DEXAMEDRON INJ 4mg Injection

Dexamethasone injection is a corticosteroid (steroid). It reduces inflammation and calms an overactive immune system.

It is used for a range of inflammatory and immune conditions, usually when a fast effect is needed or tablets cannot be taken. It is also used for COVID-19 in adults and teenagers (12 and over) who need oxygen.

A doctor or nurse gives the injection into a vein, a muscle or under the skin.

• The dose and length of treatment depend on your condition.
• Do not stop treatment suddenly without medical advice. The dose is usually lowered gradually.
• If treatment lasts more than 3 weeks, carry a steroid card and show it to anyone treating you, even after it ends.
• Tell doctors, dentists or surgeons that you have had steroids.

Possible side effects include:

• increased appetite, weight gain, indigestion or feeling sick
• raised blood sugar or blood pressure, fluid retention
• more infections, slow wound healing, bruising or acne
• burning or redness where it is injected
• with longer use: thinner bones, glaucoma or cataract, irregular periods

Tell a doctor straight away if you have:

• depression, suicidal thoughts, very high mood, confusion or seeing things
• rash, itching, breathing difficulty or collapse
• severe stomach or back pain, black stools or vomiting blood
• vision changes

Tell your doctor before treatment if you:

• have an infection anywhere in the body, TB or a parasite infection
• have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease
• have osteoporosis, glaucoma, a stomach ulcer or epilepsy
• have had severe depression or bipolar disorder
• have a blood cancer, or take warfarin, aspirin, water tablets or epilepsy medicines

Hospital staff store it below 25°C in the original pack to protect it from light, and do not refrigerate or freeze it.

Chickenpox, shingles and measles: if you have never had them, avoid people who have them and see a doctor straight away if exposed.

Vaccines: discuss any vaccine with your doctor first.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor first. Babies born after use late in pregnancy may have low blood sugar.

Children: growth should be checked during long treatment.