Side Effects Of Decadron When Used With Brain Radiation Therapy
Patients who undergo brain radiation therapy are often placed on a steroid product to reduce the possibility of swelling in the brain. When my mother was being treated with radiation therapy to the head for brain lesions, it was the corticosteriod “Decadron” (generic name Dexamethasone) that her physician prescribed to prevent potential swelling which would lead to severe headaches. During the term of the radiation therapy, she was to take 6 tablets a day; two in the morning, two at noon, and two at night. After the radiation therapy was over, Mom would be keep on a tapering regime. Mom had 12 days of radiation therapy to the brain, and I’m happy to say that the Decadron certainly did the job in preventing swelling of the brain and the possibility of severe headaches. It wasn’t until after the tapering regime was started that she developed an allergy to Decadron along with a handful of side effects.
The importance of knowing the side effects of Decadron (Dexamethasone)
For adult children who are taking care of elder parents, it’s advisable to read up on the side effects of Decadron before this steroid treatment begins. While this drug is pleasurable in reducing swelling in patients undergoing brain radiation therapy, it can have some not-so-nice side effects that caregivers and family members should be aware of.
Of course, the side effects of any drug, including Decadron can be difficult to predict and anticipate. While some people may have no side effects at all, others might experience significant side effects. In my mother’s case, we noticed the following side effects during the term of her Decadron therapy:
1. Cushingoid syndrome characterized by the swelling of the feet and hands, a “moon face,” weight gain, emotional disturbances, and the growth of facial hair.
2. Loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness. Mom already had mobility limitations and once she was placed on Decadron, she lost the ability to walk altogether.
3. Severe nausea and loss of appetite.
4. Tendency of developing thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth.
5. General overall feeling of illness.
6. Muscle cramping in the hands in which the thumbs “locked” up against the palms.
While it was indispensable for Mom to be on Decadron to reduce the possibility of swelling in the brain, we found the side effects to be a bit more overwhelming than we had anticipated. Had we read up on the potential side effects of Decadron before she started this treatment plan, we would have been better prepared to care for her.
For questions concerning Decadron, it’s use and potential side effects, contact your parent’s physician or pharmacist. The complete list of possible side effects of Decadron can be found at www.drugs.com.
source: http://www.drugs.com/pdr/decadron-tablets.html
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