Generic Decadron (Dexamethasone)
What is Generic Decadron Used for?
Generic Decadron (Dexamethasone) is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers. It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome).
This medication is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy.
How to use Generic Decadron
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Take with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. If you are using the liquid form of the medication, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon.
If you take this medication once daily, take it in the morning before 9 AM. If you are taking this medication every other day or on another schedule besides a daily one, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may attempt to reduce your dose slowly from time to time to minimize side effects.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Follow the dosing schedule carefully, and take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
Possible Side Effects of Generic Decadron (Dexamethasone)
Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, or weight gain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), bone/joint pain, increased thirst/urination, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, eye pain/pressure, heartburn, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, puffy face, swelling of the ankles/feet, stomach/abdominal pain, pain/redness/swelling of arms/legs, tiredness, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, agitation), unusual hair/skin growth, muscle pain/cramps, weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, slow wound healing, thinning skin, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking Generic Decadron (Dexamethasone), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or to propylene glycol (in the liquid form of this product); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active fungal infections.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions (e.g., psychosis, anxiety, depression), low blood minerals (e.g., low potassium/calcium), thyroid disease, stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcer, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, unexplained diarrhea), high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye), brittle bones (osteoporosis), certain nerve/muscle problems (e.g., myasthenia gravis), history of blood clots.
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/fever/cough, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur during treatment.
If you have been taking this medication for a long time, your body may not make enough natural hormones while you are under physical stress (e.g., due to infection, surgery, injury). Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you have stopped taking this drug within the past 12 months, you may need to start taking it again if your body is under physical stress. Consult your doctor for more details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have taken it within the last 12 months.
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor. Live vaccines may cause serious complications (e.g., infection) if given while you are taking this medication. Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers or take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while taking this medication to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and inform your doctor of the results. Your medicine, exercise plan, or diet may need to be adjusted.
This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Generic Decadron Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: natalizumab.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aldesleukin, aminoglutethimide, aprepitant, birth control pills, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), bupropion, caspofungin, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide), digoxin, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove Generic Decadron (Dexamethasone) from your body (such as azole antifungals including ketoconazole, barbiturates including phenobarbital, macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, rifamycins including rifampin, certain anti-seizure medications including phenytoin, carbamazepine), drugs for myasthenia gravis (e.g., neostigmine, pyridostigmine), drugs that may cause potassium loss (e.g., amphotericin B, "water pills"/diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), ephedrine, estrogen hormone replacement, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir), isoniazid, mifepristone, quinolone antibiotics (e.g., levofloxacin), salicylates (e.g., salsalate), sunitinib, thalidomide.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including skin tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Caution is advised when using this drug for long periods in children. This medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth, but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your child's height periodically.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time and/or at high doses may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
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