Medrol Dose Pack (Medrol Dosepak)

Medrol, or methylprednisolone, is used to treat many various conditions due to its anti inflammatory properties. This is because Medrol is a corticosteroid. Uses for Medrol range from asthma to lupus and from allergies to ulcerative colitis. The method in which Medrol is often administered is called a Dosepak. What is a Medrol dose pack (Dosepak), and how should you use it? Read on to learn more.

Medrol (methylprednisolone) dose pack

A Medrol Dosepak is basically one full spread of treatment. It contains 21 pills, and allows a patient to be able to maintain the proper dosage, and to come off of the drug properly so as to avoid the withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a corticosteroid is stopped abruptly, even if the treatment on lasted a few weeks. The generic form of Medrol, methylprednisolone, also comes in a dose pack, but the word Dosepak is trademarked for use with the brand name drug only.

How to use a dose pack

What should you do if your doctor prescribes you a methylprednisolone dose pack? The instructions on how to take the pills properly should be on the pack. Your doctor also has likely discussed the proper procedure with you. Taking the pills on the correct day ensures that you will get the maximum immediate benefits followed by the smoothest transition possible to ceasing use of the drug.

Medrol withdrawal and adrenal function

The reason why Medrol, or any other corticosteroid for that matter, cannot be stopped abruptly is because of the effect that it can have on the adrenal glands. High doses or extended doses of a steroid will cause the adrenal glands to leave off production. Weaning yourself gradually off the medication allows the adrenal glands to gradually begin producing again. This can prevent a person from having reduced adrenal function following a spread of steroids. Taking your medication in the morning may also help to reduce the likelihood of withdrawal. In some extreme cases, it may be necessary for a patient to get back on the drug for a time and gradually have the dose tapered if adrenal function will not return to normal after taking the medication. While corticosteroids will affect everyone's HPAA function differently, it is safe to assume that it will have at least some effect on everyone who takes the medication. The dose pack allows all patients to have as safe of a conclusion to treatment with this medication as possible.