Solumedrol

What is Solumedrol®?

Solumedrol® (methylprednisolone sodium succinate) is a potent corticosteroid medication used to treat acute inflammatory conditions and severe allergic reactions in adults and children. At Advanced Neurology, we primarily use Solumedrol infusion to treat acute inflammatory relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS), where it quickly reduces inflammation in the central nervous system.

Unlike maintenance therapies that patients receive regularly, Solumedrol is typically used as an acute or emergency treatment to address sudden flare-ups of neurological symptoms. Its rapid anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects make it a critical tool for managing MS relapses and other severe neurological inflammatory conditions.

Solu-Medrol IV infusion is administered at our specialized infusion center. The treatment protocol varies based on the specific condition and severity:

Typical Solu-Medrol Infusion Schedules:

  • Acute MS relapses: Once daily for 3-5 consecutive days
  • Severe acute conditions: May be repeated every few hours for up to a couple of days
  • Other inflammatory neurological conditions: Customized based on your specific needs

Infusion Duration:

  • Lower doses are typically administered over a shorter period
  • Higher doses (pulse therapy) are infused over a longer duration to minimize risk of adverse effects
  • Most infusions are completed within 30 minutes to 2 hours

How does Solumedrol® work?

In multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory neurological conditions, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissue in the central nervous system. This inflammation can damage the myelin sheath (the protective covering around nerves) and the nerves themselves, leading to acute symptoms such as vision loss, numbness, weakness, coordination problems, or cognitive difficulties during a relapse or flare-up.

Solumedrol contains methylprednisolone, a potent corticosteroid hormone that works through multiple mechanisms:

  • Rapidly suppresses immune response: Quickly reduces the activity of immune cells attacking the nervous system
  • Decreases inflammation: Reduces swelling and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
  • Stabilizes cell membranes: Helps prevent further damage to nerve cells
  • Provides neuroprotective effects: Inhibits harmful biological processes that can cause additional nerve damage
  • Reduces blood-brain barrier permeability: Helps limit immune cell access to the central nervous system

What makes Solumedrol particularly valuable in neurological care is its rapid onset of action. When administered intravenously, Solumedrol begins working within hours, with effects often demonstrable within one hour and sometimes as quickly as 15 minutes in acute scenarios. The full anti-inflammatory effects generally reach their maximum benefit within 1 to 3 days.

This quick action is crucial during MS relapses, where prompt treatment can help shorten the duration and severity of symptoms, potentially reducing long-term disability. While Solumedrol does not cure MS or prevent future relapses, it serves as a critical intervention to manage acute inflammatory episodes and help patients recover more quickly from flare-ups.

Common Solu-Medrol infusion side effects include:

  • Weight gain and increased appetite
  • Fluid retention and swelling
  • Mood changes (mood swings, anxiety, trouble sleeping)
  • Stomach discomfort, heartburn, or nausea
  • Skin changes (thinning, bruising easily, acne)
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Muscle weakness or pain
  • Increased blood sugar levels
  • Changes in menstrual periods

Serious Solu-Medrol infusion side effects require immediate medical attention:

  • Severe allergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat
  • Signs of infection: Fever, chills, persistent sore throat, wounds that won't heal
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, vomiting blood
  • Heart problems: Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath
  • Vision problems: Blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights
  • Neurological changes: Severe depression, personality changes, seizures
  • Low potassium signs: Leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness
  • Liver problems: Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain

Your healthcare team will monitor you closely during and after each Solumedrol infusion to ensure your safety and manage any side effects.

How much does Solumedrol® cost?

Solumedrol infusion cost can vary depending on several factors including insurance status and insurance provider. Our team at Advanced Neurology of Colorado is committed to lowering costs and improving access for our patients.

We work with virtually all leading commercial insurance providers in Northern Colorado as well as Medicaid and Medicare. 

We're here to make treatment more affordable and less stressful, which means our team will help: 

  • Handle all prior authorizations and benefits verification
  • Provide clear information about expected out-of-pocket costs
  • Guide you through copay assistance and foundation support programs
  • Explore all available financial options to reduce your treatment costs

Why Patients Choose Advanced Neurology of Colorado's Infusion Center to Receive Their Solumedrol® Infusion:

Clinical Excellence and Neurological Expertise

Our infusion center is proud to have board-certified neurologists on-site, along with a team of BSN-prepared and Registered Nurses that specialize in infusion care for neurological conditions, all committed to delivering the highest standard of care for our patients.

Our comprehensive neurological care extends beyond infusion therapy to include diagnosis and management of myasthenia gravis, neuropathy, and other conditions. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools like electromyography to provide complete neurological care in one location.

Lower Costs and Financial Assistance

We handle prior-authorization, benefits verification, and guide patients through copay assistance and foundation programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additional financial help may be available if you qualify — just ask, and we’ll help you explore every option.

A Cigna report recently found that with a physician-owned infusion site, like Advanced Neurology of Colorado's Infusion Center, patients see much lower out-of-pocket and overall costs than they would at a hospital outpatient infusion center.

Established leader in MS & Neurological care

With 20+ years in Colorado, we've served thousands of individuals with MS and other neurological disorders. Our decades of experience treating acute MS relapses means we understand the anxiety and urgency that comes with sudden symptom flare-ups. Our team has the expertise to quickly assess your condition, determine the appropriate treatment protocol, and provide supportive care throughout your recovery.

Learn more about Infusion Therapy at ANC

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Important Info

Referral Form:
Solumedrol
What It Treats:

Hypersensitivity and dermatologic conditions:

-Status asthmaticus

- Anaphylactic reactions

- Drug reactions

- Contact dermatitis

- Urticaria

- Generalized neurodermatitis

- Reactions to insect bites

- Pemphigus foliaceous and vulgaris

- Exfoliative dermatitis

- Erythema multiforme

- Acute systemic lupus erythematosus

- Acute rheumatic fever

- Acute gout

- Ulcerative colitis

FDA Approval:

June 19, 2025

Manufacturer:

Pfizer Canada ULC

What Our Patients Have to Say

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.

“Amazing. I have been with other Doctors at this practice as well but I had an amazing experience with Dr. Lackey specifically. Very attentive and friendly to work with! Highly recommend!”

Payton E.

"No-nonsense. Dr. Dasari's neuropathy staging system helped us prioritize treatments."

Carlos J.

"Migraine magician - Botox + Nurtec combo cut my headache days from 25/month to 4. His headache diary app makes tracking effortless."

Priya N.

“Dr. Dasari has been a God-send for my MS. He is incredibly knowledgeable and makes me feel heard. He allocates his time for me as a patient and I know I couldn’t manage this disease without him!”

Courtney P.

"Brutally honest - Wish she'd sugarcoat less, but her MG treatment plan stopped my hospitalizations. Clinical trials access is a plus."

Patient

"MG crisis hero - Got me into the hospital for IVIG within 4 hours during a bulbar crisis. Her fellow even checked on me at midnight."

Diane K.

"ALS guardian - Coordinates with my pulmonologist, PT, and speech therapist in one shared portal. Her ALS Functional Rating Scale checks keep us proactive."

Thomas W.

“Dr. Yang is nothing but amazing! She has helped me so much with a diagnosis that moved my world upside down. She treats my almost daily migraines as well. She and her team will do what they can to get me the medication I need! She is very compassionate and kind!”

Courtney B.

"Spotless floors, sanitizer everywhere, and masks required. Felt very safe."

Mark J.

"Courtney Weir is an amazing medical professional! She is thorough and addresses all my questions. Each visit she remembers not only me, but asks about my family - above and beyond client care. I love having her, best provider by far! Can't recommend her enough."

Amy H.

"I feel confident knowing I'm in capable hands and truly appreciate the thoughtful, attentive care Dr. Dasari provides. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking comprehensive and compassionate neurological care."

Heather L.

"The MA Jess noticed I was anxious and brought me a weighted blanket. Above and beyond!"

Rachel L.

"Billing is transparent—no surprise charges like at my last neuro."

Daniel R.

"ANC’s telehealth option saved me a 2-hour drive. Seamless tech setup!"

Sophia K.

"The only neurology clinic I’ve been to where you don’t feel like just a number."

Linda H.

"ANC runs like a well-oiled machine. Appointments start on time, and the staff remembers me every visit."

Robert P.