Dexona 0.5 mg (Dexamethasone)

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Dexona 0.5 Mg Tablet is a glucocorticoid medicine. It is used in the treatment of arthritis (swelling and tenderness of one or more joints), skin, blood, intestinal, and adrenal gland disorders, allergic reactions, asthma, cerebral oedema (an accumulation of excess fluid around the brain), etc. It works by preventing the release of certain substances in the body that cause inflammation (swelling) and allergy.

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may cause some side effects such as headache, acne, nausea, upset stomach, increased hair growth, irregular menstruation, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Inform your doctor if you experience any changes in your behaviour, as this medicine may cause fluctuation in your mood, anxiety, etc. in some cases. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it.

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Take this medicine for the recommended duration for better results. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like fever, muscle pain, joint pain, painful itchy skin nodules, loss of weight, etc.

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may alter the immune activity. Hence, it is not recommended for use if you have an untreated infection affecting the whole body or are getting vaccinated with ‘live virus’ vaccines. Also, inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or taking any other medications. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

What is dexona tablet?

Dexona Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It is used in the treatment of various diseases and conditions such as inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions, and cancer.

Dexona Tablet provides relief from swelling, redness, pain, and itching in the affected area by preventing the release of substances that cause inflammation. It should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Taking the medicine regularly at the right times increases its effectiveness. It is important to keep taking the medicine regularly until your doctor tells you it is safe to stop.

The most common side effects of this medicine include cardiovascular complications, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal pain, neurological disorders, and weight gain. If you experience such symptoms that persist or get worse, let your doctor know.

Dexona Tablet can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat. Before taking this medicine, you should let your doctor know all the other medicines you are taking. It is important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to ask the advice of their doctors before taking this medicine.

Benefits of dexona tablet

In Treatment of Inflammatory conditions

Dexona Tablet gives relief in inflammatory conditions that affect muscles and joints such as arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It also helps manage other inflammatory conditions such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, ulcerative colitis, and allergies. It works by blocking certain chemicals that cause pain and swelling.

In Treatment of Autoimmune conditions

Dexona Tablet gives relief in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, etc. It works by lowering your immune system’s response to these conditions thereby reducing symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching, and other allergic-type reactions.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet

• Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet
• Vision disturbances
• Infections
• Black or tarry stools
• Unusual tiredness and weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Agitation and anxiety
• Acne
• Increased hair growth
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Mood changes
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Upset stomach

Uses of Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

Cerebral edema (Fluid accumulation in cerebral cavity)

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used for the management of Cerebral oedema (a condition where an excess of fluid gets accumulated around the brain causing an increase in pressure).

Multiple Myeloma

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is also used for the management of Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer).

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It is characterised by balance and muscle coordination problems, dizziness, fatigue, vision problems, bladder weakness, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, etc. Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of Multiple sclerosis.

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to pain and swelling in one or more joints. Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of:

• 1. Gouty arthritis: a painful form of arthritis due to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the joints, especially the big toe joint.
• 2. Rheumatoid arthritis: swelling, pain, and stiffness in the small joints.
• 3. Osteoarthritis: wearing off of the flexible tissues at the ends of your bones

Psoriasis

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of psoriasis ( a skin condition characterised by red, scaly, and itchy skin patches).

Allergic conditions

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of severe allergic reactions.

Asthma

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the management of asthma.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (a condition that causes your digestive tract to become swollen and irritated) and ulcerative colitis (swelling and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine and rectum).

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands (small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys) do not produce enough of certain hormones. Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is used in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

When not to use?

Allergy

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Active untreated infection

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use if you have an active untreated infection affecting the whole body. This medicine may suppress immune activity and worsen your conditions.

Live vaccines

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use if you have received live vaccines as this medicine acts by suppressing immune activity. Thus the vaccine may not work well. Avoid vaccination with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine.

Warnings

Warnings for special population

• Pregnancy
  Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Breast-feeding
  Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

General warnings

Other medicines

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may interact with other medicines and cause undesired effects. Hence, inform the doctor about all your current medicines before beginning treatment with this medicine.

Withdrawal symptoms

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should not be discontinued abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like fever, muscle pain, joint pain, painful itchy skin nodules, loss of weight, etc. Your doctor may recommend a gradual dose reduction over a period. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Growth retardation

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may cause growth retardation in some children. Therefore, children receiving this medicine should be monitored closely with regard to growth parameters such as body weight and height.

Infections

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution as it suppresses immune activity and further increases the risk of infections. Any symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, chills, etc., should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Impaired liver function

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet is broken down in the liver. Hence it should be used with extreme caution if you have liver problems, as impaired liver function may lead to the accumulation of this medicine in your body. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.

Impaired kidney function

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have kidney problems due to an increased risk of undesired effects.

Dosage

• Missed Dose
  Take the missed dose of Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
• Overdose
  Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose of Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet.

Quick tips

• Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.
• Dexona Tablet can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.

Interactions

All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

• Description
  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
• Instructions
  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Disease interactions

Electrolyte imbalance

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have preexisting electrolyte imbalance (high or low levels of electrolyte in the body). In some cases, this medicine may cause an increase in blood sodium levels, fluid retention, and potassium loss. It should be used with caution if you have seizures (fits), as electrolyte disturbances may trigger a seizure attack.

Gastrointestinal perforations

Prolonged use of high doses of Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may cause gastrointestinal perforations (holes that form in the stomach and intestine) and bleeding. Hence, it should be used with caution in case of stomach and intestinal disorders.

Myocardial infarction

A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is a condition that occurs when the heart muscles do not get sufficient oxygen supply due to decreased or complete cessation of blood flow to the portion of the heart. Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with extreme caution if you have had a recent myocardial infarction as it may worsen your conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus

Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have diabetes as this medicine may cause a further increase in blood sugar levels.

Ocular Toxicities

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions where the pressure within the eyeballs is abnormally high which can damage the optic nerve and lead to loss of vision. Rarely, Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet may increase the intraocular pressure (high pressure inside the eye caused by an imbalance in the production and drainage of fluid in the eye) and cause glaucoma. Inform your doctor if you experience any vision problems.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.

General Instructions

Take Dexona 0.5 MG Tablet exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow as a whole with plenty of water.
Do not take in larger amounts than prescribed. Take this medicine for the recommended duration.
Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects that persist or worsen.

FAQs

Q. Is Dexona Tablet a steroid?

Yes, Dexona Tablet is a steroid medicine also known as glucocorticoids which occur naturally in the body and help to maintain health and wellbeing. Dexona Tablet helps in treating various illnesses involving inflammation (redness, tenderness, heat and swelling) in the body.

Q. What is Dexona Tablet used for?

Dexona Tablet has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is used to treat conditions like allergic conditions, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory skin diseases. It also aids in treating autoimmune diseases (these diseases happen when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage) and certain eye disorders. Additionally, it is used to treat cancer and nephrotic syndrome when used with other medicines.

Q. How does Dexona Tablet work?

Dexona Tablet works by reducing the inflammation which helps in treating many illnesses caused due to active inflammation. Also, it stops the reactions known as autoimmune reactions which occur when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage.

Q. Is Dexona Tablet better than Prednisone?

Clinical studies have shown that Dexona Tablet is a long-acting glucocorticoid, and it is nearly 6 times more potent than Prednisone. It stays in our body for a longer duration and is better tolerated when used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, consult your doctor for the right treatment of your condition.