Depo Medrone

Depo-MedroneV Questions

What conditions does Depo-Medrone V treat?

In dogs and cats, it is used to treat inflammatory and allergic conditions such as skin, eye, ear conditions and other diseases such as autoimmune disorders that respond to corticosteroids. In horses it is used to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

How does Depo-MedroneV work?

It contains Methylprednisolone Acetate which has anti-inflammtory effects.

How should I administer Depo-MedroneV to my pet?

Your vet will inject this medication for your pet so you will not normally be doing this yourself.

What is the correct dosage of Depo-MedroneV for my animal's weight and species?

The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.

How long should I continue with Depo-MedroneV for?

Your vet may want to repeat injections of the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Depo-MedroneV?

If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when your pet should be given the next dose.

Where can I buy Depo-MedroneV?
Usually your vet will purchase the drug from their wholesaler and administer the drug themselves by injection to your pet and other pets, until the bottle is empty, or discard it after 28 days from the date of opening it.

Does Depo-MedroneV need a prescription?

Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V.

NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Depo-MedroneV

Depo Medrone Datasheet

Are there any side-effects of Depo- Medrone V?

Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone, are known to exert a wide range of side-effects. Whilst single high doses are generally well tolerated, they may induce severe side-effects in long term use and when esters possessing a long duration of action are administered. Dosage in medium to long term use should therefore generally be kept to the minimum necessary to control clinical signs. The continued or prolonged use of this product is not generally recommended.

Steroids themselves, during treatment, may cause Cushingoid symptoms involving significant alteration of fat, carbohydrate, protein and mineral metabolism, e.g. redistribution of body fat, muscle weakness and wastage and osteoporosis may result. During therapy effective doses suppress the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal axis. Following cessation of treatment, signs of adrenal insufficiency extending to adrenocorticol atrophy can arise and this may render the animal unable to deal adequately with stressful situations. Consideration should therefore be given to means of minimising problems of adrenal insufficiency following the withdrawal of treatment, e.g. a gradual reduction of dosage (for further discussion see standard texts).

Systemically administered corticosteroids may cause polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased drinking) and polyphagia (increased hunger), particularly during the early stages of therapy. Some corticosteroids may cause sodium and water retention and hypokalaemia in long term use. Locally applied steroids may cause thinning of the skin and systemic corticosteroids have caused deposition of calcium in the skin (calcinosis cutis).

There are risks associated with the use, especially systemically, of corticosteroids during pregnancy. The safety of methylprednisolone in canine, feline and equine pregnancy has not been established. Systemic activity of corticosteroids in early pregnancy is known to have caused foetal abnormalities in laboratory animals and in late pregnancy may cause early parturition or abortion.

Corticosteroids may delay wound healing and the immunosuppressant actions may weaken resistance to or exacerbate existing infections. In the presence of bacterial infection, anti-bacterial drug cover is usually required when steroids are used. In the presence of viral infections, steroids may worsen or hasten the progress of the disease.

Systemic corticosteroid therapy is generally contra-indicated in patients with renal diseases and diabetes mellitus. Gastrointestinal ulceration has been reported in animals treated with corticosteroids and gastrointestinal ulceration may be exacerbated by steroids in patients given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and in corticosteroid treated animals with spinal cord trauma. Steroids may cause enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) with increased serum hepatic enzymes.

The product is contra-indicated for the treatment of laminitis in horses. Additionally it should be noted that use of the product in horses for other conditions could induce laminitis and careful observations during the treatment period should be made.

During a course of treatment, the clinical condition of the animal should be reviewed regularly by close veterinary supervision.

What is Depo- MedroneV?

It is an injectable corticosteroid, licensed for use in dogs, cats, horses and other Equidae.

How long does it take for Depo-MedroneV to work?

It can take 12-24 hours to see some improvement.

How long does Depo-MedroneV Injection last?

The period varies, it averages 3-4 weeks with a range of 1-5 weeks.

Can you give Depo-MedroneV as an IV?

No.

Can Depo-MedroneV be given for hay fever?

If your vet feels that your dog or cat has hay fever, then they may recommend it.

Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.