Decadron - Dexamethasone Solution

What is this medication?

DEXAMETHASONE (dex a METH a sone) treats many conditions such as asthmaallergic reactionsarthritisinflammatory bowel diseasesadrenaland blood or bone marrow disorders. It works by decreasing inflammation and slowing down an overactive immune system. It belongs to a group of medications called steroids.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BaycadronDecadron

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing syndrome
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Heart attack
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Infectionsuch as herpesmeaslestuberculosischickenpox
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health condition
• Myasthenia gravis
• Osteoporosis
• Stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasonelactoseother medicationsfoodsdyesor preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. If you are only taking the medication once a daytake it in the morning. Use the dosing dispenser provided to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may mix the dose with a small amount of liquid or soft food like pudding. If you doyou should eat the food or drink the liquid containing the medication right away. Do not store the diluted medication for future use. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medicationthe dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditionsprecautions do apply.

People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dosetake it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dosetake only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aminoglutethimide
• Amphotericin B
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain antibioticssuch as erythromycinclarithromycintroleandomycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for seizuressuch as carbamazepinephenobarbitalphenytoin
• Certain medications to treat myasthenia gravis
• Cholestyramine
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• Ephedrine
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Insulin or other medications for diabetes
• Isoniazid
• Ketoconazole
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• Mifepristone
• NSAIDsmedications for pain and inflammationsuch as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Rifampin
• Skin tests for allergies
• Thalidomide
• Vaccines
• Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicinesherbsnon-prescription drugsor dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smokedrink alcoholor use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a feverchillssore throator other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccinestell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.

If you are going to need surgery or other proceduretell your care team that you are using this medication.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Alsofind out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.

This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rashitchinghivesswelling of the facelipstongueor throat
• Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsectionupper backneckor facepink or purple stretch marks on the skinthinningfragile skin that easily bruisesunexpected hair growth
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urineunusual weakness or fatigueblurry vision
• Increase in blood pressure
• Infection—feverchillscoughsore throatwounds that don't healpain or trouble when passing urinegeneral feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low adrenal gland function—nauseavomitingloss of appetiteunusual weakness or fatiguedizziness
• Mood and behavior changes—anxietynervousnessconfusionhallucinationsirritabilityhostilitythoughts of suicide or self-harmworsening moodfeelings of depression
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or blacktar-like stoolsvomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Swelling of the ankleshandsor feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Acne
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Increase in appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication 90 days after opening or after it expireswhichever comes first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicationcheck the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sureask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trashpour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litterdirtcoffee groundsor other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicinetalk to your doctorpharmacistor health care provider.