NUCORT M 40 Injection 1’s

INTRODUCTION

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION contains Methylprednisolone which belongs to the group of medicines called Corticosteroids. It is used to treat problematic conditions of the adrenal glands (such as adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and nonsuppurative thyroiditis).

It can also be used to treat various inflammatory auto-immune disease conditions affecting the bones and joints (Ex. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), skin and collagen (Ex. severe erythema multiforme), eyes (Ex. optic neuritis, uveitis or iritis), respiratory tract (Ex. asthma, tuberculosis), blood or blood vessels (Ex. leukemia), bowel and gut (Ex. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and brain (Ex. tuberculous meningitis).

It is also indicated in the treatment of drug induced hypersensitivity reactions and in other allergic conditions (such as atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis). It also helps in the prevention of graft rejection following organ transplantation, reduce flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and reduces protein loss in urine among patients having kidney problems (such as nephrotic syndrome).

Before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION inform your doctor if you any viral infections, or any liver, kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have hypertension, diabetes, thyroid deficiency, glaucoma, skin problem, gut inflammation, muscle problems, osteoporosis, any types of tumors or cancer in the body, depression or any other forms of mental illness.

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with severe fungal infections, brain swelling due to malaria, or brain injury or stroke. It should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION as it may lead to unwanted side effects.

The most common side effects of receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION are high blood pressure, swelling of body parts, muscle cramps or weakness, skin thinning, feeling sad or depressed and slowed growth in children. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

You must also inform your doctor if you experience severe depression with suicidal thoughts or severe stomach pain with blood-stained stools or vomit after receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION.

USES OF NUCORT M 40 INJECTION

It is used to treat the following disease conditions:

Adrenal insufficiency and its associated conditions
Bone and joint problems (Ex. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
Skin and collagen disorders (Ex. severe erythema multiforme)
Eye problems (Ex. optic neuritis, uveitis or iritis)
Respiratory tract diseases (Ex. asthma, tuberculosis)
Blood cancer (leukemia), lymph cancer (lymphoma)
Problems of bowel and gut (Ex. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Brain problems (Ex. tuberculous meningitis)
Drug induced hypersensitivity reactions
Allergic reactions (such as atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis)

It can also:

Prevent graft rejection following organ transplantation
Reduce flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and other stressful conditions
Improve urine output or reduce protein loss in urine among patients having nephrotic syndrome
HOW NUCORT M 40 INJECTION WORKS

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is a corticosteroid medicine with anti-inflammatory and immune suppressant properties. It boosts your body with sufficient corticosteroid levels (cortisol, aldosterone) during deficient conditions and helps your body to function properly.

It also reduces the release of certain chemicals (prostaglandins) in the body that causes pain, swelling and inflammation. It prevents graft rejection by suppressing the immune functions and protects your kidney from damage in patients with kidney problems.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the muscle (intramuscularly) or into the vein (intravenously). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF NUCORT M 40 INJECTION
COMMON
High blood pressure (causing headache, or a general feeling of being unwell)
Swelling of body parts
Muscle cramps, weakness or wasting
Cataract, blurred vision
Slowed growth in children
Moon shaped face (Cushingoid facies)
Feeling sad, mood changes, mania, anxiety
Problems in sleeping
Difficulty in thinking, confusion, loss of memory, hallucinations
Fear or frightening thoughts
Acne, poor wound healing
Skin thinning
RARE

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects while undergoing therapy with NUCORT M 40 INJECTION:

Signs of allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, blistering and peeling of the skin, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, throat which may lead to breathing difficulties)
Signs of bleeding in the gut (such as stomach pain which radiates until your back, bleeding from the anus, black or blood-stained stools, blood in vomit)
Increased infections causing fever or a general feeling of being unwell
Signs of flare up of a previous tuberculosis infection (such as coughing blood or pain in the chest)
Signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas causing severe stomach pain and vomiting)
Signs of blood clot in lungs (such as sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood)
Signs of increased pressure within the skull (such as severe headaches with vomiting, lack of energy and drowsiness) usually occurs once therapy is stopped
Thrombophlebitis (blood clots in vein supplying the legs causing leg pain, swelling, redness and tenderness)
Feeling depressed, suicidal thoughts
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, inform your doctor before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

BREASTFEEDING

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used in breastfeeding women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, inform your doctor before receiving it.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness after receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION.

ALCOHOL

Avoid consumption of alcohol while receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION as it may make you feel drowsier.

KIDNEY

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

LIVER

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

ALLERGY

Talk to your doctor before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION if you are allergic to Methylprednisolone.

LUNGS

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with fungal infection of the lungs. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

HEART DISEASE

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with heart problems (such as recent heart attack or heart failure). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

OTHERS

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is not recommended for use if you:

Have a widespread fungal infection (including thrush)
Got vaccinated recently or scheduled for any upcoming vaccinations
Are receiving treatment for brain swelling caused due to malaria
Are suffering from brain injury or stroke

Before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION, inform your doctor if you:

Have or had been in contact with someone who has chickenpox, measles or shingles
Have worm infestation (Ex. thread worm infection)
Have or ever had severe depression or bipolar disorder
Have a family history of mental illness
Have diabetes or a family history of diabetes
Have fits
Have or have a family history of glaucoma
Have viral or fungal infections of the eyes
Have hypertension (high blood pressure)
Have underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
Have joint infection
Have scleroderma (an autoimmune disorder causing skin tightness, cold extremities, joint pain and heart burn)
Have Kaposi’s sarcoma (a type of skin cancer)
Have any muscle problems (Ex. myasthenia gravis)
Have osteoporosis (brittle bones)
Have pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands)
Have skin abscess
Have stomach ulcer or other serious stomach or intestinal problems
Have thrombophlebitis (clots in veins)
Have or had tuberculosis
Have Cushing’s disease
Have brain injury due to trauma
Have any unusual stress
Have inflammation of the pancreas
Have septic shock
Are scheduled for any upcoming surgery (including dental surgery)

Use in pediatrics:

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used in infants, children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Use in geriatrics:

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug – Drug interactions:

Before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

Acetazolamide (a medicine used to treat glaucoma or edema)
Aminoglutethimide or cyclophosphamide (used for treating cancer)
Anticoagulants (used for blood thinning) such as acenocoumarol, phenindione and warfarin
Anti-cholinergic medicines used to treat myasthenia gravis (such as distigmine and neostigmine)
Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (Ex. isoniazid, erythromycin, clarithromycin and troleandomycin)
Medicines used to treat diabetes (Ex. metformin, glipizide)
Aprepitant or fosaprepitant (used to prevent nausea and vomiting)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (used for fever and pain relief) such as aspirin, ibuprofen
Medicines used to treat epilepsy (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and primidone)
Carbenoxolone and cimetidine (used to treat stomach ulcer and acid reflux)
Ciclosporin, tacrolimus (medicines used to suppress immune function and to prevent graft rejection)
Medicines used to treat chest pain, hypertension or irregular heartbeat (such as digoxin, diltiazem or mibefradil)
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Ex. ethinylestridiol and norethisterone
Medicines used to treat HIV infection (such as ritonavir, indinavir, cobicistat)
Medicines used to treat fungal infection (such as ketoconazole, amphotericin B, itraconazole)
Muscle relaxants (Ex. pancuronium or vecuronium)
Diuretics (used to treat edema and hypertension) Ex. furosemide, chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide
Medicines used to treat asthma (such as aminophylline, salmeterol, formoterol)
Rifampicin and rifabutin (used to treat tuberculosis)
Live vaccines

B. Drug – Food interaction:

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while undergoing therapy with NUCORT M 40 INJECTION as it may lead to unwanted side effects.

Overdosage:

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms.

SYNOPSIS
Drug :   Methylprednisolone
Pharmacological Category :   Synthetic Glucocorticoids
Therapeutic Indication :   Adrenal insufficiency, Auto Immune Disease, Allergic reactions, Prevent graft rejection, Proteinuria
Dosage Forms :   Tablet, Injection, Cream, Lotion
MORE INFORMATION
Keep NUCORT M 40 INJECTION out of reach of children
Store NUCORT M 40 INJECTION at room temperature
FAQs ABOUT NUCORT M 40 INJECTION

What is NUCORT M 40 INJECTION used for?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is a corticosteroid medicine used to treat adrenal insufficiency. It can also be used to treat drug induced hypersensitivity reactions, allergic reactions and various inflammatory auto-immune disease conditions affecting the skin, collagen, bones and joints, brain, gut, eyes etc. It also helps in prevention of graft rejection following organ transplantation, reduces flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and increases urine output among patients with kidney problems.

How to take NUCORT M 40 INJECTION?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is not meant for self-administration. It will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the muscle (intramuscularly) or into the vein (intravenously).

Is NUCORT M 40 INJECTION a steroid?

Yes. NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is synthetic corticosteroid used to treat problems of adrenal gland and various allergic, hypersensitivity and inflammatory autoimmune disease conditions.

What are the most common side effects of NUCORT M 40 INJECTION?

The most common side effects of receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION are high blood pressure, swelling of body parts, muscle cramps or weakness, skin thinning, feeling sad or depressed and slowed growth in children. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

Can NUCORT M 40 INJECTION make you feel high?

Yes. NUCORT M 40 INJECTION may make you feel high. Such symptoms may disappear once the therapy has been stopped. However, consult your doctor if it bothers you.

How does NUCORT M 40 INJECTION works?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION boosts your body with sufficient corticosteroid levels and helps your body to function properly. It also reduces the release of certain chemicals in the body that causes inflammation. It also prevents graft rejection by suppressing the immune functions and protects your kidney from damage in patients with kidney problems.

How long will it take for NUCORT M 40 INJECTION to control my disease?

The time taken by NUCORT M 40 INJECTION to control the disease may vary from person-to-person depending upon the dose of methylprednisolone administered and disease severity.

Is NUCORT M 40 INJECTION safe to use in diabetic patients?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION may alter the blood sugar levels in your body. Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor if you have diabetes before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION as a precaution.

Who should not take NUCORT M 40 INJECTION?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with serious fungal infections, brain swelling due to malaria or brain injury or stroke. It is also not suitable for use in patients who got vaccinated recently.

Can I receive NUCORT M 40 INJECTION daily?

Your doctor will evaluate your health condition and suggests whether can you receive NUCORT M 40 INJECTION every day or not.

Can NUCORT M 40 INJECTION be used in children?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Will NUCORT M 40 INJECTION alter the effects of birth control pills?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION may reduce the effects of birth control pills. Therefore, try to avoid taking birth control pills along with NUCORT M 40 INJECTION. Consult your doctor for advice.

Can NUCORT M 40 INJECTION be used in pregnant women?

NUCORT M 40 INJECTION should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, inform your doctor before receiving NUCORT M 40 INJECTION if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Corticosteroids. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth Edition. 2019. Page – 313.

2. Antonio Ocejo, Ricardo Correa. Methylprednisolone. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. [Revised in December 2021]. [Accessed on 12th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544340/

3. Maryam Edalatifard, Maryam Akhtari, Mohammadreza Salehi, Zohre Naderi, Ahmadreza Jamshidi, Shayan Mostafaei, Seyed Reza Najafizadeh, Elham Farhadi, Nooshin Jalili, Masoud Esfahani, Besharat Rahimi, Hossein Kazemzadeh, Maedeh Mahmoodi Aliabadi, Tooba Ghazanfari, Mohammadreza Sattarian, Hourvash Ebrahimi Louyeh, Seyed Reza Raeeskarami, Saeidreza Jamalimoghadamsiahkali, Nasim Khajavirad, Mahdi Mahmoudi and Abdolrahman Rostamian. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse as a treatment for hospitalised severe COVID-19 patients: results from a randomised controlled clinical trial. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. December 2020. [Accessed on 12th October 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7758541/

4. Biomendi, S.A. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2016] [Accessed on 12th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5993.pdf

5. Pharmacia NV/SA. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2021] [Accessed on 12th October 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1550.pdf

6. Pfizer. U.S Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in July 2014] [Accessed on 12th October 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/011757s103lbl.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Absolute Eosinophil Count
Anti-Nuclear Antibody
Anti-ds-DNA Antibody
Anti-ds-DNA Antibody-IFA
Peripheral Smear Examination
Total IgE
Country Of Origin
India