Medrol (Methylprednisolone) for Multiple Sclerosis

Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating acute multiple sclerosis flare-ups (sudden worsening of symptoms of multiple sclerosis).

How Medrol Works and How It’s Taken

Medrol is a type of medication called a corticosteroid that works by mimicking a natural hormone to suppress immune system activity and decrease inflammation. The exact way it works for this condition is not fully known, but it helps reduce inflammation that can worsen symptoms during a flare-up.

Doctors prescribe Medrol for sudden multiple sclerosis flare-ups, also known as acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis. Medrol may be one of several multiple sclerosis treatment options.

Typical Dosing for Multiple Sclerosis

Medrol is given as a dose pack, meaning you start out on a daily schedule and then switch to an every-other-day schedule at a later point.

This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Medrol Side Effects

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Medrol can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Serious infections — Medrol can weaken the immune system, which can make infections more likely, more severe, or harder to notice.
Increased blood pressure — Blood pressure may rise during treatment.
Hypokalemia (low potassium) — This can cause weakness, cramps, or abnormal heart rhythms.
Cataracts and glaucoma — These eye problems can affect vision, including increased eye pressure.
Kaposi’s sarcoma — This is a type of cancer that has been reported with corticosteroid use.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Medrol

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Medrol, offers the Pfizer RxPathways program. To learn more, visit Pfizer RxPathways, or call 844-989-PATH (7284).

What To Know Before Taking Medrol

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to methylprednisolone or any ingredients in Medrol. Do not take Medrol if you have had a serious allergic reaction to methylprednisolone or any of its ingredients.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections or plan to travel to areas where certain infections are common.

Do not take Medrol if you have a systemic fungal infection. Do not receive live or weakened vaccines while taking Medrol. Inactivated (killed) vaccines may be given, but they may not work as well.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Medrol, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Medrol for multiple sclerosis flare-ups?
Studies have shown that corticosteroids can help people recover faster during a flare-up of multiple sclerosis. However, it does not change how the disease develops over time or its long-term outcome.

Should I take Medrol for multiple sclerosis if I have an infection?
Medrol can weaken your immune system. This can raise your risk of getting new infections or make existing infections worse. It can also hide signs of infection.

People with certain infections, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, need careful monitoring or should not use this medicine. If you are taking doses that affect the immune system, avoid contact with chickenpox or measles and contact a doctor right away if you are exposed.