A-methaPred
Complete list of drugs used to treat arthritis.
A-methaPred, a corticosteroid, to relieve inflammation (swelling,
heat, redness, and pain). The drug will be added to an intravenous fluid that will drip
through a needle or catheter placed in your vein for at least 1 hour per day.
A-methaPred is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal
glands. It is used to treat, but not cure, certain forms of arthritis; skin, blood,
kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis); and multiple sclerosis.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more information.
Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure
the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical
examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the
laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.
Before administering A-methaPred,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to A-methaPred, aspirin, or any
other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you
are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
arthritis medications, aspirin, azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'),
erythromycin, estrogen (Premarin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), oral contraceptives,
phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and
vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have a fungal infection (other than on your skin); do not take
A-methaPred without talking to your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, kidney, intestinal, or heart
disease; diabetes; an underactive thyroid gland; high blood pressure; mental illness;
myasthenia gravis; osteoporosis; herpes eye infection; seizures; tuberculosis (TB); or
ulcers.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking A-methaPred, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you
are taking A-methaPred.
Administering A-methaPred
Before you administer A-methaPred, look at the solution closely. It
should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the
solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is
discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new
solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.
It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do
not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health
care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as
a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your
health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.
Side effects of A-methaPred
Although side effects from A-methaPred are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- dizziness
- insomnia
- restlessness
- depression
- anxiety
- unusual moods
- increased sweating
- increased hair growth
- reddened face
- acne
- thinned skin
- easy bruising
- tiny purple skin spots
- irregular or absent menstrual periods
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- swollen feet, ankles, and lower legs
- muscle pain and weakness
- eye pain
- vision problems
- puffy skin (especially the face)
- a cold or infection that lasts a long time
Signs of infection
If you are receiving A-methaPred in your vein or under your skin, you
need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle
enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous
catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:
- tenderness
- warmth
- irritation
- drainage
- redness
- swelling
- pain
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