Methylprednisolone - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of methylprednisolone?

The most common side effects of methylprednisolone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Skin changes, including easy bruising or acne
• Increased appetite, sometimes leading to weight gain
• Delayed wound healing
• Headache
• Increased blood sugar (see below)
• Fluid retention (edema) (see below)
• Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) (see below)
• Muscle weakness

There may be other side effects of methylprednisolone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of methylprednisolone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of methylprednisolone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Methylprednisolone can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using methylprednisolone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Increased Blood Sugar. Methylprednisolone may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Fluid Retention (Edema). Methylprednisolone can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Stretched or shiny skin
• Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Low Potassium Levels (Hypokalemia). Methylprednisolone can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.

• Weakness
• Unusual tiredness
• Muscle cramps or twitching
• Constipation

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Methylprednisolone may increase your blood pressure or worsen it if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. An increase in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

• Sudden, severe headache
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea/vomiting
• Blurry or other changes to the vision
• Anxiety
• Buzzing in the ears
• Nosebleed
• Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Stomach Bleeding. Methylprednisolone can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, previous ulcers, or diverticulitis. Stop using methylprednisolone and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Vomit blood
• Black or tarry poop
• Stomach pain that does not go away
• Upset stomach
• Feel faint

Heart Failure. Methylprednisolone may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
• Unusually fast weight gain
• Unusual tiredness

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using methylprednisolone. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Weak Bones. Using methylprednisolone for a long time may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Tell your healthcare provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you. 

Slow Growth. Methylprednisolone may slow down growth in children and adolescents who are still growing. Talk with the healthcare provider if you have any concerns about how your child is growing.

Cushing’s Syndrome. Methylprednisolone may increase the risk of Cushing’s syndrome when used for a long time. Cushing’s syndrome happens when you have high levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in your body. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

• A round, rosy face
• Weight gain, especially in the upper body
• A fat pad in the upper back or base of the neck
• Thinning skin that bruises easily
• Feeling very weak or tired

Infection. Methylprednisolone can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get an infection, including a serious infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection, or if you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles.

• Fever
• Chills
• Feeling tired
• Body aches and pains
• Nausea or vomiting

Eye Problems. Methylprednisolone may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. It can also cause cataracts (clouding of the eye lens). Keep appointments for any eye exams while using methylprednisolone. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of glaucoma or cataracts.

• Loss of vision or vision changes
• Eye pain or redness
• Severe headache or vomiting
• Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
• Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy

Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Methylprednisolone may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.

• Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
• Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
• Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
• Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
• Aggressive behavior