What other information should I know?

Keep all of your doctor’s and laboratory appointments. To assess your reaction to dexamethasone, your doctor will conduct a series of lab tests. Children should get regular checkups since dexamethasone can impede bone growth.

Call your doctor if your situation worsens. It’s possible that your dose will need to be modified.

Carry a card that states that you may need to take more dexamethasone doses (write down the whole dose you took before progressively decreasing it) during times of stress (injuries, infections, and severe asthma attacks). Find out how to get this card from your pharmacy or doctor. On the card, write your name, medical issues, medication, and dosages, as well as the name and phone number of your doctor.

This medication makes you more prone to diseases. Call your doctor if you get chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB) while taking dexamethasone. If your doctor says you can, don’t get a vaccination, another vaccine, or a skin test while you’re on dexamethasone.

During therapy, report any injuries or indicators of infection (fever, sore throat, pain while urinating, and muscle aches).

It’s possible that your doctor will tell you to weigh yourself every day. Any unusual weight increase should be reported.

Call your doctor if your sputum thickens or changes color from clear white to yellow, green, or grey during an asthma attack; these changes could indicate an infection.

Dexamethasone may raise your blood sugar level if you have diabetes. Test your blood or urine more frequently than normal if you monitor your blood sugar (glucose) at home. If your blood sugar is high or you have sugar in your urine, call your doctor; your diabetes medication and diet may need to be adjusted.

Do not give your medicines to anyone else. Any issues you have regarding refilling your prescription should be directed to your pharmacist.

Keep a documented note of all the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications you’re taking, as well as any vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements you’re taking. If you visit a doctor or are admitted to a hospital, you should bring this list with you. It’s also useful knowledge to have on hand in case of an emergency.