What is DEPO-MEDROL?
DEPO-MEDROL is a type of medicine known as a glucocorticoid or
corticosteroid. It works by helping to reduce the inflammation
in your joint.
How? Scientists don’t understand completely yet. But they believe that corticosteroids
work by blocking certain cells and chemicals your body makes when a joint becomes
inflamed. Blocking these cells and chemicals can reduce inflammation.
Who can get a shot of DEPO-MEDROL?
DEPO-MEDROL can be used to treat many different types of health problems. Joint
pain is just one of the conditions it can help.
Your doctor may suggest a shot of DEPO-MEDROL if you have joint pain caused by:
If DEPO-MEDROL relieves your symptoms but the pain comes back later, tell your doctor.
If it helped you once, DEPO-MEDROL could help you through a flare-up of symptoms
again. In fact, experts say that some joints may be injected 3 to 4 times a year.
Your doctor is the best person to decide if having more injections is right for
you.
Learn more about getting a shot of DEPO-MEDROL
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What side effects are possible?
As with all medicines, side effects may occur with DEPO-MEDROL, including flares
of pain after the injection, joint disease, tearing of a tendon, joint infection,
thinning of the skin where the injection was given, and joint inflammation. If you
have any of these side effects, or others, call your doctor. He or she can tell
you the best way to manage any side effects you may have. You should also call your
doctor right away if you notice signs of infection, such as unusual redness, swelling,
fever, or chills.
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Next: Getting Your Shot