Methylprednisilone (Medrol)
Methylprednisilone is a corticosteroid used in patients undergoing any micromanipulation procedure (ICSI or Assisted Hatching). The rationale behind the use of this medication lies in the potential activation of the maternal immune response as the result of changes in the micromanipulated egg or embryo. Thus, Medrol is used to thwart this theoretical aspect of micromanipulation. The medication is begun prior to embryo transfer.

Some common side effects of this medication include skin changes (acne, rash), nausea and vomiting, headaches, mood changes, low blood pressure and tachycardia (fast heart beat). In diabetic patients, the use of steroids will increase serum glucose and may make diabetic control difficult during the few days that it is taken.