Organon Laboratories Ltd .

Cambridge Science Park.

Milton Road, Cambridge. CB4 4FL

Newhouse Industrial Estate.

Newhouse, Motherwell, Scotland ML1 5SH

Dexamethasone can be used to reduce inflammation or to treat a number of different diseases of the immune system.

In general Dexamethasone can be used in medical emergencies, whenever its use may be life-saving

Dexamethasone may not be suitable for you if you suffer from certain allergies or other medical conditions Before Dexamethasone is given to you make sure you tell your doctor if you suffer or have ever suffered from any of the following:

• hypersensitivity to any ingredient in this medicine
• an infection that affects the whole body
• joint infections, especially at the injection site

While taking Dexamethasone you may need to be examined by your doctor more frequently

Extra supervision by you doctor may be necessary in some cases You must tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following:

• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones
• Hypertension (very high blood pressure}
• Heart disease } Diabetes
• TB (tuberculosis)
• Glaucoma (raised eye pressure)
• Serious affective disorders especially steroid psychosis - (psychiatric illness made worse by steroids)
• Muscle disease caused by corticosteroids
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Epilepsy
• Stomach ulcers * Migraine
• Certain parasitic infections
• Stunted growth
• Cushings syndrome

It is important that you avoid close contact with anybody who is suffering from chicken-pox or shingles if you have not previously suffered from these diseases If you develop chicken-pox while taking Dexamethasone tell your doctor immediately

You should always carry a 'steroid treatment' card which gives clear guidance on the special care to be taken when you are using this medicine. Show this to any doctor, dentist or nurse who may be giving you treatment

Even after your treatment has finished you must tell anyone who is giving you treatment that you have taken steroids

If you are in an accident or need an operation, tell your doctor that you are taking dexamethasone

Other medicines may affect how Dexamethasone works or Dexamethasone may affect how they work Tell your doctor if you are using (or intend to use} any other medicines.

Other drugs that reduce the effect of Dexamethasone are

Antibiotics such as rifampicin, rifabutin.

Drugs for epilepsy e g carbamazepine, phenytoin. phenobarbitone, primidone, ephedrine, phenylbutazone.

Drugs used in the treatment of breast cancer e g aminoglutethimide

Some medicines may not work as well when Dexamethasone is taken at the same time:

The effectiveness of

1. drugs used to treat diabetes (hypoglycaemic agents)
1. drugs used to treat high blood pressure (anti-hypertensives)
1. diuretics (water pills)
1. drugs which regulate heart beat (cardiac glycosides)

are reduced when dexamethasone is taken.

Dexamethasone affects acetazolamide. loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics and carbenoxolone, these drugs are used to lower potassium levels

The effects of drugs which prevent blood clotting: (coumarin anticoagulants e.g. warfarin) may be increased by Dexamethasone and frequent tests may be required.

Dexamethasone may affect the action of salicylates e g aspirin n patients with low prothrombin levels in the blood

brief burning, redness and swelling at the injection site

damage to the joint at the injection site

damaged tendons

Candidiasis (thrush)

If you suffer from any of the above side-effects or any other effects that you think may be due to your medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist

The hospital will store Dexamethasone in a fridge or below 25°C in the dark. As with all medicines Dexamethasone should be kept in a safe place out of reach of children There is a "use by" date on the pack. This medicine should not be used after this date

This information was last updated in May 1995

1. This medicine has been prescribed for your current medical problems Do not use it for other medical problems.
2. Do not allow other people to use your medicines and do not use medicines meant for other people.
3. Tell any doctor treating you what medicines you are taking.
4. Return unused medicines to the pharmacy for disposal.
5. Make sure that other people you may live with or who look after you read this information.
6. Keep medicines out of the reach of children.