Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Composition of Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Cartipred 8 mg Tablet contains Methylprednisolone (8mg). It belongs to the Glucocorticoid class of medicines.

Uses of Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

• Treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• severe allergies
• asthma/COPD exacerbations
• skin disorders (eczema/dermatitis)
• inflammatory bowel disease flares
• and other steroid-responsive conditions as prescribed.

Key benefits

• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Controls allergic reactions
• Suppresses overactive immune response
• Relieves symptoms in steroid-responsive disorders

How Cartipred 8 mg Tablet works

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by suppressing the release of inflammatory mediators and decreasing immune system activity. It relieves swelling, redness, itching and allergic symptoms in steroid-responsive diseases.

How to take Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Take exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Usually taken by mouth with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, preferably in the morning. Do not stop suddenly; dose should be tapered under medical supervision.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Most side effects of Cartipred are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Indigestion
• nausea
• increased appetite
• weight gain
• mood changes
• insomnia
• headache
• increased blood sugar
• fluid retention
• increased blood pressure

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Prescription-only steroid. Do not use without medical advice. Long-term/high-dose use may cause adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, cataract/glaucoma, muscle weakness, and increased risk of infections. Seek medical help for fever, sore throat or signs of infection. Use caution in diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, osteoporosis, glaucoma, liver/kidney disease, and psychiatric illness. Avoid live vaccines during therapy. Do not stop abruptly after prolonged use; taper required.

Do not take Cartipred if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment.

Interactions with other medicines

NSAIDs (increased GI bleeding risk), anticoagulants like warfarin (altered INR), antidiabetics/insulin (may need higher doses), diuretics (hypokalemia), rifampicin/phenytoin/carbamazepine (reduced steroid effect), ketoconazole/clarithromycin (increased steroid levels), cyclosporine (increased toxicity), live vaccines (risk of infection)

How to store Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Cartipred 8 mg Tablet

Take the whole daily dose in the morning with food, unless your doctor directs otherwise — this suits the body's own rhythm and helps you sleep. Carry a steroid card or note if you are on a long course. Watch your salt, sugar and weight during the course.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

EAST WEST PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Corticosteroid (Anti-inflammatory/Immunosuppressant)

Drug class:

Glucocorticoid