9 Methylprednisolone Side Effects You Should Know About

Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a common corticosteroid (“steroid”) medication. It’s used for a variety of conditions, including allergic reactions, asthma, and autoimmune conditions.

You may take a short course of methylprednisolone, but it’s also prescribed long-term (30 days or more) in some cases. It’s helpful to know what side effects to be aware of, regardless of how long you’re taking it. That’s where GoodRx comes in, with helpful information about methylprednisolone side effects and how to manage them.

Methylprednisolone side effects at a glance

Most methylprednisolone side effects will go away on their own after you stop taking it. More serious side effects are possible with long-term use of the medication.

Below is an overview of common and serious methylprednisolone side effects to be aware of. Let your healthcare team know about any side effects you experience while taking methylprednisolone, even if they’re not listed here.

Common methylprednisolone side effects:

• Nausea

• Heartburn

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Trouble sleeping

• Mood changes

• Swelling (fluid retention)

• Increased sweating or hot flashes

• Acne

• Increased blood glucose (sugar)

• Increased blood pressure

Serious methylprednisolone side effects (associated with long-term use):

• Weight gain

• Muscle weakness

• Stomach ulcer

• Withdrawal symptoms, if stopped abruptly

• Osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture

• Cataracts and glaucoma

• Slowed growth in children

• Heart problems

• Muscle weakness

• Increased risk of infection

Let’s take a detailed look at nine possible methylprednisolone side effects and what you can do if they occur.

1. Nausea and heartburn

Nausea is one of the most common methylprednisolone side effects. Taking it with food can help lessen or prevent nausea in most cases. If you’re taking methylprednisolone once a day, talk to your prescriber about dividing it into smaller doses throughout the day. This can also help reduce the chance of nausea.

Steroids can also cause heartburn and raise the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding with long-term use. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can worsen this side effect. So avoid taking them with methylprednisolone unless your prescriber recommends it. If you’re experiencing heartburn, talk to your prescriber about taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antacid to help manage it.

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2. Fluid retention and weight gain

Methylprednisolone can cause your body to hold on to more sodium than usual. This can lead to increased fluid in your body (edema), which can make you feel puffy or cause temporary weight gain. This should go away once you finish your course of treatment. But limiting your salt intake and exercising regularly can help keep fluid retention to a minimum.

Long-term methylprednisolone may lead to more significant weight gain. This is more likely with high doses. Over time, it can increase your appetite and cause changes in the way your body processes fats and sugars. It can also cause fat to accumulate on your upper back and midsection, and for your face to become rounder than usual. Talk to your prescriber if you have concerns about weight gain with long-term methylprednisolone. 

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3. Insomnia

Corticosteroid medications like methylprednisolone may make you feel extra energetic or even agitated. They can also lower the levels of melatonin, a natural hormone your body makes at night to help you sleep. Because of this, you may have trouble sleeping while taking methylprednisolone.

Your sleep schedule should return to normal shortly after you finish your course of treatment. In the meantime, taking your methylprednisolone dose earlier in the day may help you sleep better at night. Good sleep hygiene measures can also help. These include limiting caffeine intake, reducing electronic use before bed, and keeping the same sleep schedule every day. If needed, talk to your prescriber about melatonin supplements or another sleep medication to help you rest.

4. Mood changes

Mood changes can happen while you’re taking methylprednisolone. This can include feelings of depression, anxiety, or agitation. In severe cases, you may experience hallucinations or severe mood swings, known as steroid-induced psychosis. But this isn’t a common issue for most people taking methylprednisolone.

Mood changes are often mild and should go away once you’ve finished treatment. But let your healthcare team know if you’re experiencing bothersome changes in your mood while taking methylprednisolone. They may want to adjust your dose or make other treatment changes to address this side effect. If you’re seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or having thoughts of self-harm, seek emergency care right away.

5. Increased blood glucose

Methylprednisolone can increase your blood glucose (sugar) levels while you’re taking it. This may not be an issue for you. But it can make it harder to manage your blood glucose levels if you’re living with diabetes. It can also raise your risk of developing diabetes, especially with long-term steroid treatment.

You may need to test your blood glucose levels more often while you’re taking methylprednisolone to manage this side effect. Talk to your prescriber if your levels are higher than they should be. They can help determine the best course of action. You may need a change in your steroid dose or your diabetes medication. 

If you notice that you’re peeing more often than usual or feel thirsty all the time while taking methylprednisolone, let your healthcare team know. These could be signs of developing or worsening diabetes.

6. Heart problems

Over time, the edema and weight gain caused by methylprednisolone could lead to increased blood pressure or heart failure. Heart issues are more common with long-term use of steroids. But the increased fluid that’s often seen with short-term use can raise your blood pressure, too.

If you’re living with high blood pressure, your prescriber may have you test it at home more often while you’re taking methylprednisolone. Be sure to let them know if your levels are higher than usual. If you have chest pain or trouble breathing at any time, seek emergency care.

7. Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness is another possible methylprednisolone side effect. It’s more common with high doses or long-term use. This can make it feel harder than usual for you to stand up or walk. Climbing stairs can also be more difficult than usual.

Let your healthcare team know if you’re feeling weaker than usual after starting methylprednisolone. They can help determine the cause and suggest ways to manage it. In most cases, muscle weakness will improve over a few weeks after you finish steroid treatment. But if you’re able, adding regular exercise and resistance training to your routine can help lessen this side effect in the meantime.

8. Increased risk of infection

Steroids can weaken your immune system. This can raise your risk of infection or make it harder for you to recover from illness. Your infection risk goes up the longer you take a steroid.

Let your prescriber know if you develop any signs or symptoms of an infection while taking methylprednisolone. This includes:

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Red, swollen skin

To stay healthy, be sure to wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with sick people while you’re taking methylprednisolone. If you injure yourself, be sure to clean the wound carefully and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

9. Increased risk of fractures

Long-term steroid use can raise your risk of osteoporosis (very low bone density) and bone fractures. You can help reduce your fracture risk with regular weight-bearing exercise and eating a balanced diet. It’s also a good idea to wear supportive, well-fitting shoes to lower the chance of falls that could result in a broken bone.

Your prescriber will likely monitor your bone density to keep an eye out for this side effect. If needed, they may also prescribe osteoporosis medication to help strengthen your bones and prevent fractures.