Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Medrol is Methylprednisolone that is similar to Prednisone but somewhat stronger and more expensive. Here is an excerpt I got from the web: “Most clinicians prescribe prednisone, which in many instances is effective. In patients who experience a lot of mineralocorticoid side effects, particularly fluid retention, methylprednisolone (Medrol) may be used instead (10), at a 20% lower dose (20 mg/day of prednisone versus 16 mg/day of methylprednisolone). However, methylprednisolone is more expensive than prednisone. “In many European countries, prednisolone (Delta-Cortef, Prelone) is the most widely used corticosteroid. Patients with liver disease are sometimes unable to metabolize prednisone (which is technically a prohormone) and may be given prednisolone instead (in the same dose as prednisone).” There is a lot more information in the article if you are interested. http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1998/02_98/vollen.htm In comparing the effectiveness of the two it is important to notice the amount of each that is given. I think it takes 5 mg of Prednisone to equal 4 mg of Medrol. I think Medrol comes usually in 4 mg pills but Prednisone comes in many different sizes of pills. I checked one drugstore and found Prednisone dose packs in 5 mg and 10 mg sizes and there might be others. This is what I get from the web so if you are really interested ask a pharmacist or doctor. God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of i_live_in_slippers Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 6:02 PM Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Medrol? Something I just thought I'd ask. My Rheumatologist on occassion prescribes me a Medrol pack, Im on one now. I know this is a steroid pack like predisone, I'm just wondering what the difference is? Predisone seems to give me an energy boost (a side effect i like) and this doesn't (which is fine) so I'm wondering if maybe it's just not as strong?? It seems like my Rheumatologist prescribes the Medrol and my family physician has always prescribed the predisone pack. My mom is always prescribed the predisone. The medrol is fine with me, it works and hopefully maybe has less side effects but does anyone know the real difference? Just curious- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2006 Report Share Posted February 5, 2006 Harold, Thank you for that information! I appreciate it alot! Thankfully I only pay $5 for the Medrol pack, and it works, sounds like it might be at least a bit easier on the fluid retention " weight gain " that I worry about when I have to take a pack anyway!! I guess I can't complain Thanks > > Medrol is Methylprednisolone that is similar to Prednisone but somewhat > stronger and more expensive. Here is an excerpt I got from the web: > > " Most clinicians prescribe prednisone, which in many instances is effective. > In patients who experience a lot of mineralocorticoid side effects, > particularly fluid retention, methylprednisolone (Medrol) may be used > instead (10), at a 20% lower dose (20 mg/day of prednisone versus 16 mg/day > of methylprednisolone). However, methylprednisolone is more expensive than > prednisone. > > " In many European countries, prednisolone (Delta-Cortef, Prelone) is the > most widely used corticosteroid. Patients with liver disease are sometimes > unable to metabolize prednisone (which is technically a prohormone) and may > be given prednisolone instead (in the same dose as prednisone). " > > There is a lot more information in the article if you are interested. > http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1998/02_98/vollen.htm > > In comparing the effectiveness of the two it is important to notice the > amount of each that is given. I think it takes 5 mg of Prednisone to equal > 4 mg of Medrol. I think Medrol comes usually in 4 mg pills but Prednisone > comes in many different sizes of pills. I checked one drugstore and found > Prednisone dose packs in 5 mg and 10 mg sizes and there might be others. > > This is what I get from the web so if you are really interested ask a > pharmacist or doctor. God bless. > > _____ > > From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of > i_live_in_slippers > Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 6:02 PM > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Medrol? > > > > Something I just thought I'd ask. > > My Rheumatologist on occassion prescribes me a Medrol pack, Im on one > now. I know this is a steroid pack like predisone, I'm just wondering > what the difference is? Predisone seems to give me an energy boost (a > side effect i like) and this doesn't (which is fine) so I'm wondering > if maybe it's just not as strong?? > > It seems like my Rheumatologist prescribes the Medrol and my family > physician has always prescribed the predisone pack. My mom is always > prescribed the predisone. The medrol is fine with me, it works and > hopefully maybe has less side effects but does anyone know the real > difference? > > Just curious- > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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