Dexamethasone 2.

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello everyone,

I know the subject medication is a corticosteroid that is used as an anti inflammatory for pain relief. It also gives more energy & more of an appetite.

So even if anyone has used a similar steroid, I really would be grateful as to how it has helped, or even if it didn't make a lot of difference.

Again, many thanks to all on the forum,

regards,

Graeme.

  • Hi - I take Dexamethasone as single dose the day before chemo ( Docatexal) on the day intravenously, and the morning after (day two as a single dose). I feel ok, can eat and sleep. But on evening of day three ( Chemo is day one) I start feeling rough and im guessing this is because the Dexa effects have worn off. Water / drinks taste vile, no appetite, and a tight throat. So yes, it does have an effect. Today is day 6 and aim feeling a bit more human again

  • Just thought to add that I have breast cancer, so perhaps my answer is not relevant, although that’s my experience of the steroids

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello Cloudier,

    First may I say that I am so very sorry to hear you have breast cancer. I know 2 ladies, one of 64 & one of 85 years of age. And they have both beaten it. I want you to know that both are in perfect health now.  

    Regarding Dexamethasone, you have told me exactly what I wanted to know, my mum uses a 25 mcg 72 hour slow release patch, & once 72 hours are up, the patch no longer works. But those 3 days of active medication do seem to be working. We are only really into our third week as initially mum had a 12 mcg patch, & that proved to be too weak. But since the dose was doubled she has noticed that she needs less Oramorph or soluble paracetamol.

    So this tallies with you starting to feel rough after approx. 72 hours or 3 days. And your description of vile tastes & no appetite mirrors my mother's sensations.

    Cancer is cancer, so I think it is very relevant as it relieves pain across the board.

    I'm in your debt for this answer, it covers everything I wanted to know. So thank you for taking the time to reply.

    And I wish you the best possible outcome in your fight against breast cancer. I want you to feel human again too.

    Again, thank you, it's put a smile on my face.

    Best wishes going forward,

    regards,

    Graeme.

  • Thank you Graeme for your lovely and supportive reply. I’m glad that my response was helpful, and it is lovely to read that your mum has such a caring son ( I too have a caring son). Thank you for your encouraging news of other ladies also. My thoughts are with you both. Carole