What is Dexasone/Dexamethasone used for?

This medicine is used as replacement therapy when the adrenal cortex is not functioning properly. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory action. Doctors may prescribe it for a variety of other uses.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Dexasone/Dexamethasone be stored?

Store between 59 to 86 degrees F. Keep container tightly closed.

General drug information:

When should Dexasone/Dexamethasone not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have a fungal infection

What precautions should I follow when taking Dexasone/Dexamethasone?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Dexasone/Dexamethasone?

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more or less of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

What are the side effects of Dexasone/Dexamethasone?

Most severe:  Decreased resistance to infection; psychotic reactions; enlargement of the heart; heart failure; convulsions; severe allergic reaction; suppression of growth in children.

Most common:  Retaining salt and water; high blood pressure; loss of potassium or low potassium levels; cataracts; glaucoma; muscle weakness; loss of muscle mass; bone fractures; stomach pain; slowed wound healing; thin fragile skin; unusual bruising; increased sweating; red or purple spots or patches under the skin; stretch marks; excessive coloring of skin and nails; abnormal hairiness or increased hair growth; acne; hives; rash; suppressed reactions to skin tests; feeling of whirling motion; headache; unusual weight gain; sleeplessness; menstrual irregularities; cataracts; increased inner eye pressure; glaucoma; weight gain; increased appetite; nausea; weakness; hiccups.

Other: Brittle bones, blindness, burning, numbness, pain, or tingling at or near place of injection; confusion; excitement; false sense of well-being; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); mental depression; mistaken feelings of self-importance or being mistreated; mood swings (sudden and wide); redness, swelling, or other sign of allergy or infection at place of injection; restlessness; skin rash or hives

How should I take Dexasone/Dexamethasone?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take this medicine only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Patients must be constantly monitored while taking this medicine. Avoid exposure to chicken pox or measles while taking this medicine. These can be more serious, or even fatal in children. Avoid exposure to viruses and fungi. Contact your health care provider at once if exposure occurs. Do not receive vaccinations while using this medicine. Carefully monitor salt intake in order to avoid developing high blood pressure, swelling, or weight gain. Higher doses may be needed in times of stress (eg, trauma, surgery, severe illness) both during and for 1 year after using this medicine. This medicine can mask some signs of infections, and new infections may appear during their use. There may be decreased resistance to infection and difficulty in reducing the spread of infection when this medicine is used. If an infection occurs, contact your health care provider at once. Long-term use of this medicine may produce cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the nerves of the eyes, and eye infections. Diabetic patients - Your health care provider may need to increase the amount of diabetes medications while you are taking this medicine. Carry medical identification (eg, Medic Alert) so that the proper treatment can be given if complications occur. Carry a proper amount of medicine for use in emergencies. Regular follow-up visits/lab tests by your health care provider is important while taking this medicine. Be sure to keep appointments. Contact your health care provider if dizziness, severe or continuing headache, swelling of the feet or lower legs, or unusual weight gain occurs. This medicine may be taken without regard to food. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.