Prescription medicine
Methylprednisolone Brand names: Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Medrol
Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1957. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 35 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $0.121 per methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey; its other strengths are brand-only, $6.28 per Solu-medrol 40 mg vial.
- Generic listed
- In shortage
Check it at the source: the methylprednisolone FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 22, 2026, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.); the NDA 11153 record on Drugs@FDA; every methylprednisolone label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of June 22, 2026; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications and usageMethylprednisolone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1.
Forms and strengths
- 1 g
- 2 g
- 2 mg
- 4 mg
- 8 mg
- 16 mg
- 32 mg
- 40 mg
- 125 mg
- 500 mg
- 1 g/16ml
- 1 g/ml
Tablet; injection (powder) for solution; injection (suspension); injection (powder) (lyophilized) for solution; injection.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 24, 1957 Medrol, Pfizer; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 69 first March 28, 1978; 24 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 42 of which 35 under generic applications, 11 under brand applications, repackagers included
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- $0.121 per tablet Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet
- Shortage (FDA)
- 14 of 23 presentations limited or unavailable updated October 2, 2026
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- 46 since 2011 6 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest January 15, 2026; 26 more by firms not listed as its makers
- FAERS reports
- 170,232 through July 30, 2026
What is methylprednisolone used for?
From the label: indications and usageMethylprednisolone tablets are indicated in the following conditions: 1. Endocrine Disorders Primary or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency (hydrocortisone or cortisone is the first choice; synthetic analogs may be used in conjunction with mineralocorticoids where applicable; in infancy, mineralocorticoid supplementation is of particular importance). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Nonsuppurative thyroiditis Hypercalcemia associated with cancer 2. […]
Conditions named in the indications of methylprednisolone's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:
- Osteoarthritis
- Allergies
- Herpes and shingles
- Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Asthma
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Anemia
From other methylprednisolone labelsOsteoarthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (selected cases may require low-dose maintenance therapy) Ankylosing spondylitis Acute and subacute bursitis Synovitis of osteoarthritis Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis …
Allergies: Seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis Drug hypersensitivity reactions Serum sickness Contact dermatitis Bronchial asthma Atopic dermatitis 6.
Herpes and shingles: Allergic corneal marginal ulcers Herpes zoster ophthalmicus Anterior segment inflammation Diffuse posterior uveitis and choroiditis Sympathetic ophthalmia Keratitis Optic neuritis Allergic conjunctivitis Chorioretinitis Iritis and …
Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma: Leukemias and lymphomas in adults Acute leukemia of childhood 10.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis Regional enteritis 12.
Multiple sclerosis: Nervous System Acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis 13.
FDA pharmacologic class: Corticosteroid.
Source: FDA drug label (Methylprednisolone), NDA011153 (Pfizer), as published by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective June 22, 2026 (SPL set 22dd75d6-f89a-44f7-8ca6-b64c4e9806dd), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)?
The FDA approved the first generic methylprednisolone on March 28, 1978. 69 generic applications are approved; 24 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.
FDA's NDC Directory lists methylprednisolone from 35 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 11 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
- 1957 earliest approval on file
- 1978 first generic approved
- 2021 to now in shortage
- red ticks recalls
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)?
In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $0.121 per Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet, down 22% from $0.156 on October 8, 2025. Prices per unit in the table differ many-fold by strength, form and brand, so compare like with like. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.
- Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet (generic)
- Solu-medrol 40 mg vial (brand)
| Strength and form | Brand or generic | Pharmacy cost | 30 tablets, or one pen or vial | 12-month change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylprednisolone 16 mg tablet | Generic | $1.45 per tablet | $43.38 | -11% |
| Methylprednisolone 32 mg tablet | Generic | $2.75 per tablet many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | $82.65 | +10% |
| Methylprednisolone 4 mg dosepk | Generic | $0.136 per unit | n/a | +9% |
| Methylprednisolone 4 mg tablet | Generic | $0.121 per tablet | $3.63 | -22% |
| Methylprednisolone 40 mg/mL vial | Generic | $7.49 per mL | n/a | -10% |
| Methylprednisolone 400 mg/10 mL | Generic | $5.81 per mL | n/a | +2% |
| Methylprednisolone 8 mg tablet | Generic | $0.933 per tablet | $27.99 | no change |
| Methylprednisolone 80 mg/mL vial | Generic | $11.92 per mL | n/a | +5% |
| Methylprednisolone ss 125 mg | Generic | $3.27 per unit many times the lowest per-tablet cost; NADAC records the price, not why | n/a | +9% |
| Depo-medrol 40 mg/mL vial | Brand | $6.83 per mL | n/a | +1% |
| Depo-medrol 80 mg/mL vial | Brand | $11.66 per mL | n/a | +42% |
| Medrol 2 mg tablet | Brand | $1.57 per tablet | $47.11 | n/a |
| Medrol 4 mg dosepak | Brand | $0.291 per unit | n/a | -0.2% |
| Medrol 4 mg tablet | Brand | $0.245 per tablet | $7.36 | +15% |
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
Is methylprednisolone in shortage?
The FDA Drug Shortage Database lists 14 of 23 methylprednisolone presentations as limited or unavailable (updated October 2, 2026); the first entry was posted on December 15, 2021. 9 more presentations are on the list as available.
| Presentation | Company | Status | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 20 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-0274-01) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-0280-02) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-0280-03) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-0280-51) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-0280-52) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-3073-01) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-3073-03) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
| Depo-medrol, Injection, 40 mg/1 mL (NDC 0009-3073-22) | Pfizer Inc. | Current | September 21, 2026 |
Every methylprednisolone presentation in the FDA shortage database
Source: FDA Drug Shortage Database via openFDA, updated October 8, 2026
Has methylprednisolone been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 72 recalls naming methylprednisolone since 2011: 6 Class I (the most serious), 57 Class II, 9 Class III; 4 still ongoing. 26 of them are by firms that FDA's NDC Directory does not list as a maker of methylprednisolone and that hold no application for it in Drugs@FDA, such as compounding pharmacies or bulk-ingredient suppliers; the recall notice names the product recalled. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.
| Started | Class | Company | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Class II | Greenstone Llc | Labeling: Not Elsewhere Classified. Incorrect orientation of the blister foil applied to the blister cavities, which results in incorrect dosing information … |
| April 25, 2024 | Class II | Sagent Pharmaceuticals | Presence of Particulate Matter: Potential for black particulates in the drug product. |
| February 20, 2024 | Class II | Eugia US LLC | Failed Dissolution Specifications |
| May 8, 2023 | Class III | Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC | Labeling: Not Elsewhere Classified; A typographical error was observed in the NDC number on the preprinted Individual Folding Cartons (secondary packaging … |
| December 27, 2022 | Class II | Sentara Infusion Services not a listed maker | Lack of sterility assurance |
| April 13, 2022 | Class II | Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office | cGMP deviations: Temperature abuse |
| April 1, 2022 | Class III | Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Subpotent |
| December 31, 2021 | Class II | Teva Pharmaceuticals USA | Lack of Assurance of Sterility |
Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026
What does the methylprednisolone label say about other medicines?
The methylprednisolone label names 14 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 29 other medicines name methylprednisolone. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Amphotericin b | drug interactions | Amphotericin B injection and potassium-depleting agents: When corticosteroids are administered concomitantly with potassium-depleting agents (i.e., amphotericin B, diuretics), patients should be observed closely for development of hypokalemia. |
| Aspirin | drug interactions | Methylprednisolone may increase the clearance of chronic high-dose aspirin. |
| Carbamazepine | drug interactions | Hepatic Enzyme Inducers (e.g., barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin): Drugs which induce cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme activity may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased. |
| Cholestyramine | drug interactions | Cholestyramine: Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids. |
| Cortisone | warnings | Hypertension, Volume Overload, and Hypokalemia Average and large doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. |
| Cyclosporine | drug interactions | Mutual inhibition of metabolism occurs with concurrent use of cyclosporine and methylprednisolone; therefore, it is possible that adverse events associated with the individual use of either drug may be more apt to occur. |
| Erythromycin | drug interactions | Hepatic Enzyme Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and troleandomycin): |
| Hydrocortisone | warnings | Hypertension, Volume Overload, and Hypokalemia Average and large doses of hydrocortisone or cortisone can cause elevation of blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium. |
| Isoniazid | drug interactions | Antitubercular drugs: Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased. |
| Ketoconazole | drug interactions | Drugs such as troleandomycin and ketoconazole may inhibit the metabolism of methylprednisolone and thus decrease its clearance. |
| Phenobarbital | drug interactions | Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may increase the clearance of methylprednisolone and may require increases in methylprednisolone dose to achieve the desired response. |
| Phenytoin | drug interactions | Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may increase the clearance of methylprednisolone and may require increases in methylprednisolone dose to achieve the desired response. |
| Rifampin | drug interactions | Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin may increase the clearance of methylprednisolone and may require increases in methylprednisolone dose to achieve the desired response. |
| Warfarin | drug interactions | Anticoagulants, oral: Coadministration of corticosteroids and warfarin usually results in inhibition of response to warfarin, although there have been some conflicting reports. |
Other labels that name methylprednisolone
Source: FDA drug label (Methylprednisolone), NDA011153 (Pfizer), as published by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective June 22, 2026 (SPL set 22dd75d6-f89a-44f7-8ca6-b64c4e9806dd), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for methylprednisolone?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 170,232 reports that list methylprednisolone among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 27,470 are coded as a death and 70,067 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What else is labeled for the same conditions as methylprednisolone?
16 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as methylprednisolone or labeled mainly for the same use (osteoarthritis), the same class first. Osteoarthritis lists all 27 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prednisone | Osteoarthritis, Allergies, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Herpes and shingles, Multiple sclerosis, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, Anemia | 46 labelers | $0.0643 per tablet 20 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Dexamethasone | Osteoarthritis, Allergies, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Herpes and shingles, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, Anemia | 41 labelers | $0.193 per tablet 4 mg tablet | In shortage |
| Hydrocortisone | Osteoarthritis, Allergies, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Herpes and shingles, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma | 16 labelers | $0.180 per tablet 10 mg tablet | A presentation being discontinued |
| Prednisolone | Osteoarthritis, Allergies, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Herpes and shingles, Multiple sclerosis, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, Anemia | 23 labelers | $0.568 per mL 15 mg/5 mL solution | No current entry |
| Budesonide | Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis | 14 labelers | $0.498 per capsule 3 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Cortisone | Osteoarthritis, Allergies, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Herpes and shingles, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma | 1 labeler | n/a | No current entry |
| Celecoxib | Osteoarthritis | 65 labelers | $0.0762 per capsule 200 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Meloxicam | Osteoarthritis | 43 labelers | $0.0166 per tablet 7.5 mg tablet | No current entry |
Every medicine labeled for the same conditions as methylprednisolone
Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)
How does methylprednisolone compare with medicines for the same use?
11 side-by-side pages set methylprednisolone beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.
What next?
- Alternatives to methylprednisolone
- 16 medicines for the same use
- Other corticosteroids
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Methylprednisolone side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Methylprednisolone shortage record
- every presentation, company and date
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other