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PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS LEAFLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START TAKING THESE TABLETS
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Keep this leaflet. You may want to read it again.
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DECADRON&trade; Tablets 500 mcg (dexamethasone, MSD)
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WHAT IS IN YOUR TABLETS?
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Active ingredient
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The active ingredient in 'Decadron' Tablets is dexamethasone EP 'Decadron' Tablets contain 500 micrograms of dexamethasone.
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Other ingredients
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Calcium hydrogen phosphate EP, lactose EP, magnesium stearate EP, maize starch EP, purified water EP.
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'Decadron' Tablets are available in packs containing 30 tablets.
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HOW DOES YOUR MEDICINE WORK?
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The active ingredient in your medicine is dexamethasone. This belongs to a group of medicines known as steroids (specifically known as corticosteroids).
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Corticosteroids do occur naturally in the body and help to maintain health and well-being. Synthetic steroids such as dexamethasone work by mimicking some of their actions to treat disease.
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WHO MAKES YOUR TABLETS?
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'Decadron' Tablets are made by Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Limited, Shotton Lane, Cramlington Northumberland, for Merck Sharp &amp; Dohme Limited, Hertford Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK, who hold the Product Licence in the UK and Product Authorisation in Ireland.
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WHY DO YOU NEED TO TAKE THESE TABLETS?
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Your doctor has probably prescribed 'Decadron' for you for one of the following conditions:
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where there are inadequate levels of natural corticosteroids (adrenocortical insufficiency) and replacement therapy is needed
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a rare disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia when not enough natural corticosteroid is produced
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certain cases of swelling of the brain.
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In addition, corticosteroids are used widely in a variety of conditions where their abilities to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system are valuable. Your doctor will be able to explain your condition more fully to you.
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'Decadron’  Tablets are sometimes given as a test for certain diseases. Your doctor can explain more about this.
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ARE THERE SOME PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE 'DECADRON'?
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Yes; do not take the tablets if:
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You are or think you may be pregnant.
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You are planning to become pregnant.
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You are breast-feeding.
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You have an infection, including one which could have been caused by a fungus (e.g. thrush), which is not being treated. However your doctor may decide to treat you with
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'Decadron' under certain circumstances.
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You have had a bad reaction to this or similar medicines or to any of the ingredients in the past .
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If you think any of these apply to you, do not take the tablets, go and talk to your doctor first and follow the advice given.
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WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT TAKING 'DECADRON'?
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IMPORTANT: Patients taking 'Decadron' should avoid, if possible, close personal contact with people suffering from chickenpox/shingles or measles. If you think you may have been exposed to either disease, it is vital that you inform your doctor immediately You should also tell your doctor whether or not you have had common infectious diseases such as measles or chickenpox and of any vaccinations you have had. If you develop either disease, you will need specialist treatment from your doctor.
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You should check with your doctor before taking 'Decadron' if:
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You have recently suffered from a heart attack.
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You have tuberculosis.
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You suffer from kidney or liver problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, osteoporosis (thinning of the bone), glaucoma, myasthenia gravis (a disease causing weak muscles), digestive system or stomach problems.
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You have suffered from muscle weakness with this or other steroids in the past.
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You have an eye infection with the herpes virus.
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You suffer from severe psychiatric problems or epilepsy.
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You should see your doctor if you develop any new infections while taking these tablets.
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If the patient is a child, it is important that the doctor monitors growth and development at intervals during treatment.
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If you have an accident, fall ill, require any surgery (including at the dentist's), or are to have any vaccinations (especially with so-called 'live virus vaccines') during or after treatment with 'Decadron', you must tell the doctor treating you that you are taking or have taken steroids.
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IMPORTANT: All patients taking steroid drugs for more than a few days should carry 'steroid treatment' cards, which are available from your pharmacist. These cards carry details of your medicine and your doctor.
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'Decadron’ Tablets contain lactose as an inactive ingredient and may produce symptoms in lactose-intolerant individuals.
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CAN YOU TAKE 'DECADRON' WITH OTHER MEDICINES?
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Some other medicines do not mix with ' Decadron ' . You r doctor is aware of these and will alter your treatment as necessary However, it is very important that you tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including those obtained without a doctor's prescription.
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'Decadron', like ail steroids, may cause side effects. Your doctor has probably explained these to you. The most usual ones seen with 'Decadron' include: headache; vertigo; nausea; raised blood pressure; salt imbalances; swelling and weight gain of the body and face; swelling of lips and tongue; high blood sugar, of which a symptom may be excessive thirst; increased requirement for diabetic medication; increased appetite; mood changes; inability to sleep; convulsions; muscle weakness and wasting; thinning of bone with an increased risk of fractures; stomach pain and discomfort; slow wound healing; thinned, delicate skin; bruising and unusual skin markings or rash; acne, increased sweating; changes in vision; 
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in women only:
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 irregular periods and development of body and facial hair.
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