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  • Depo-Medrol Injectable Suspension (Pharmacia & Upjohn)

    Not For Intravenous Use

    DESCRIPTION

    DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension contains methylprednisolone acetate which is the 6-methyl derivative of prednisolone. Methylprednisolone acetate is a white or practically white, odorless, crystalline powder which melts at about 215° with some decomposition. It is soluble in dioxane, sparingly soluble in acetone, in alcohol, in chloroform, and in methanol, and slightly soluble in ether. It is practically insoluble in water. The chemical name for methylprednisolone acetate is pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11,17-dihydroxy-6-methyl-, (6(alpha),11(beta))-and the molecular weight is 416.51. The structural formula is:

      

    DEPO-MEDROL is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid for intramuscular, intrasynovial, soft tissue or intralesional injection. It is available in three strengths: 20 mg/mL; 40 mg/mL; 80 mg/mL.

    Each mL of these preparations contains:

    Methylprednisolone
       acetate.......................20 mg
    40 mg 80 mg
    Polyethylene glycol 3350.........29.5 mg
    29.1 mg 28.2 mg
    Polysorbate 801.97 mg
    1.94 mg 1.88 mg
    Monobasic sodium
       phosphate...................6.9 mg
    6.8 mg 6.59 mg
    Dibasic sodium phosphate
       USP.........................1.44 mg
    1.42 mg 1.37 mg
    Benzyl alcohol..............9.3 mg
    9.16 mg 8.88 mg
       added as a preservative
      

    Sodium Chloride was added to adjust tonicity.

    When necessary, pH was adjusted with sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid.

    The pH of the finished product remains within the USP specified range; ie, 3.5 to 7.0.

    ACTIONS

    Naturally occurring glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone), which also have salt retaining properties, are used in replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states. Their synthetic analogs are used primarily for their potent anti-inflammatory effects in disorders of many organ systems.

    Glucocorticoids cause profound and varied metabolic effects. In addition, they modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.

    As of November, 1990, the formulation for DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension was revised. In a bioavailability study with thirty subjects, the new formulation was found to be more bioavailable than the previous formulation. An increase in the extent of methylprednisolone absorption was observed for the new formulation as indicated by significantly increased values for area under the serum methylprednisolone concentration curve and maximum serum methylprednisolone concentration (see table below). No difference in elimination half-life (t 1/2 , calculated from the mean terminal elimination rate) was observed between the two formulations. No medically meaningful differences between the two formulations were seen in relation to vital signs, safety laboratory analyses, formulation effects, local tolerance, or side effects. This increase in absorption is not considered clinically significant.

       Previous Formulation Current Formulation
    AUC 0-240 hrs
     (ng × hr/mL)
    1053 (47.3) *
    [133-2297] **
    1286 (39.2)
    [208-2225]
    C MAX (ng/mL) 8.98 (65.9)
    [0-28.5]
    11.8 (44.1)
    [3.37-23.4]
    t 1/2 (hr) 139
    [46-990]
    139
    [58-866]
     * Coefficient of variation (%)
    ** Range of values
      

    INDICATIONS

    1. FOR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION
      When oral therapy is not feasible and the strength, dosage form, and route of administration of the drug reasonably lend the preparation to the treatment of the condition, the intramuscular use of DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension is indicated as follows:
      1. Endocrine Disorders
        Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance)
        Acute adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice; mineralocorticoid supplementation may be necessary, particularly when synthetic analogs are used)
        Preoperatively and in the event of serious trauma or illness, in patients with known adrenal insufficiency or when adrenocortical reserve is doubtful:
        Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
        Hypercalcemia associated with cancer
        Nonsuppurative thyroiditis
      2. Rheumatic Disorders
        As adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in:
        Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
        Synovitis of osteoarthritis
        Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid
           arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose
           maintenance therapy)
        Acute and subacute bursitis
        Epicondylitis
        Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
        Acute gouty arthritis
        Psoriatic arthritis
        Ankylosing spondylitis
      3. Collagen Diseases
        During an exacerbation or as maintenance therapy in selected cases of:
        Systemic lupus erythematosus
        Systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis)
        Acute rheumatic carditis
      4. Dermatologic Diseases
        Pemphigus
        Severe erythema multiforme
          (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
        Exfoliative dermatitis
        Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis
        Severe seborrheic dermatitis
        Severe psoriasis
        Mycosis fungoides
      5. Allergic States
        Control of severe or incapacitating allergic conditions intractable to adequate trials of conventional treatment in:
        Bronchial asthma
        Contact dermatitis
        Atopic dermatitis
        Serum sickness
        Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis
        Drug hypersensitivity reactions
        Urticarial transfusion reactions
        Acute noninfectious laryngeal edema
          (epinephrine is the drug of first choice)
      6. Ophthalmic Diseases
        Severe acute and chronic allergic and inflammatory processes involving the eye, such as:
        Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
        Iritis, iridocyclitis
        Chorioretinitis
        Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis
        Optic neuritis
        Sympathetic ophthalmia
        Anterior segment inflammation
        Allergic conjunctivitis
        Allergic corneal marginal ulcers
        Keratitis
      7. Gastrointestinal Diseases
        To tide the patient over a critical period of the disease in:
        Ulcerative colitis (systemic therapy)
        Regional enteritis (systemic therapy)
      8. Respiratory Diseases
        Symptomatic sarcoidosis
        Berylliosis
        Fulminating or disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis
           when used concurrently with appropriate
           antituberculous chemotherapy
        Loeffler's syndrome not manageable by other means
        Aspiration pneumonitis
      9. Hematologic Disorders
        Acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia
        Secondary thrombocytopenia in adults
        Erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia)
        Congenital (erythroid) hypoplastic anemia
      10. Neoplastic Diseases
        For palliative management of:
        Leukemias and lymphomas in adults
        Acute leukemia of childhood
      11. Edematous States
        To induce diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome, without uremia, of the idiopathic type or that due to lupus erythematosus
      12. Nervous System
        Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis
      13. Miscellaneous
        Tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy
        Trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement
    2. FOR INTRASYNOVIAL OR SOFT TISSUE ADMINISTRATION (See WARNINGS ).
      DEPO-MEDROL is indicated as adjunctive therapy for short-term administration (to tide the patient over an acute episode or exacerbation) in:
      Synovitis of osteoarthritis
      Rheumatoid arthritis
      Acute and subacute bursitis
      Acute gouty arthritis
      Epicondylitis
      Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis
      Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
    3. FOR INTRALESIONAL ADMINISTRATION
      DEPO-MEDROL is indicated for intralesional use in the following conditions:
      Keloids
      Localized hypertrophic, infiltrated, inflammatory lesions of:
         lichen planus, psoriatic plaques,
         granuloma annulare, and lichen simplex
         chronicus (neurodermatitis)
         Discoid lupus erythematosus
         Necrobiosis lipoidica diabetirocum
         Alopecia areata
      DEPO-MEDROL also may be useful in cystic tumors of an aponeurosis or tendon (ganglia).

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension is contraindicated for intrathecal administration. Reports of severe medical events have been associated with this route of administration. DEPO-MEDROL is contraindicated for use in premature infants because the formulation contains benzyl alcohol. Benzyl alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "gasping syndrome" in premature infants. DEPO-MEDROL is also contraindicated in systemic fungal infections and patients with known hypersensitivity to the product and its constitutents.

    WARNINGS

    This product contains benzyl alcohol which is potentially toxic when administered locally to neural tissue.

    Multidose use of DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension from a single vial requires special care to avoid contamination. Although initially sterile, any multidose use of vials may lead to contamination unless strict aseptic technique is observed. Particular care, such as use of disposable sterile syringes and needles is necessary.

    While crystals of adrenal steroids in the dermis suppress inflammatory reactions, their presence may cause disintegration of the cellular elements and physiochemical changes in the ground substance of the connective tissue. The resultant infrequently occurring dermal and/or subdermal changes may form depressions in the skin at the injection site. The degree to which this reaction occurs will vary with the amount of adrenal steroid injected. Regeneration is usually complete within a few months or after all crystals of the adrenal steroid have been absorbed.

    In order to minimize the incidence of dermal and subdermal atrophy, care must be exercised not to exceed recommended doses in injections. Multiple small injections into the area of the lesion should be made whenever possible. The technique of intrasynovial and intramuscular injection should include precautions against injection or leakage into the dermis. Injection into the deltoid muscle should be avoided because of a high incidence of subcutaneous atrophy.

    It is critical that, during administration of DEPO-MEDROL, appropriate technique be used and care taken to assure proper placement of drug.

    In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress, increased dosage of rapidly acting corticosteroids before, during, and after the stressful situation is indicated.

    Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection, and new infections may appear during their use. There may be decreased resistance and inability to localize infection when corticosteroids are used. Infections with any pathogen including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan or helminthic infections, in any location of the body, may be associated with the use of corticosteroids alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents that affect cellular immunity, humoral immunity, or neutrophil function. 1

    These infections may be mild, but can be severe and at times fatal. With increasing doses of corticosteroids, the rate of occurrence of infectious complications increases. 2 Do not use intra-articularly, intrabursally or for intratendinous administration for local effect in the presence of acute infection.

    Prolonged use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to fungi or viruses.

    Usage in pregnancy. Since adequate human reproduction studies have not been done with corticosteroids, the use of these drugs in pregnancy, nursing mothers, or women of childbearing potential requires that the possible benefits of the drug be weighed against the potential hazards to the mother and embryo or fetus. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids dur-ing pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

    Average and large doses of cortisone or hydrocortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. These effects are less likely to occur with the synthetic derivatives except when used in large doses. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary. All corticosteroids increase calcium excretion.

    Administration of live or live, attenuated vaccines is contraindicated in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids; however, the response to such vaccines may be diminished. Indicated immunization procedures may be undertaken in patients receiving nonimmunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

    The use of DEPO-MEDROL in active tuberculosis should be restricted to those cases of fulminating or disseminated tuberculosis in which the corticosteroid is used for the management of the disease in conjunction with appropriate antituberculous regimen.

    If corticosteroids are indicated in patients with latent tuberculosis or tuberculin reactivity, close observation is necessary as reactivation of the disease may occur. During prolonged corticosteroid therapy, these patients should receive chemoprophylaxis.

    Because rare instances of anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving parenteral corticosteroid therapy, appropriate precautionary measures should be taken prior to administration, especially when the patient has a history of allergy to any drug.

    Persons who are on drugs which suppress the immune system are more susceptible to infections than healthy individuals. Chicken pox and measles, for example, can have a more serious or even fatal course in non-immune children or adults on corticosteroids. In such children or adults who have not had these diseases, particular care should be taken to avoid exposure. How the dose, route and duration of corticosteroid administration affects the risk of developing a disseminated infection is not known. The contribution of the underlying disease and/or prior corticosteroid treatment to the risk is also not known. If exposed to chicken pox, prophylaxis with varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) may be indicated. If exposed to measles, prophylaxis with pooled intramuscular immunoglobulin (IG) may be indicated. (See the respective package inserts for complete VZIG and IG prescribing information.) If chicken pox develops, treatment with antiviral agents may be considered. Similarly, corticosteroids should be used with great care in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation. In such patients, corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may lead to Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, often accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia.

    PRECAUTIONS

    General precautions

    Drug-induced secondary adrenocortical insufficiency may be minimized by gradual reduction of dosage. This type of relative insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, hormone therapy should be reinstituted. Since mineralocorticoid secretion may be impaired, salt and/or a mineralocorticoid should be administered concurrently.

    When multidose vials are used, special care to prevent contamination of the contents is essential. There is some evidence that benzalkonium chloride is not an adequate antiseptic for sterilizing DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension multidose vials. A povidone-iodine solution or similar product is recommended to cleanse the vial top prior to aspiration of contents. (See WARNINGS .)

    There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids in patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis.

    Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with ocular herpes simplex for fear of corneal perforation.

    The lowest possible dose of corticosteroid should be used to control the condition under treatment, and when reduction in dosage is possible, the reduction must be gradual.

    Psychic derangements may appear when corticosteroids are used, ranging from euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, and severe depression to frank psychotic manifestations. Also, existing emotional instability or psychotic tendencies may be aggravated by corticosteroids.

    Steroids should be used with caution in nonspecific ulcerative colitis, if there is a probability of impending perforation, abscess or other pyogenic infection. Caution must also be used in diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, active or latent peptic ulcer, renal insufficiency, hypertension, osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis, when steroids are used as direct or adjunctive therapy.

    Growth and development of infants and children on prolonged corticosteroid therapy should be carefully followed.

    Kaposi's sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy. Discontinuation of corticosteroids may result in clinical remission.

    The following additional precautions apply for parenteral corticosteroids. Intrasynovial injection of a corticosteroid may produce systemic as well as local effects.

    Appropriate examination of any joint fluid present is necessary to exclude a septic process.

    A marked increase in pain accompanied by local swelling, further restriction of joint motion, fever, and malaise are suggestive of septic arthritis. If this complication occurs and the diagnosis of sepsis is confirmed, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be instituted.

    Local injection of a steroid into a previously infected joint is to be avoided.

    Corticosteroids should not be injected into unstable joints.

    The slower rate of absorption by intramuscular administration should be recognized.

    Although controlled clinical trials have shown corticosteroids to be effective in speeding the resolution of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, they do not show that corticosteroids affect the ultimate outcome or natural history of the disease. The studies do show that relatively high doses of corticosteroids are necessary to demonstrate a significant effect. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

    Since complications of treatment with glucocorticoids are dependent on the size of the dose and the duration of treatment, a risk/benefit decision must be made in each individual case as to dose and duration of treatment and as to whether daily or intermittent therapy should be used.

    DRUG INTERACTIONS:

    The pharmacokinetic interactions listed below are potentially clinically important. Mutual inhibition of metabolism occurs with concurrent use of cyclosporin and methylprednisolone; therefore, it is possible that adverse events associated with the individual use of either drug may be more apt to occur. Convulsions have been reported with concurrent use of methylprednisolone and cyclosporin. Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and rifampin may increase the clearance of methylprednisolone and may require increases in methylprednisolone dose to achieve the desired response. Drugs such as troleandomycin and ketoconazole may inhibit the metabolism of methylprednisolone and thus decrease its clearance. Therefore, the dose of methylprednisolone should be titrated to avoid steroid toxicity.

    Methylprednisolone may increase the clearance of chronic high dose aspirin. This could lead to decreased salicylate serum levels or increase the risk of salicylate toxicity when methylprednisolone is withdrawn. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in patients suffering from hypoprothrombinemia.

    The effect of methylprednisolone on oral anticoagulants is variable. There are reports of enhanced as well as diminished effects of anticoagulant when given concurrently with corticosteroids. Therefore, coagulation indices should be monitored to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect.

    Information for the Patient

    Persons who are on immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids should be warned to avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles. Patients should also be advised that if they are exposed, medical advice should be sought without delay.

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    Fluid and electrolyte disturbances

    Sodium retention

    Fluid retention

    Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients

    Potassium loss

    Hypokalemic alkalosis

    Hypertension

    Musculoskeletal

    Muscle weakness

    Steroid myopathy

    Loss of muscle mass

    Osteoporosis

    Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon

    Vertebral compression fractures

    Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads

    Pathologic fracture of long bones

    Gastrointestinal

    Peptic ulcer with possible subsequent perforation
       and hemorrhage

    Pancreatitis

    Abdominal distention

    Ulcerative esophagitis

    Increases in alanine transaminase (ALT, SGPT), aspartate
       transaminase (AST, SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase
       have been observed following corticosteroid treatment.
       These changes are usually small, not associated
       with any clinical syndrome and are reversible upon
       discontinuation.

    Dermatologic

    Impaired wound healing

    Thin fragile skin

    Petechiae and ecchymoses

    Facial erythema

    Increased sweating

    May suppress reactions to skin tests

    Neurological

    Convulsions

    Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema
      (pseudotumor cerebri) usually after treatment

    Vertigo

    Headache

    Endocrine

    Menstrual irregularities

    Development of Cushingoid state

    Suppression of growth in children

    Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness,
       particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or
       illness

    Decreased carbohydrate tolerance

    Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus

    Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic
       agents in diabetes

    Ophthalmic

    Posterior subcapsular cataracts

    Increased intraocular pressure

    Glaucoma

    Exophthalmos

    Metabolic

    Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism

    The following additional adverse reactions are related to parenteral corticosteroid therapy:

    Anaphylactic reaction

    Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions

    Urticaria

    Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

    Subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy

    Sterile abscess

    Injection site infections following non-sterile administration
      (see WARNINGS )

    Postinjection flare, following intrasynovial use

    Charcot-like arthropathy

    Adverse Reactions Reported with the Following Routes of Administration

    Intrathecal/Epidural

    Arachnoiditis

    Meningitis

    Paraparesis/paraplegia

    Sensory disturbances

    Bowel/bladder dysfunction

    Headache

    Seizures

    Intranasal

    Temporary/permanent visual impairment including
       blindness

    Allergic reactions

    Rhinitis

    Ophthalmic

    Temporary/permanent visual impairment including
       blindness

    Increased intraocular pressure

    Ocular and periocular inflammation including allergic
       reactions

    Infection

    Residue or slough at injection site

    Miscellaneous injection sites (scalp, tonsillar fauces, sphe-nopalatine ganglion)-blindness

    DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Because of possible physical incompatibilities, DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension should not be diluted or mixed with other solutions.

    1. Administration for Local Effect
      Therapy with DEPO-MEDROL does not obviate the need for the conventional measures usually employed. Although this method of treatment will ameliorate symptoms, it is in no sense a cure and the hormone has no effect on the cause of the inflammation.
      1. Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. The dose for intra-articular administration depends upon the size of the joint and varies with the severity of the condition in the individual patient. In chronic cases, injections may be repeated at intervals ranging from one to five or more weeks depending upon the degree of relief obtained from the initial injection. The doses in the following table are given as a general guide:

        Size of Joint
        Examples
        Range of Dosage
        Large
        Knees
        20 to 80 mg
        Ankles
        Shoulders
        Medium
        Elbows
        Wrists
        10 to 40 mg
        Small
        Metacarpophalangeal
        4 to 10 mg
        Interphalangeal
        Sternoclavicular
        Acromioclavicular
          
        Procedure: It is recommended that the anatomy of the joint involved be reviewed before attempting intra-articular injection. In order to obtain the full anti-inflammatory effect it is important that the injection be made into the synovial space. Employing the same sterile technique as for a lumbar puncture, a sterile 20 to 24 gauge needle (on a dry syringe) is quickly inserted into the synovial cavity. Procaine infiltration is elective. The aspiration of only a few drops of joint fluid proves the joint space has been entered by the needle. The injection site for each joint is determined by that location where the synovial cavity is most superficial and most free of large vessels and nerves. With the needle in place, the aspirating syringe is removed and replaced by a second syringe containing the desired amount of DEPO-MEDROL. The plunger is then pulled outward slightly to aspirate synovial fluid and to make sure the needle is still in the synovial space. After injection, the joint is moved gently a few times to aid mixing of the synovial fluid and the suspension. The site is covered with a small sterile dressing.
        Suitable sites for intra-articular injection are the knee, ankle, wrist, elbow, shoulder, phalangeal, and hip joints. Since difficulty is not infrequently encountered in entering the hip joint, precautions should be taken to avoid any large blood vessels in the area. Joints not suitable for injection are those that are anatomically inaccessible such as the spinal joints and those like the sacroiliac joints that are devoid of synovial space. Treatment failures are most frequently the result of failure to enter the joint space. Little or no benefit follows injection into surrounding tissue. If failures occur when injections into the synovial spaces are certain, as determined by aspiration of fluid, repeated injections are usually futile. Local therapy does not alter the underlying disease process, and whenever possible comprehensive therapy including physiotherapy and orthopedic correction should be employed.
        Following intra-articular steroid therapy, care should be taken to avoid overuse of joints in which symptomatic benefit has been obtained. Negligence in this matter may permit an increase in joint deterioration that will more than offset the beneficial effects of the steroid.
        Unstable joints should not be injected. Repeated intra-articular injection may in some cases result in instability of the joint. X-ray follow-up is suggested in selected cases to detect deterioration.
        If a local anesthetic is used prior to injection of DEPO-MEDROL, the anesthetic package insert should be read carefully and all the precautions observed.
      2. Bursitis. The area around the injection site is prepared in a sterile way and a wheal at the site made with 1 percent procaine hydrochloride solution. A 20 to 24 gauge needle attached to a dry syringe is inserted into the bursa and the fluid aspirated. The needle is left in place and the aspirating syringe changed for a small syringe containing the desired dose. After injection, the needle is withdrawn and a small dressing applied.
      3. Miscellaneous: Ganglion, Tendinitis, Epicondylitis. In the treatment of conditions such as tendinitis or tenosynovitis, care should be taken, following application of a suitable antiseptic to the overlying skin, to inject the suspension into the tendon sheath rather than into the substance of the tendon. The tendon may be readily palpated when placed on a stretch. When treating conditions such as epicondylitis, the area of greatest tenderness should be outlined carefully and the suspension infiltrated into the area. For ganglia of the tendon sheaths, the suspension is injected directly into the cyst. In many cases, a single injection causes a marked decrease in the size of the cystic tumor and may effect disappearance. The usual sterile precautions should be observed, of course, with each injection.
        The dose in the treatment of the various conditions of the tendinous or bursal structures listed above varies with the condition being treated and ranges from 4 to 30 mg. In recurrent or chronic conditions, repeated injections may be necessary.
      4. Injections for Local Effect in Dermatologic Conditions. Following cleansing with an appropriate antiseptic such as 70% alcohol, 20 to 60 mg of the suspension is injected into the lesion. It may be necessary to distribute doses ranging from 20 to 40 mg by repeated local injections in the case of large lesions. Care should be taken to avoid injection of sufficient material to cause blanching since this may be followed by a small slough. One to four injections are usually employed, the intervals between injections varying with the type of lesion being treated and the duration of improvement produced by the initial injection.
        When multidose vials are used, special care to prevent contamination of the contents is essential. (See WARNINGS .)
    2. Administration for Systemic Effect.
      The intramuscular dosage will vary with the condition being treated. When employed as a temporary substitute for oral therapy, a single injection during each 24-hour period of a dose of the suspension equal to the total daily oral dose of MEDROL ® Tablets (methylprednisolone) is usually sufficient. When a prolonged effect is desired, the weekly dose may be calculated by multiplying the daily oral dose by 7 and given as a single intramuscular injection.
      Dosage must be individualized according to the severity of the disease and response of the patient. For infants and children, the recommended dosage will have to be reduced, but dosage should be governed by the severity of the condition rather than by strict adherence to the ratio indicated by age or body weight.
      Hormone therapy is an adjunct to, and not a replacement for, conventional therapy. Dosage must be decreased or discontinued gradually when the drug has been administered for more than a few days. The severity, prognosis and expected duration of the disease and the reaction of the patient to medication are primary factors in determining dosage. If a period of spontaneous remission occurs in a chronic condition, treatment should be discontinued. Routine laboratory studies, such as urinalysis, two-hour postprandial blood sugar, determination of blood pressure and body weight, and a chest X-ray should be made at regular intervals during prolonged therapy. Upper GI X-rays are desirable in patients with an ulcer history or significant dyspepsia.
      In patients with the adrenogenital syndrome, a single intramuscular injection of 40 mg every two weeks may be adequate. For maintenance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the weekly intramuscular dose will vary from 40 to 120 mg. The usual dosage for patients with dermatologic lesions benefited by systemic corticoid therapy is 40 to 120 mg of methylprednisolone acetate administered intramuscularly at weekly intervals for one to four weeks. In acute severe dermatitis due to poison ivy, relief may result within 8 to 12 hours following intramuscular administration of a single dose of 80 to 120 mg. In chronic contact dermatitis repeated injections at 5 to 10 day intervals may be necessary. In seborrheic dermatitis, a weekly dose of 80 mg may be adequate to control the condition.
      Following intramuscular administration of 80 to 120 mg to asthmatic patients, relief may result within 6 to 48 hours and persist for several days to two weeks. Similarly in patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) an intramuscular dose of 80 to 120 mg may be followed by relief of coryzal symptoms within six hours persisting for several days to three weeks.
      If signs of stress are associated with the condition being treated, the dosage of the suspension should be increased. If a rapid hormonal effect of maximum intensity is re-quired, the intravenous administration of highly soluble methylprednisolone sodium succinate is indicated.
      Multiple Sclerosis
      In treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis daily doses of 200 mg of prednisolone for a week followed by 80 mg every other day for 1 month have been shown to be effective (4 mg of methylprednisolone is equivalent to 5 mg of prednisolone).

    HOW SUPPLIED

    DEPO-MEDROL Sterile Aqueous Suspension is available in the following strengths and package sizes:

    20 mg per mL
        5 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0274-01
    40 mg per mL
       5 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0280-02
    25 × 5 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0280-51
       10 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0280-03
    25 × 10 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0280-52
    80 mg per mL
        5 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0306-02
    25 × 5 mL multidose vials NDC 0009-0306-12

      

    Store at controlled room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP].

    REFERENCES

    1. Fekety R. Infections associated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. In: Gorbach SL, Bartlett JG, Blacklow NR, eds. Infectious Diseases. Philadelphia: WBSaunders Company 1992:1050-1.
    2. Stuck AE, Minder CE, Frey FJ. Risk of infectious complications in patients taking glucocorticoids. Rev Infect Dis 1989:11(6):954-63.

    Rx only

    Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, A subsidiary of Pharmacia Corporation 810 341 328

    Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, USA    691211

    Revised June 2002


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