Dexamethasone
or simply DEXA is the drug recently
announced to be useful in curing patients with COVID-19 who are in critical
condition.
With that being said, there are many people out there who are
planning to use DEXA without consulting with their physicians.
So if any
one reading this is about to self-prescribe DEXA, there are these 6 things you
need to know before using it without supervision of doctors.
1. WHY IS IT USED?
Dexamethasone
is a drug from class of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are a class of drug
that lowers inflammation in the body. They also reduce immune system activity.
Corticosteroids
resemble cortisol, a hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands (tiny gland
present on top of each kidney).
Cortisol plays an essential role in a wide
range of processes in the body, including metabolism, immune response, and
stress.
While
talking about dexamethasone, it is used to treat conditions such as arthritis,
blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye
conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers.
It is also used as a test for an adrenal gland disorder (Cushing's syndrome).
2. IT IS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG:
Corticosteroids
lessen swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. They are often used
as part of the treatment for a number of different diseases, such as severe
allergies or skin problems, asthma, or arthritis.
Corticosteroids may also be
used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
3. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
While
talking about side effects there are a lot of side effects associated with the
usage of dexamethasone. Let’s learn about the most common side effects
o
Corticosteroids used in the form of inhaler
medicines as used in asthma can cause cough, sore throat, nose bleed, oral
thrush (infection of mouth as they reduce the immune system activities) and
even difficulty in speaking.
o
Corticosteroids applied on skin (topical
administration) can cause thinning of skin, severe acne and red skin lesions.
o
On injecting, it may cause loss of skin color,
insomnia (inability to sleep), high blood sugar levels and flushing of face
(reddish coloration and warmness of face.
o
Now let’s talk about the side effects associated
with oral intake of corticosteroid. It may cause a bunch of side effects which
are:
1.
Acne
2. Blurred eye sight
3.
Water retention (causing swelling on the body)
4.
Increased hunger and weight gain
5.
Stomach upset
6.
Difficulty to sleep
7.
Glaucoma (disease causing blindness)
8.
High blood pressure
9.
Muscle weakness
10.
Skin is easily bleeding and bruised
11.
Wound healing is delayed (as it reduce the
inflammatory processes in body)
12.
Blood sugar level is increased resulting is
diabetes
13.
Ulcers of stomach
14.
Mood swings and depression
15.
Hirsutism (increased growth of body hairs)
16.
Osteoporosis (Weak bones)
17.
Children may show delay in growth
These are
just some of essential side effects which are found to be common, risk of
developing side effects increase with the amount of time you have been using
them.
4. WHO
SHOULD AVOID TAKING IT?
The presence
of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make
sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
o
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or
Herpes infection
o
Fungal infection
o
Recent surgery or serious injury
o
Tuberculosis (active TB, nonactive TB, or past
history of)—Corticosteroids can cause slower healing, worsen existing
infections, or cause new infections.
o
Chickenpox (including recent exposure) or
Measles (including any recent exposure)
o
Diabetes mellitus (Since corticosteroids may
cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood sugar levels).
o
Stomach ulcer or any other conditions related to
intestine, stomach or colon.
o
Glaucoma (Corticosteroids may increase pressure
within the eye).
o
Heart disease and high blood pressure
o
Kidney disease (especially if you are receiving
dialysis) or if you are having kidney stones (since they cause salt and fluid
retention making the condition worse)
o
High cholesterol levels (Corticosteroids may
increase blood cholesterol levels).
o
Liver disease
o
Thyroid disease (Hyperthyroidism or
hypothyroidism)
o
Osteoporosis (Corticosteroids may worsen bone
disease because they cause the body to lose more calcium.)
5. IS IT
SAFE TO USE IN PREGNANCY?
It is highly
dangerous to use corticosteroid in pregnancy; it can cause certain birth
defects and abnormalities in the infant. It can even result in stunned growth
of the child.
6. WHAT
ABOUT DIETARY CHANGES?
If you will
be using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may want you to:
o
Follow a low-salt diet and/or a potassium-rich
diet.
o
Watch your calories to prevent weight gain.
o
Add extra protein to your diet.
o
Be extra vigilant, never take grapefruit juice
with this drug
With all
this being mentioned, it can be concluded that DEXA cannot be self-prescribed
at all. It may cause many acute (early) and late side effects.
Be extra
cautious while taking corticosteroid even if your doctor has prescribed you
this. Look out for any side effect and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Remember, your doctor may only prescribe you
DEXA if they weigh it to be more beneficial for you than being dangerous.
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