Depo-Medrol Is an Injectable Corticosteroid Used to Treat Inflammation, Joint Pain, and Allergic Conditions

If your doctor has mentioned Depo-Medrol, you probably have questions. What is it? What does it treat? How is it given? This guide covers everything you need to know about Depo-Medrol in 2026, including its uses, dosage, cost, and availability.

What Is Depo-Medrol?

Depo-Medrol is the brand name for Methylprednisolone Acetate, an injectable suspension that belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids (specifically, glucocorticoids). It is manufactured by Pfizer and has been FDA-approved for decades.

Depo-Medrol is not a controlled substance. It's available as a generic (Methylprednisolone Acetate) from multiple manufacturers. Related brand names include Medrol (oral tablets) and Solu-Medrol (intravenous form), though Depo-Medrol specifically refers to the injectable suspension used for joint, soft tissue, and intramuscular injections.

It comes in three strengths:

• 20 mg/mL injectable suspension
• 40 mg/mL injectable suspension
• 80 mg/mL injectable suspension

Both single-dose and multi-dose vials are available.

What Is Depo-Medrol Used For?

Depo-Medrol is approved by the FDA to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions:

Joint and Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis (synovitis)
• Acute gouty arthritis
• Bursitis (acute and subacute)
• Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis

Allergic Conditions

• Severe asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Drug hypersensitivity reactions
• Serum sickness

Skin Conditions

• Pemphigus
• Severe erythema multiforme
• Exfoliative erythroderma
• Alopecia areata (intralesional injection)
• Keloids (intralesional injection)
• Psoriatic plaques (intralesional injection)

Other Conditions

• Endocrine disorders (adrenocortical insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia)
• Gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis)
• Blood disorders (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia)
• Neoplastic diseases (palliative management of leukemias and lymphomas)
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Respiratory diseases (sarcoidosis, berylliosis)
• Eye diseases (uveitis, temporal arteritis)

Off-Label Uses

Doctors also commonly use Depo-Medrol off-label for:

• Trigger point injections
• Carpal tunnel syndrome injections
• Plantar fasciitis injections
• Frozen shoulder injections
• Epidural steroid injections (controversial — see warnings below)

How Is Depo-Medrol Given?

Depo-Medrol is administered by injection only — it must be given by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. It is not something you take at home. The injection routes include:

• Intra-articular — directly into a joint (most common for arthritis)
• Intramuscular — into a muscle (for systemic conditions like severe allergies)
• Soft tissue — into areas around tendons, bursae, or other inflamed tissues
• Intralesional — directly into a skin lesion (for keloids, alopecia areata, psoriatic plaques)

Important: Depo-Medrol should never be given intravenously (into a vein) or intrathecally (into the spinal canal). The FDA label contains strong warnings about serious neurologic events — including paralysis, stroke, and death — associated with epidural injection.

Typical Doses

Dosing depends on the condition being treated:

• Intra-articular (joint) injections: 20-80 mg per injection
• Intramuscular injections: 40-120 mg
• Intralesional injections: 20-60 mg

Most doctors recommend waiting at least 3-4 months between injections in the same joint. Your doctor will determine the right dose and frequency for your specific condition. Learn more about how Depo-Medrol works in your body.

Who Should Not Take Depo-Medrol?

Depo-Medrol is not right for everyone. You should not receive this medication if you have:

• Systemic fungal infections — Corticosteroids suppress the immune system and can make fungal infections worse.
• Known allergy to Methylprednisolone or any ingredient in the formulation.
• Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) — Intramuscular injection is not appropriate for this condition.

You should also tell your doctor if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (Pregnancy Category C — may harm the fetus)
• Have diabetes (corticosteroids raise blood sugar)
• Have a history of peptic ulcers or GI bleeding
• Have osteoporosis
• Have glaucoma or cataracts
• Are taking medications that interact with corticosteroids
• Have recently received or plan to receive a live vaccine

How Much Does Depo-Medrol Cost?

Depo-Medrol is relatively affordable compared to many injectable medications:

• Brand-name Depo-Medrol: $15 to $75 per vial (depending on strength and pharmacy)
• Generic Methylprednisolone Acetate: $6 to $25 per vial with a discount card
• GoodRx price: Starting at approximately $6.43 per vial
• SingleCare price: Starting at approximately $12.41 per vial

When administered in a doctor's office, Depo-Medrol is usually billed under your medical benefit (not your pharmacy benefit). This means your cost depends on your office visit copay and any coinsurance that applies. Most insurance plans cover Depo-Medrol for standard indications without prior authorization.

For more ways to save, check out our guide to Depo-Medrol coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs.

Final Thoughts

Depo-Medrol is a well-established, widely used corticosteroid injection that helps millions of people manage inflammation and pain. Whether you're getting a joint injection for arthritis or an intramuscular shot for a severe allergic reaction, understanding what this medication is and how it works can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.

If you're having trouble finding Depo-Medrol due to the current shortage, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies and providers with availability near you.