WHAT IS Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Decadron/DEXAMETHASONE is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- mental depression, mood swings, mistaken feelings of self importance or of being mistreated
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- fever, sore throat, sneezing, cough, or other signs of infection, wounds that will not heal
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- swelling of feet or lower legs
- changes in vision
- increased thirst
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- nausea, vomiting
- weight gain
- skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
This list may not describe all possible side effects.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, talk to your doctor or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take an extra dose. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.
WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Decadron/Dexamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to Decadron/dexamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
- glaucoma
- Cushing's syndrome
- previous heart attack
- heart problems or disease
- myasthenia gravis
- osteoporosis
- mental problems
- thyroid problem
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- liver disease
- infection like herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox
- stomach, ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
- kidney disease
- seizures
WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.
Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.
The medicine can increase your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic check with your doctor if you need help adjusting the dose of your diabetic medicine.
WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.Keep out of the reach of children.
WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
- vaccines
- mifepristone, RU-486
This medicine may also interact with the following:
- medicines that improve muscle tone or strength for conditions like myasthenia gravis
- Crixivan/indinavir
- Phenytek er/phenytoin
- thalidomide
- female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
- Coumadin/warfarin
- NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like Motrin/ibuprofen or Naprelan/naproxen
- amphotericin B
- cholestyramine
- Sandimmune/cyclosporine
- antibiotics like Biaxin/clarithromycin, P.c.e/erythromycin, and troleandomycin
- medicines for diabetes
- cholinesterase inhibitors like Aricept/donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, and tacrine
- Lanoxin/digoxin
- ephedrine
- Epitol/carbamazepine
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- diuretics
- rifampin
- aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
- isoniazid
- Nizoral/ketoconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
HOW SHOULD I USE Decadron/Dexamethasone?
Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
- The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
