Dexamethasone (Injection)

Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone)

Treats symptoms of many conditions such as joint disease, skin conditions, allergies, swelling, eye disease, and stomach or bowel disease. Also used to test for adrenal gland problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Solurex LA, Cortastat LA, Dexasone L.A.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or sulfites, or if you have a fungal infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Medicine that is mixed in an IV bag should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours after mixing.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diuretics (water pills), blood thinners (Coumadin®), medicine for seizures (such as Dilantin®, phenobarbital), rifampin, indomethacin (Indocin®), or ephedrine (Primatene®).
• You may need to change your diet (such as lowering salt intake) while you are using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, recent heart attack, tuberculosis, asthma, allergies to other medicines, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stomach problems, mental illness, strongyloids (threadworm), herpes infection of the eye, liver disease, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are using this medicine. Avoid crowds or people who are sick. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Dexamethasone can alter the results of some medical tests.
• If this medicine is injected into one of your joints, do not use the joint too much right away, even if it feels better.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Behavior changes
• Black, bloody, or tarry stools, with severe stomach pain
• Changes in vision, trouble seeing, eye discomfort or discharge
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fever
• Freckles, changes in skin color
• Increased stiffness or swelling in your joint or trouble moving your joint (if you were given a shot into a joint)
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Unusual weakness or tiredness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Restlessness, anxiety, mood changes, trouble sleeping
• Weight gain, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, or hands

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.