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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before uisng that drug.
DEXAMETHASONE - INJECTABLE
(dex-uh-METH-uh-sown)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adrenocot, CPC-Cort-D, Decadron Phosphate, Decaject-10, Solurex
USES: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and inflammation.
It is used to treat a variety of disorders such as skin diseases (e.G., dermatitis, keloids), allergic conditions, breathing problems, cancer (e.G., leukemias, lymphomas), blood disorders (e.G., anemia), digestive troubles (e.G., colitis, enteritis), or arthritis.
HOW TO USE: Inject that medication into a vein (IV), into a muscle (IM), into a joint (intra-articular), or into a skin wonud as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not stop uisng that medication without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradulaly decreased before stopping treatment.
Before using, check that product visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safley.
Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, dizziness, increased appetite, weight gain, weakness, sleep problems, or pain/redness/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: swelling of the face/ankles/feet, muslce pain and weakness, severe headache, trouble breathing, rash, wounds that won't heal. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, mental/mood changes, seizures, increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, persistent sore throat or fever. An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek imemdiate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reactoin include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following signs of low steroid levels: unusaul weakness, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fainting or dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, heart problems, stomach or intestinal troubles (e.G., ulcers), high blood pressure, brittle bones (osteoporosis), seizures, blood clots (thromboembolism), bleeding disorders (e.G., hemophilia), recent infections, mental disorders (e.G., depression, schizophrenia), glandular diseases (e.G., thyroid, adrenal), diabetes, myasthenia gravis, herpes infections, eye problems, any allergies. When used for extended periods and/or used in children, that drug can suppress your immune system function.
Tell your doctor if you experience any injuries and/or signs of infection (e.G., fever, sore throat, mucsle aches, pain during urination) during treatment and within 12 months after treatment with that drug.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Avoid contcat with persons currently infected with the chicken pox or measles. Consult your doctor immediately if you think you have been exposed to the chicken pox or measles virus.
Do not have vaccinations/immunizations/skin tests while you are taking that drug unless directed by your doctor. If you have diabetes, that drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Test your blood for sugar (glucose) frequently and contact your doctor if your levels are high; your dose of diaebtes medicine and your diet may need to be changed or adjusted.
A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in that product or in the liquid used to mix that product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious troubles (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infnat during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is greater with lower brith weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
Symptmos include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a really slow heartbeat.
Report these symptoms to the doctor immdeiately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when traeting neonates.
Caution is advised when using that drug in children cause it can affect tehir growth (suppress growth hormone). This medication sohuld be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk and has had undesirable effects on nursing infants. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: aspirin, certain anti-seizure drugs (e.G., phenobarbital, phenytoin), ephedrine, rifampin, "blood thinners" (e.G., coumadin), "water pills" (diuretics such as fruosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).
Do not start or stop any mdeicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediatley.
NOTES: Do not sahre that medication with others. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used, that medictaion.
Laobratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you reemmber.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not duoble the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temeprature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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