Common brand names

• Decadron

How it is administered

Dexamethasone is usually taken by mouth as an immediate-release tablet. The typical strengths available for multiple myeloma are 20 mg or 40 mg tablets, taken once daily on specific days depending on your treatment plan. It can be taken with or without food. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions on when and how to take this medication.

How it works

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid, which means it is a type of steroid medication that helps reduce inflammation and suppresses the immune system. In multiple myeloma, dexamethasone is used because it can help kill myeloma cells by inducing a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). While the exact way it works in multiple myeloma is not fully understood, it is known to be effective in combination with other anti-myeloma drugs.

Dexamethasone also helps manage some symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, such as reducing swelling, pain, and allergic reactions. It is an important part of many treatment regimens for multiple myeloma, often used alongside other medications to improve their effectiveness.

Who should take it

Dexamethasone is indicated for adults with multiple myeloma and is always used in combination with other anti-myeloma medications. If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, your doctor may include dexamethasone as part of your treatment plan to help control the disease and manage symptoms.

It is important to take dexamethasone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, as part of a broader regimen that may include other medications such as immunomodulators or proteasome inhibitors.

Who should not take it

You should not take dexamethasone if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to dexamethasone or any of its ingredients. It is also contraindicated in patients with systemic fungal infections, as corticosteroids like dexamethasone can make these infections worse.

If you have certain other health conditions, such as active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, recent intestinal surgery, or certain types of infections, your doctor will carefully consider whether dexamethasone is safe for you. Always inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history before starting this medication.

Commonly used with

Dexamethasone is almost always used in combination with other anti-myeloma medications. Common partners include:

• Thalidomide
• Lenalidomide
• Pomalidomide
• Bortezomib
• Carfilzomib
• Ixazomib

These combinations are designed to improve the effectiveness of treatment for multiple myeloma.

Commonly tested with

Dexamethasone has been tested in clinical studies together with a variety of anti-myeloma agents, including thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib. These combinations are standard in the treatment of multiple myeloma, and dexamethasone is a key component in many clinical trials and approved regimens for this disease.