Decadron (Dexamethasone)

Uses for Decadron

        Dexamethasone provides relief for inflamed areas of the body. It is used to treat a number of different conditions, such as inflammation (swelling), severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, asthma, blood or bone marrow problems, kidney problems, skin conditions, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

        Dexamethasone tablets are also used in combination with other anti-myeloma products for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Decadron

        In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

        Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

        Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Hemady™ in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

        Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexamethasone in children. However, pediatric patients are more likely to have slower growth and bone problems if dexamethasone is used for a long time. Recommended doses should not be exceeded, and the patient should be carefully monitored during therapy.

Geriatric

        Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of dexamethasone in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have osteoporosis (weak bones) and age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for elderly patients receiving dexamethasone.

Breastfeeding

        There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

        Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Artemether

• Desmopressin

• Praziquantel

• Rilpivirine

• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

        Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

        The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood clots or

• Cataracts or

• Congestive heart failure or

• Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland problem) or

• Diabetes or

• Eye infection or

• Fluid retention or

• Glaucoma or

• Heart attack, recent or

• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) or

• Mental health problems (eg, depression) or

• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) or

• Osteoporosis or

• Peptic ulcer, active or history of or

• Personality changes or

• Stomach or intestinal problems (eg, diverticulitis, perforation, ulcerative colitis) or

• Thyroid problems or

• Tuberculosis, inactive—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Fungal infections or

• Herpes simplex eye infection—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Infection—May decrease your body's ability to fight infections.

Decadron side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Aggression

• agitation

• anxiety

• blurred vision

• decrease in the amount of urine

• dizziness

• fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

• headache

• irritability

• mental depression

• mood changes

• nervousness

• noisy, rattling breathing

• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs

• pounding in the ears

• swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs

• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking

• troubled breathing at rest

• weight gain

Incidence not known

•       Abdominal or stomach cramping and/or burning (severe) or pain

• backache

• bloody, black, or tarry stools

• cough or hoarseness

• darkening of the skin

• decrease in height

• decreased vision

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• eye pain

• eye tearing

• facial hair growth in females

• fainting

• fatigue

• fever or chills

• flushed, dry skin

• fractures

• fruit-like breath odor

• full or round face, neck, or trunk

• heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)

• increased hunger

• increased thirst

• increased urination

• loss of appetite

• loss of sexual desire or ability

• lower back or side pain

• menstrual irregularities

• muscle pain or tenderness

• muscle wasting or weakness

• nausea

• pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs

• painful or difficult urination

• skin rash

• sleeplessness

• sweating

• trouble healing

• trouble sleeping

• unexplained weight loss

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• vision changes

• vomiting

• vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds