How do I order a Medrol (methylprednisolone) pack?

How to Order a Medrol (Methylprednisolone) Dose Pack

To order a Medrol dose pack, prescribe methylprednisolone 4 mg tablets in the standard DOSEPAK™ unit of use containing 21 tablets (NDC 59762-4440-2) with instructions to follow the tapered dosing schedule over 6 days. 1

Standard Medrol Dose Pack Information

• The Medrol dose pack contains 21 tablets of 4 mg methylprednisolone with a standardized 6-day tapering schedule 2
• The typical dosing follows this pattern:
  • Day 1: 24 mg (6 tablets) - taken as 2 tablets at breakfast, 1 at lunch, 1 at dinner, and 2 at bedtime 3
  • Day 2: 20 mg (5 tablets)
  • Day 3: 16 mg (4 tablets)
  • Day 4: 12 mg (3 tablets)
  • Day 5: 8 mg (2 tablets)
  • Day 6: 4 mg (1 tablet) 2

Prescription Writing Guidelines

• Write "Medrol Dose Pack" or "Methylprednisolone Dose Pack" on the prescription 1
• Include "Dispense as written" to ensure the patient receives the pre-packaged dose pack 1
• Specify "Take as directed per package instructions" 1
• No refills are typically needed for acute conditions 2

Clinical Considerations

• The standard Medrol dose pack provides a total of 84 mg methylprednisolone over 6 days, equivalent to approximately 105 mg of prednisone 3, 2
• This dosage may be insufficient for certain inflammatory conditions compared to recommended therapeutic doses 3, 2
• For more severe conditions, consider prescribing a higher dose or longer duration of methylprednisolone 3

Important Monitoring and Precautions

• Monitor for common side effects including elevated blood sugar, increased thirst, and sleep disturbances 2
• Caution patients about potential adverse effects including hyperglycemia, weight gain, and mood changes 1
• The FDA recommends that dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized based on the disease being treated and patient response 1

Alternative Dosing Considerations

• For more severe conditions requiring higher doses, methylprednisolone tablets are also available in 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg strengths 1
• For acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, higher doses equivalent to 200 mg prednisolone daily for a week followed by 80 mg every other day for 1 month may be needed 1
• For conditions requiring longer treatment, consider alternate day therapy to minimize adrenal suppression 1

Remember that the Medrol dose pack provides only short-term corticosteroid therapy and may not be appropriate for all inflammatory conditions requiring steroid treatment 3, 2.