenpox, shingles or a herpes infection of the eye, because steroids lower your resistance to infection.
• Avoid live vaccines while you are on steroid treatment unless your doctor says otherwise.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the doctor will weigh up the benefits and risks before treatment.
• Blood sugar and blood pressure are usually monitored, and longer courses of steroids may need to be reduced gradually rather than stopped suddenly.

Frequently asked questions about Methylprednisolone

What is the price of Methylprednisolone in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Methylprednisolone products currently in stock range from Rs 307 to Rs 5,474 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Depo Medrol Injection 40mg 1ml at Rs 307. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Methylprednisolone are available in Pakistan?

Methylprednisolone is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Depo (Pharmacia & Upjohn Ltd), Solu-medrol (Pharmacia & Upjohn Ltd), Solomed (Mac& Rain Company), Solu and Depo-medrol (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Methylprednisolone?

Yes. Methylprednisolone is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Methylprednisolone be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the doctor will weigh up the benefits and risks before treatment.

Are all Methylprednisolone brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Methylprednisolone in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Methylprednisolone brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 7 products containing Methylprednisolone from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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