Dexamethasone Coupon & Discounts

Dexamethasone Information:

• What

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is a potent, synthetic endocrine-metabolic agent and a member of the glucocorticoid class of steroid drugs that deliver anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. It is 25 times stronger than cortisol and on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines as one of the most important medications needed in a basic health system because of its ability to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. 

• How

How do I take dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone will be prescribed in different doses for different patients and conditions. You should follow your doctor’s orders exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it or more often than prescribed and do not take it for a longer period than prescribed.  Do not suddenly stop taking dexamethasone without first checking with your doctor. Typical oral doses for adults begin at .75 to 9 mg per day and may be adjusted by your doctor as needed. Children’s doses are based on their body weight and must be determined by their health care provider.

• Precautions

Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor if:

• You have Cushing’s syndrome.
• You have diabetes.
• You have glaucoma.
• You have heart problems or heart disease.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have an infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis, or chickenpox.
• You have kidney disease.
• You have liver disease.
• You have mental problems.
• You have myasthenia gravis.
• You have osteoporosis.
• You have had a previous heart attack.
• You have seizures.
• You have stomach, ulcer or intestinal diseases including colitis and diverticulitis.
• You have a thyroid problem
• You have had an unusual or allergic reaction to dexamethasone, corticosteroids, or other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes or preservatives.
• You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
• You are breastfeeding or intend to breast feed.
• Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of taking dexamethasone?

Some common dexamethasone side effects can include aggression, agitation, anxiety, blurred vision, a decrease in the amount of urine, dizziness, a fast or slow or irregular heartbeat, headache, irritability, mental depression, mood changes, nervousness, rattled breathing, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, pounding in the ears, shortness of breath, swelling in the hands or legs or feet, trouble speaking or walking, troubled breathing at rest, and weight gain. Other dexamethasone side effects which should be reported to your doctor if they are severe or do not go away include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness,  insomnia, restlessness, depression, anxiety, acne, increased hair growth, easy bruising, and absent or irregular menstrual periods. Serious side effects which should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider include skin rash, swollen face or legs or ankles, vision problems, muscle weakness, and black or tarry stool.

• Missed Dose

What if I forget to take a dose of dexamethasone?

If you miss a dose of dexamethasone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

• Storage

How do I store dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone should be stored in the container in which it came or, if that is not available, in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of direct light.  Do not allow dexamethasone to freeze. Keep this medication out of the reach of children, and discard any unused or outdated medicine.

• Overdose

What happens if I overdose on dexamethasone?

Should an overdose be suspected, contact your local poison control center. If the patient has collapsed or is not breathing, contact your local emergency services by dialing 911.

• Additional Info

Warnings

Using too much dexamethasone or taking it for a long period may increase your risk for adrenal gland problems. Your doctor should be alerted if you have blurred vision, dizziness or fainting, irregular or pounding heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, irritability or unusual weakness.

Do not get any live immunizations without your doctor’s approval while you are taking dexamethasone. It can lower your body’s immune resistance and the vaccine may not work or you may develop the infection the vaccine was intended to prevent.  You should also avoid any persons who have received live virus vaccines while you are taking dexamethasone because they could potentially pass the virus on to you. Dexamethasone may also cause thinning of the bones or slow growth in children when used over prolonged periods. If you or your child is having bone pain or if you are at an increased risk for osteoporosis, you should discuss this with your doctor. Some patients may also experience mood changes or changes in behavior.

If you are planning on having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist if you have taken dexamethasone within the past 12 months. You may also need to reduce your salt intake, and this should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Dexamethasone can increase your blood sugar, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medication.

Brand Names

Dexamethasone is the generic name for the brand names Baycadron Elixer, Decadron, Dekpak 13 Day Taperpak, Dexamethasone Intensol, DexPak, DexPak 10 Day TaperPak, DexPak Jr., and Zema-Pak. To reduce your costs for dexamethasone pills, take advantage of our free dexamethasone coupons or discount card to save up to 73% at your local pharmacy.