Treats inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems. May also be used to decrease some symptoms of cancer, including multiple myeloma. This medicine is a corticosteroid.
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone, or if you have a fungal infection.
How to Use This Medicine:
Liquid, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. If you are using this medicine for an ongoing illness, your dose may need to be changed occasionally.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Hemady: May be taken with or without food.
Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Missed dose:
If your schedule is one dose every other day and you cannot use the missed dose until late in the day, wait until the next morning to use your medicine. Then skip a day and go back to your regular schedule.
If your schedule is one dose every day, use the missed dose as soon as you can. Then go back to your regular schedule.
If your schedule is more than one dose every day, use the missed dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use two doses at that time. Then go back to your regular schedule.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how dexamethasone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Medicine to treat an infection (including amphotericin B, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampin)
NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, naproxen)
Potassium supplement
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
Using Hemady while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for 1 month after your last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Do not breastfeed during treatment with Hemady and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including cirrhosis), adrenal gland problems, blood clots, diabetes, eye or vision problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer, diverticulitis), thyroid problems, depression, mental health problems, or a recent heart attack.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High blood pressure
Eye or vision problems (including cataracts or glaucoma), with long-term use
Increased risk for cancer (including Kaposi's sarcoma)
Adrenal gland problems
Stomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole)
Bone problems (including osteoporosis)
Muscle problems
Slow growth in children
Changes in mood or behavior
This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you have any type of infection (including herpes eye infection, tuberculosis, or threadworm) or a recent exposure to chickenpox or measles. Tell your doctor if you have an infection that keeps coming back.
If you use this medicine for a long time, tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.
Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some men who is taking Hemady have become infertile (unable to have children).
This medicine may raise your blood sugar level, especially in people with diabetes.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision or other changes in vision, trouble seeing, eye pain
Bone pain, decrease in height
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Dark freckles, skin color changes, coldness, weakness, tiredness, weight loss
Depression, unusual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, trouble sleeping
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or red or black stools
Skin changes or growths
Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Increased hunger or thirst, increase in how much or how often you urinate
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Round, puffy face
Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 6/6/2024
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