Methylprednisolone (WOW, an impressive word!) is served up in a package of 21 four milligram (mg) pills (Medrol Dose Pak) with specific instructions as to when to take each pill. One time a nurse told me to start the pack the next day as the instructions start before breakfast and that would be the only way I could follow the instructions. I would have to wait through the night before I could start resolving my problem.

This time around I saw written on the package that all six tablets in the first row for the first day should be taken on the day you receive your prescription even though you may not receive it until late in the day. All 6 pills may be taken at once on the first day or divided into doses for the remainder of the day.

I have had this prescription twice for inflamed salivary glands after thyroid cancer treatment and twice for RA flares. I call it a miracle drug as it is so effective. My joints still hurt when I get out of bed in the morning, but I feel a lot better. Joint swelling is minimal. Pain is minimal. I have renewed energy. I feel human again.

I normally take 5 mg prednisone daily. So I was wondering what the equivalent strength of methylprednisolone was to regular prednisone.

5 mg prednisone is equal to 4 mg methylprednisolone.

There are equivalent calculators on the internet. Google it. So on the first day of my Medrol Dose Pak I was taking 30 mg of prednisone. Not so bad. The last day I am back to my normal of 5 mg.

My doctor says I manage my RA well. I appreciate her feedback. It is a tough disease. It is long and persistent as are many others. It doesn’t happen suddenly. Then you are treated and then you are done with it. It is something that is lived with for the long haul with all its ups and downs. I appreciate having tools such as the Medrol Pak for times of need. The RA toolbox has many tools and the Medrol Pak is a good one to have in it.