Medications

Depo-Medrol

Depo-Medrol

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Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.

Estimated Insurance Pricing
With insurance, Depo-Medrol is typically covered as a medical benefit when administered in a doctor's office, with copays ranging from $0 to $30.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Depo-Medrol costs between $6 and $75 per vial without insurance, depending on the strength and vial size.
Medfinder Findability Score
65
/100
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Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

February 14, 2026

Depo-Medrol 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Depo-Medrol?

Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone Acetate) is an injectable corticosteroid manufactured by Pfizer. It is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, severe allergic reactions, dermatologic diseases, and many other conditions where potent anti-inflammatory therapy is needed.

Depo-Medrol is administered by a healthcare provider via intramuscular, intra-articular, soft tissue, or intralesional injection. It is not taken at home — it must be given in a clinical setting. It is also used off-label for trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and frozen shoulder.

How does Depo-Medrol work?

Methylprednisolone Acetate is a synthetic glucocorticoid that works by suppressing the body's inflammatory and immune responses. It binds to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and modulates gene transcription to decrease the production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines — key chemicals that drive inflammation, swelling, and pain.

By inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and reducing capillary permeability, Depo-Medrol provides potent, long-lasting relief from inflammation at the injection site.

What doses are available for Depo-Medrol?

  • 20 mg/mL — Injectable suspension (single-dose and multi-dose vials)
  • 40 mg/mL — Injectable suspension (single-dose and multi-dose vials)
  • 80 mg/mL — Injectable suspension (single-dose and multi-dose vials)

Typical doses range from 4 mg to 120 mg depending on the condition being treated. Intra-articular doses are usually 20–80 mg, while intramuscular doses range from 40–120 mg.

How hard is it to find Depo-Medrol in stock?

Depo-Medrol has a findability score of 65 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate in stock. Methylprednisolone acetate injection has experienced intermittent shortages since 2012, with ongoing manufacturing delays at Pfizer and Sandoz affecting supply through 2024–2025. Some pharmacies and clinics may have limited stock of certain strengths (20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, or 80 mg/mL). Using Medfinder can help you quickly locate which providers near you currently have Depo-Medrol available.

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Who Can Prescribe Depo-Medrol?

Depo-Medrol is prescribed and administered by a variety of healthcare specialists, including:

  • Rheumatologists — for arthritis and autoimmune conditions
  • Orthopedic Surgeons — for joint and musculoskeletal injections
  • Sports Medicine Physicians — for sports-related injuries
  • Pain Management Specialists — for chronic pain and inflammation
  • Dermatologists — for skin conditions like keloids and alopecia areata
  • Allergists and Immunologists — for severe allergic reactions
  • Primary Care and Family Medicine Physicians — for general inflammatory conditions
  • Podiatrists — for foot and ankle injections
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialists

Is Depo-Medrol a controlled substance?

No. Depo-Medrol (Methylprednisolone Acetate) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not carry a risk of abuse or dependence. However, it is a prescription medication that must be administered by a licensed healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Depo-Medrol

  • Injection site pain and reactions
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Increased appetite
  • Sweating
  • Acne
  • Skin thinning at injection site
  • Elevated blood sugar
  • Mood changes

Serious side effects can include anaphylaxis, adrenal suppression, immunosuppression, osteoporosis with long-term use, avascular necrosis of bone, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcers, and severe mood disturbances. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.

Alternative Medications to Depo-Medrol

If Depo-Medrol is unavailable or not suitable, your doctor may consider these alternatives:

  • Kenalog (Triamcinolone Acetonide) — Another injectable corticosteroid commonly used for joint injections and soft tissue inflammation
  • Celestone Soluspan (Betamethasone) — Injectable corticosteroid with both rapid and long-acting components for joint and soft tissue injections
  • Aristospan (Triamcinolone Hexacetonide) — Long-acting injectable corticosteroid preferred for intra-articular injections in inflammatory arthritis
  • Solu-Medrol (Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate) — IV form of methylprednisolone for acute situations requiring rapid corticosteroid effect

Drug Interactions with Depo-Medrol

Depo-Medrol can interact with several other medications:

  • Live vaccines — Increased risk of infection; avoid during immunosuppressive doses
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir) — May increase Methylprednisolone levels and side effects
  • CYP3A4 inducers (Rifampin, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine) — May decrease Methylprednisolone effectiveness
  • Cyclosporine — Mutual inhibition of metabolism, increasing toxicity risk
  • Warfarin and anticoagulants — Altered anticoagulant effect
  • NSAIDs — Increased risk of GI bleeding
  • Diabetes medications (Insulin, oral hypoglycemics) — Corticosteroids raise blood sugar
  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics — Increased tendon rupture risk

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before receiving a Depo-Medrol injection.

Final Thoughts on Depo-Medrol

Depo-Medrol is an effective and widely used injectable corticosteroid for treating inflammation, arthritis, and a variety of autoimmune conditions. While it has experienced intermittent supply shortages since 2012 — most recently due to manufacturing delays at Pfizer and Sandoz — it remains an important treatment option for many patients.

If you're having trouble finding Depo-Medrol in stock, use Medfinder to locate pharmacies and clinics near you that currently have it available. Generic Methylprednisolone Acetate may also be available at a lower cost, with discount card prices starting as low as $6 per vial.

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