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All Medications
Common brand names
- Decadron
How it is administered
Dexamethasone can be taken by mouth as a tablet or oral solution, or given as an injection. Tablets are available in several strengths (such as 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg). Oral solutions are also available in different concentrations. The medication is typically taken once daily or as directed by your doctor, depending on your condition. For some conditions, dexamethasone may also be given intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) in a hospital setting.
How it works
Dexamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid, which means it is a man-made version of a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system's activity. In blood cancers like Marginal Zone Lymphoma, dexamethasone is often used for its ability to decrease inflammation and help manage symptoms or side effects of cancer and its treatments.
Dexamethasone modifies the body's immune response and helps control symptoms such as swelling, pain, and allergic-type reactions. It can also be used to help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. In some cases, dexamethasone is used as part of a combination regimen to help treat certain blood cancers, including lymphomas and leukemias, by making cancer cells more sensitive to other treatments.
Common side effects
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Mood changes (such as feeling irritable or anxious)
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Swelling in the hands or feet (fluid retention)
- High blood pressure
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) with long-term use
- Increased risk of infections
- Cataracts or glaucoma with long-term use
If you experience any unusual symptoms or signs of infection (such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat), contact your doctor promptly.
Who should take it
Dexamethasone is prescribed for people who need to reduce inflammation or suppress their immune system. In the context of blood cancers like Marginal Zone Lymphoma, it is often used to help control symptoms, manage side effects of chemotherapy, or as part of a treatment regimen for certain types of lymphoma or leukemia.
It may also be used in a variety of other conditions, such as allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatments. Your doctor will determine if dexamethasone is appropriate for your specific situation based on your diagnosis and overall health.
Who should not take it
You should not take dexamethasone if you have a known allergy to it or any of its ingredients. It is also not recommended for people with systemic fungal infections, as it can worsen these infections.
Caution is needed if you have certain infections (such as tuberculosis, herpes, or other viral, bacterial, or fungal infections), as dexamethasone can suppress your immune system and make infections harder to control. Always inform your doctor about your full medical history before starting dexamethasone. Live vaccines should not be given while you are taking immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone.
Commonly used with
In Marginal Zone Lymphoma and other blood cancers, dexamethasone is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapies. It may be used alongside medications such as rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, or other agents, depending on your specific treatment plan.
Dexamethasone is also frequently used with anti-nausea medications to help prevent or treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Commonly tested with
Dexamethasone is commonly studied in clinical trials in combination with other chemotherapy agents or targeted therapies for blood cancers, including lymphomas and leukemias. It is often tested with drugs like rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine, among others, to assess its effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes and managing side effects.