Dexamethasone Oral Tablet (DEXAMETHASONE - ORAL)

Instructions

Take the medicine with food.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may affect the strength of your bones. If you have or are at increased risk for osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), your doctor may recommend foods with calcium and vitamin D.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• increased appetite
• headaches
• high blood sugar
• high blood pressure
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• change in behavior
• bleeding or bruising
• severe or persistent bone, joint or jaw pain
• confusion
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• depression or feeling sad
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• pain in the eye
• fever or chills
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast or irregular heart beats
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• mood changes
• muscle pain or weakness
• small red, purple or brown spots on the skin
• seizures
• thinning of the skin
• severe stomach or bowel pain
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• suicidal thoughts
• persistent or unusual thirst
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• increased urinary frequency
• blurring or changes of vision
• sudden or unexplained weight gain
• slow wound healing

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.