Multiple Sclerosis - Oral Methylprednisolone

The aim of methylprednisolone is to help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery during a relapse or exacerbation of MS symptoms. Oral steroid treatment does not alter Multiple Sclerosis in the long term.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the side effects?

Not everyone experiences side effects You may experience flushing, difficulty sleeping, altered taste or mood changes. These usually settle down over a few days.

What happens prior to treatment?

You will be asked to provide a urine sample prior to having the treatment. This is to determine if you have a urine infection. If you are found to have an infection, your treatment will be delayed until this has cleared Oral Methylprednisolone is given as a 5 day course—500 mgs daily 5 x 100mg tablets. A medication to prevent any irritation to your stomach lining (gastritis), such as Omeprazole, is given at the same time for 5 days. Treatment is high dose and can often lead to difficulty sleeping during treatment and sometimes for a few days afterwards. Take your medication with food or milk all together in the morning. Evidence tells us that oral steroids are as effective as IV steroids (administered through a vein).

If you think you may be pregnant you must inform the staff before you have this treatment. Avoid contact with infection such as chicken pox or measles. If you have to visit hospital, your GP or dentist for any treatment, you should tell them you are receiving or have just had methylprednisolone treatment.

Is there any follow up?

Following a course of oral steroids, your Neurologist may want to review your response in the outpatient department at your usual hospital.

Please remember: if you have any queries you can contact the MS Nurses on: 0151 529 5645

This line is open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:30

A clerk will make an appointment for the MS nurse to call you back (please note there is no answer machine).