What is the most important information I should know about dexamethasone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to
dexamethasone or sulfites,
or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Before using dexamethasone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, and
about all other medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be
affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.
Your steroid medication needs may change if you have any unusual stress such as a
serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your
doctor about any such situation that affects you during treatment.
Avoid activities that place too much stress on your
joints. Dexamethasone can
decrease pain and swelling, and you may be tempted to increase your activity if you are feeling
better. Any joint damage may go unnoticed while you are being treated with dexamethasone.
Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an
infection or worsening an infection you already have or have recently had. Tell your doctor
about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive
treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even
fatal in people who are using steroid medication.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with dexamethasone.
Vaccines may not work as well while you are using a steroid. Ask your doctor when you can
safely receive a live vaccine after your dexamethasone treatment ends.
What is dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Dexamethasone prevents the release
of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Dexamethasone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin
conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, breathing disorders, inflammatory eye
conditions, blood cell disorders, leukemia, or endocrine disorders.
Dexamethasone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using dexamethasone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dexamethasone or sulfites,
or if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Steroid medication can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an
infection. Steroids can also worsen an infection you already have, or reactivate an infection you
recently had. Before using this medication, tell your doctor about any illness or infection you
have had within the past several weeks.
Other medical conditions you should tell your doctor about before using dexamethasone
include:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use dexamethasone.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Dexamethasone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Steroids can affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not
growing at a normal rate while using this medication.
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