- Brand Name: (U.S. and Canada)
- Chemical Name: methylprednisolone (meth-ill-pred-niss-oh-lone)
- Usage in MS: Acute Exacerbations
- Generic Available: Yes
Description
Methylprednisolone is one of a group of corticosteroids (cortisone-like medications) that are used to relieve inflammation in different parts of the body. Corticosteroids are used in MS for the management of acute exacerbations because they have the capacity to close the damaged blood-brain barrier and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. Although methylprednisolone is among the most commonly used corticosteroids in MS, it is only one of several possibilities. Other commonly used corticosteroids include dexamethazone, prednisone, betamethasone and prednisolone.
Most neurologists treating MS believe that high-dose corticosteroids given intravenously or orally are the most effective treatment for an exacerbation, although the exact protocol for the drug's use may differ somewhat from one treating physician to another.
Click here to read more about intravenous methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Depo-Medrol®.
Click here to read more about oral methylprednisolone, which is also available under the brand name Medrol®.
Additional Resource
National Infusion Center Association - non-profit patient advocacy organization which offers an online Infusion Center Finder to locate centers throughout the U.S. that administer IV/injectable medications. NICA also provides online consumer education to help patients learn more about infusion services.