De-Sone LA

Serious side effects have been reported with oral and injectable forms of dexamethasone including the following:

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of a fluid or electrolyte disturbance:

• Fluid retention
• Increased blood pressure

Muscle or skeletal problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of a muscle or skeletal problem:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle pain
• Loss of muscle mass
• Osteoporosis
• Compression fractures of the vertebrae
• Tendon rupture

​Gastrointestinal upset. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of gastrointestinal upset:

• Peptic ulcer
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Abdominal distention or bloating

​Dermatologic complications. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of a dermatologic complication:

• Skin wounds that will not heal
• Redness, itching, or swelling of the skin
• Increased sweating
• Petechiae or ecchymosis, which are small red or purple spots or discolorations on the body caused by broken blood vessels under the skin
• Changes in the color of the skin

​Neurologic reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of a neurologic reaction:

• Convulsions
• Vertigo
• Headache
• Psychic disturbances

​Endocrine abnormalities. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of endocrine abnormalities:

• Menstrual irregularities
• Growth suppression in children
• Onset or worsening of diabetes mellitus
• Increased hair growth

​Ophthalmic complications. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms of ophthalmic complications:

• Increased intraocular pressure
• Glaucoma
• Exophthalmus

​Myocardial rupture following recent heart attack.

Serious side effects have been reported with the dexamethasone intravitreal implant including inflammation of the eye, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Do not take dexamethasone if you:

• are allergic to dexamethasone or to any of its ingredients
• have a systemic fungal infection

Patients who are taking dexamethasone should not receive live or live, attenuated vaccines. Killed or inactivated vaccines may be administered, but the patient’s response to the vaccines cannot be predicted.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Your doctor will prescribe the dexamethasone dose and schedule that is appropriate for your condition. Do not abruptly stop taking dexamethasone.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

• the condition being treated
• other medical conditions you have
• other medications you are taking
• how you respond to this medication
• your age