Solu-Medrol Treatment for MS

Used to Ease Symptoms and Shorten Relapses of Multiple Sclerosis

Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a powerful corticosteroid drug given intravenously (into a vein) to treat severe flare-ups of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Solu-Medrol can quickly reduce inflammation in the central nervous system and the porousness of the blood-brain barrier in people with MS. By doing so, symptoms of MS can be eased and relapses can be shortened. Solu-Medrol can cause side effects ranging from weight gain and irregular periods to glaucoma and cataracts.

This article explains how Solu-Medrol works in people with MS, including what to expect before, during, and after an infusion. It also describes the possible side effects and risks and when the drug cannot be used.

Tips to Make Solu-Medrol Infusion More Comfortable
Verywell / JR Bee

What Is Solu-Medrol?

Solu-Medrol is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics a steroid naturally produced by the body, called cortisol. The drug is used to treat acute (sudden, severe) inflammation associated with many diseases, including autoimmune diseases.

Multiple sclerosis is just one condition treated by Solu-Medrol. Others include:

Solu-Medrol and MS

Solu-Medrol is used to treat relapsing-remitting forms of MS in which symptoms come and go.

MS is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells (called autoantibodies) attack the protective covering of nerve cells.

The immune assault, in turn, triggers extreme inflammation which damages the protective membrane surrounding the brain, called the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This creates tiny holes through which autoantibodies can access and damage nerve cells in the brain, leading to vision loss, nerve pain, a loss of muscle control, and a host of other symptoms.

During acute exacerbations, Solu-Medrol not only rapidly reduces inflammation but also closes the blood-brain barrier, preventing further damage by autoantibodies.

How Solu-Medrol Is Given

Solu-Medrol is delivered by intravenous (IV) infusion. Medication is delivered via a flexible tube and needle (called an IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm. The drug is usually given in doses between 500 and 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day for three to five days.

The effects of Solu-Medrol can start to be felt within an hour of the infusion, although the full course is required to ensure sustained remission (low disease activity).

After the IV line is inserted, a bag containing Solu-Medrol is infused over one to four hours. You may experience an initial stinging and cold sensation when the drug first starts to flow. Thereafter, the experience is relatively painless.

You will often get your first Solu-Medrol infusion in a hospital on an inpatient basis. That is so you can be closely monitored in the event of a severe drug reaction.

For the remainder of treatments, you may be sent to a clinic or an infusion center where you will be given the infusion in a bed or a chair.

How Much Does Solu-Medrol Cost?

The cost for a 1000-milligram infusion is generally between $50 and $70.

Before the Infusion

There are certain things you can do beforehand to make the Solu-Medrol infusion more comfortable:

  • Be well-hydrated: When you drink a lot of fluids, it makes your veins larger and easier to find. This can help avoid the need to undergo multiple needle jabs.
  • Eat before treatment: Solu-Medrol can cause stomach ache and heartburn if administered on an empty stomach. Ask your healthcare provider if it's OK to take an antacid an hour or two beforehand.

During Your Infusion

During the infusion, you may make the experience less taxing by taking a few simple steps:

  • Have mints handy: You might experience a metallic taste in your mouth during the infusion. Water won't help, and some foods will taste weird. Strong mints or gum usually helps.
  • Relax and distract yourself: Try deep breathing exercises—counting each breath to 10 and then counting back to one. This can relax you and may also help you fall asleep. In case you can't sleep, bring music or a book on tape to listen to.
  • Speak up: If your face starts feeling hot or your heart starts beating fast, let the nurse know. There are drugs that can ease these symptoms and make you more comfortable.

After Treatment

Management doesn't stop when your Solu-Medrol infusion is over. You'll need to keep some things in mind for afterward:

  • Eat plainly: Foods may continue to taste strange for a few hours after treatment, so either avoid eating or eat bland foods. Avoid anything greasy as it could make heartburn worse.
  • Avoid salt: Solu-Medrol can cause fluid retention, leading to generalized bloating and swollen feet and ankles. You can minimize this by avoiding salty foods. Symptoms should clear within a week of the last treatment.
  • Stay home: Solu-Medrol makes most people feel anxious and agitated. Until the infusion series is complete, it may be best to take time off from work if you can.
  • Don’t drive: Have someone drive you home after each infusion. You may have a hard time concentrating, be nervous, or have perceptions that are just “off.”
  • Prepare for insomnia: Solu-Medrol can cause insomnia. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about sleep medications or other treatments that may help.

If You Have Diabetes

Because Solu-Medrol can raise blood sugar levels, speak with your healthcare provider about ways to regulate your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Possible Side Effects of Solu-Medrol

As with all drugs, Solu-Medrol can cause side effects. This is especially true given the high dose you'll receive over a short period of time.

Possible side effects include:

Most side effects will go away once the treatment is completed, although some like facial mooning and weight gain can take weeks to fully resolve.

Interactions and Contraindications

Solu-Medrol may interact with certain drugs. Let your healthcare provider if you take (or plan to take) any of the following before, during, or after Solu-Medrol therapy:

Solu-Medrol should not be used in anyone with a known severe allergy to methylprednisolone or any inactive ingredient in the preparation. This includes people with a severe milk allergy as Solu-Medrol contains substances derived from cow's milk.

Summary

Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a drug given by intravenous infusion that can treat acute flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. It works by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system and closing the blood-brain barrier. Side effects include facial mooning, weight gain, shortness of breath, acne, depression, and others.

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5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Solu-Medrol.

  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection, USP).

  3. Ghasemi N, Razavi S, Nikzad E. Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnoses and cell-based therapy. Cell J. 2017;19(1):1–10. doi:10.22074/cellj.2016.4867

  4. DailyMed. Solu-Medrol - methylprednisolone sodium succinate injection, powder, for solution

  5. Jongen PJ, Stavrakaki I, Voet B, et al. Patient-reported adverse effects of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone treatment: a prospective web-based multi-center study in multiple sclerosis patients with a relapse. J Neurol. 2016;263(8):1641-51. doi:10.1007/s00415-016-8183-3

By Julie Stachowiak, PhD
Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of the Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto, the winner of the 2009 ForeWord Book of the Year Award, Health Category.