Dexium

Serious side effects have been reported with dexamethasone. See the “Dexamethasone Precautions” section.

Oral and injectable forms:

Common side effects of oral and injectable forms of dexamethasone include the following:

• upset stomach
• stomach irritation
• vomiting
• headache
• dizziness
• insomnia
• restlessness
• depression
• anxiety
• acne
• increased hair growth
• easy bruising
• irregular or absent menstrual periods
• increased appetite and weight gain

Intravitreal form:

Common side effects of the dexamethasone intravitreal implant include increased intraocular pressure and conjunctival hemorrhage.

This is not a complete list of dexamethasone side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking dexamethasone, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to dexamethasone or to any of its ingredients
• are allergic to aspirin
• are allergic to tartrazine (a yellow dye used in processed foods and drugs)
• have a systemic fungal infection
• have or have had liver problems
• have or have had heart problems
• have or have had kidney problems
• have or have had intestinal problems
• have or have had diabetes
• have or have had thyroid problems
• have or have had high blood pressure
• have or have had mental illness
• have myasthenia gravis
• have osteoporosis
• have or have had seizures
• have or have had tuberculosis
• have or have had ulcers
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Take dexamethasone exactly as prescribed.

This medication is available as an oral concentrate, an oral elixir, an oral solution, an oral tablet, and eye and ear drops. Your doctor will prescribe the dose and schedule for use that is appropriate for your condition. Oral forms of dexamethasone may be taken with food or milk to decrease the risk of an upset stomach.

This medication is also available as an intravitreal implant for injection directly into the eye by a healthcare professional.

This medication is also available in an injectable form to be given directly into a vein (IV), a muscle (IM), a joint (intra-articular), a lesion (intralesional), and soft tissue by a healthcare professional.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of dexamethasone at the same time.