What you need to know about getting a shot of DEPO-MEDROL
Will it hurt?
Good question. Every time a doctor recommends a shot, a patient wonders if it’s
going to hurt.
Like other shots, DEPO-MEDROL is injected using a needle. And the needle may cause
some discomfort.
Remember that the medicine in DEPO-MEDROL may help relieve the pain your joint is
causing you. Know, too, that your doctor may give you a shot of another medicine
to numb the area. (Sort of like that shot your dentist gives you before filling
a cavity.)
If you’re concerned about the pain a shot may cause you, let your doctor know.
Know the ins and outs
Here’s what typically happens when you get a shot of DEPO-MEDROL:
After the shot, your doctor will apply a bandage and may move the joint around gently
(or ask you to move it). Moving the joint can help spread the medicine throughout
it.
Ask your doctor how to care for the joint after you leave the office. Expect advice
about:
-
How to care for the skin where the shot was given
-
Whether you should rest the joint
-
What to do if you have pain or any other problems
You’ll probably need to continue other treatments you were already taking.
Ask your doctor which ones to continue. Remember to always follow your doctor's
orders about the treatments he or she prescribes.
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If the pain comes back, tell your doctor
Studies have shown that shots can help relieve joint pain for as long as 4 to 6
months. Results vary from person to person. Some people may feel relief longer than
others.
If the pain comes back, tell your doctor. Some people—even those who take
medicine every day—may be able to get another shot of DEPO-MEDROL. That’s
because experts say some joints can be injected 3 to 4 times a year.
Can you get that many shots? Ask your doctor. He or she is the best person to decide
if another injection is right for you.
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Next: Prescribing Information