If you are someone who is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, then you must have heard about the common discussion going on in the world of medicines about the better medication for RA. So, which one is better between methylprednisolone vs prednisone, for treating rheumatoid arthritis?
In case you are someone who wants to know the answer to this, you have reached the right place. In this article, I will be talking about which medicine is better for the treatment of RA. So, keep reading till the end to learn more…
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Before talking about the comparison and difference between methylprednisolone vs prednisone, let me tell you a little about what rheumatoid arthritis is.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases which affects the joints and bones of the body. This is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints of mainly the hands and the feet.
Just as in the case of any autoimmune disease, the immune system of the body attacks the healthy tissues of the joints in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. As a result of this, you can experience painful swellings over a long period of time.
Methylprednisolone Vs Prednisone
Thankfully, there are a number of medicines that are available to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Two of the most common ones are methylprednisolone and prednisone.
Keep scrolling to learn more about them…
Methylprednisolone: What Is It?
One of the most popular medicines that are used to treat arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is methylprednisolone. It is a corticosteroid that is used to control the defective immune system of the body and prevents it from attacking the healthy tissues of the joints.
This medicine is available in the form of an injectable as well as an oral solution. It can also be taken in the form of a tablet. Some of the popular brand names under which this medicine or drug is found are Medrol and Solu-Medrol.
Methylprednisolone: Side Effects
There are a number of side effects that this medicine causes. And these side effects can be both mild or severe. Some of the common side effects of methylprednisolone are as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased sweating
- Changes in appetite
- Heartburn
- Acne
Here are some of the serious side effects of methylprednisolone that you need to take a look at:
- Rose in blood sugar
- Unusual weight gain
- Depression
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Extreme joint pain
- Slow wound healing
- Seizures.
Prednisone: What Is It?
Similar to methylprednisolone, prednisone is also a corticosteroid that is prescribed to patients who are suffering from arthritis. And more specifically, from rheumatoid arthritis. However, that is not the only condition this drug is used for. It also treats other immune system disorders, cancer, allergies, and even breathing problems.
Unlike methylprednisolone, prednisone is not available as an injectable. However, it is available in the form of oral solution as well as in the form of oral tablets. The brand that sells this drug is Rayos.
Prednisone: Side Effects
Similar to methylprednisolone, there are a number of side effects that may arise when you take prednisone. Some of the common side effects of taking prednisone are as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Increased sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Acne
Here are some of the serious side effects of taking prednisone that you need to take a look at:
- Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
- Muscle cramps
- Unusual weight gain
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Mental health or mood swings
- Abdominal pain.
Methylprednisolone Vs Prednisone: Similarities
If you are searching for the similarities between methylprednisolone and prednisone, the first and the most important of them all is the fact that both of them are corticosteroids. This means they have almost similar effects on the body.
Both the medicines work to reduce the inflammation of the bones and to suppress the immune system of the body so that they do not end up fighting the healthy tissues.
Not only do these medicines work to do the same thing, but they also have similar side effects. For example, the common side effects of both the medicines are also similar. They include irritability, agitation, and indigestion. They also lead to the growth of facial hair in women and an increase in blood pressure.
Methylprednisolone Vs Prednisone: Differences
However, there are a number of differences between the two as well. The first and the most obvious difference between these two is the fact that they have different brand names. While the common brand name for prednisone is Rayos, that for methylprednisolone is Medrol.
There is another difference between these two medicines. And that is the nature in which they are available. So, for example, while methylprednisolone is available in the form of a tablet and injectable, prednisone is available in the form of a tablet and an oral solution.
However, there is another difference between the two medicines. The main difference between methylprednisolone and prednisone is the fact that one is slightly stronger and more effective than the other. But that also depends on the form of the drug that you are taking.
Methylprednisolone Vs Prednisone: Which One Should You Choose?
| Point of comparison | Methylprednisolone | Prednisone |
| Drug type | Corticosteroid | Corticosteroid |
| Brand name | Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol | Rayos |
| Form | oral tablet, oral solution, injectable | Oral tablet, oral solution |
| Term of treatment | short term | short term |
| Side effects | Headache, nausea, indigestion acne | Loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, acne, nausea |
This is one of the things that mostly affects people who are choosing the medicines. So, which one should you choose?
If the infection and the pain are more, then you might be thinking about choosing methylprednisolone in the form of an injectable. This helps in reducing the symptoms and inflammation of the patient. It also provides much quicker relief.
However, if a child is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, you should opt for prednisone. This is because the oral solution of prednisone is much more effective and less harmful than oral methylprednisolone.
Wrapping It Up!
Both the medicines methylprednisolone and prednisone are prescribed for treating rheumatoid arthritis. In this condition, the immune system of the body starts attacking the healthy tissues of the joints and causes inflammation.
If you are searching for a comparison between methylprednisolone vs prednisone, I hope that this article has been of help to you. In case there are any other things that you need help with, feel free to ask me in the comment box at the bottom of the page.
Read Also:
